SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The province of La Union was adjudged anew as the cleanest, safest and greenest place of Region 1 defeating for the third time the provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.

“With exceptional programs and projects on cleanliness, waste management, sanitation and peace and order, the award qualifies the province for the national search,” according to Dr. Leonardo Quitos, director of the National Economic and Development Authority, and chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Governor Manuel Ortega personally received the award during the State of the Regional Development Conference and RDC Awarding Ceremonies held at Hotel Ariana in Bauang, La Union.

Ortega said La Union is already a “Hall of Famer” of the much-coveted award regionwide and will once again competing with other champion provinces from the other regions in the country. (Dexter A. See)