ulap logo mobile

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has engaged with ULAP in raising awareness on the harmful effects of vape on minors, including the illegal sale of the product. The engagement covers the launch of a communication campaign on the barangay level, with the cooperation of local government officials and the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL).


Aiming to effectively reach minor audiences, ULAP is set to facilitate the dissemination of information and advocacy materials through digital platforms, including social media and website, and also through the conduct of onsite and virtual meetings. Meanwhile, the Department has intensified its monitoring and enforcement operations against violators of Republic Act No. 11900 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Read more.

On 15 February,  ULAP participated in the dialogue forum organized by the Council for the Welfare of Children titled “Creating a Community of HOPE (Help and Opportunity to Protect and Emancipate) OSAEC and CSAEM.” This forum aimed to address the pressing issues of child sexual abuse and exploitation, with a particular focus on online sexual exploitation. Among the participants, ULAP Policy Director Ralfhee Blake Barrios discussed the important role of local governments in safeguarding children against sexual abuse, both online and offline.

The fight against cancer gained a powerful boost today with the launch of the Cancer Warriors PH campaign, a collaborative effort between the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and Genetic Solutions Laboratory and Medical Services Philippines Corporation (GeneLabPH).

Atty. Raul Corro, Chairman for Advocacy and Policy of ULAP, emphasized that "Early cancer detection is a critical component in our pursuit of a healthier and more resilient society. With the Cancer Warrior Campaign, we aim not only to improve survival rates but also to alleviate the individual, social, and economic burdens associated with late-stage cancer."

The campaign prioritizes early cancer detection, aiming to significantly improve survival rates and alleviate the individual, social, and economic burdens associated with late-stage diagnosis. This aligns with ULAP's commitment to the well-being of Filipinos and their advocacy for comprehensive health services at the grassroots level.

ULAP, in partnership with The Asia Foundation and Waypoints, successfully hosted a timely webinar entitled "Advancing the Interest of an Archipelagic Nation: The Role of Local Government in Enhancing the Country’s Marine Resources and Maritime Spaces" last January 22. 


The webinar featured distinguished panelists shedding light on crucial aspects of marine resource management. Dr. Rhodora Azanza, Professor Emeritus of the Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines Diliman, led the first session, emphasizing the pivotal role played by LGUs in enhancing marine resources and bolstering the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy. 


The second session, presented by Prof. Jay Batongbacal, Director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Laws of the Sea, delved into the issues surrounding maritime security, and the importance of legislating a maritime zones law, as well as opportunities for the advancement of marine spaces. Prof. Batongbacal discussed the critical responsibilities held by LGUs in safeguarding the nation's marine and maritime interests.

 

ULAP Official Press Release here.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) intensified its strategic communication campaign on consumer protection and acceleration of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by sealing a partnership with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) on 18 January 2024. Aligned with the Department’s MSME development efforts, the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was led by DTI Undersecretary for Communications, Kim Bernado-Lokin, and ULAP National President and Quirino Governor, Dax Cua.

“It is a top priority of Secretary Fred E. Pascual to expand our network and explore potential partnerships with our different stakeholders, in fulfillment of the DTI’s mandate. Hence, we continue to boost our local industries to become globally competitive and support the current administration's trade and investment promotion engagements that will benefit our economy,” said Undersecretary Bernardo-Lokin.
 

ULAP recently concluded its 103rd National Executive Board (NEB) Meeting, marking a pivotal moment for the organization as it solidified its strategic plan for 2024. The gathering, held at Makati Diamond Residences, was attended by ULAP President Gov. Dax Cua, Chairman Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., Vice Chairman Vice Governor Atty. Katherine Agapay, 2nd Vice President - Visayas Vice Governor Atty. Reynaldo Quimpo, 3rd Vice President - Mindanao Vice Mayor Bernard Dela Cruz, Secretary General Councilor Handy Lao, Assistant Secretary General Vice Governor Christine Garin, Assistant Auditor Councilor Jorge Daniel Bocobo, Public Relations Officer Councilor Kate Galang-Coseteng, Assistant PRO Board Member Atty. Saul Paulo Lazo, Liaison Officer Vice Mayor Dean Anthony Domalanta, Legal Counsel Board Member Atty. Ananias Canlas, Jr., Chairman for Policy and Advocacy Councilor Atty. Raul Corro, Chairman for Gender and Development Councilor Eden Pineda, NMYL Representative Vice Mayor John Paul Lampig, and NMYL Representative Councilor Marjorie Martin.

Special guests to the meeting were Gov. Angelina Tan of Quezon Province, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo Province, Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr. of Marinduque Province, Mayor Maila Ting-Que of Tuguegarao City, Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas of Mandaluyong City, Assistant Administrator Alberto Kimpo of Quezon City.

The meeting also featured a presentation from Undersecretary Carlos Primo David of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, who discussed the water resource management programs of LGUs in light of El Niño. Department of Local and Interior Government Undersecretary Marlo Iringan gave an overview of the department’s current initiatives, and its strategic roadmap for the devolution transition. DILG Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba, with Director Debbie Torres, also shared his insights on important LGU concerns raised during the meeting. Additionally, Mr. Jeffrey Manalo, Deputy Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Center, shared insights on the recently passed PPP Code, providing valuable information to further enhance collaborations between the public and private sectors.

Advancing their shared commitment in promoting the growth of local businesses, ULAP, represented by President Gov. Cua, and the Department of Trade and Industry, represented by Usec. Kim Bernardo-Lokin, formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This strategic alliance aims to strengthen consumer protection, boost local economic development, and empower local authorities nationwide.
As ULAP embarks on its journey into 2024, the outcomes of the 103rd NEB Meeting set the stage for a year of progressive initiatives and collaborative efforts, reaffirming ULAP's dedication to advancing transformative local governance.