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29 August 2023 – ULAP President Gov. Dax Cua embraced the vast tourism potential of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines through a strategic meeting with Denpasar Mayor Ign Jaya Negara on August 25, 2023. The discussions revolved around tourism strategies, policies, and initiatives employed by the City of Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia. As the Philippines seeks to nurture its own tourism prospects, this exchange has laid the foundation for mutual learning and potential collaborations, promising a more radiant and vibrant tourism future.

11 August 2023 - Governor Dax Cua, National President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), delivered an inspiring speech at the Lady Local Legislators' League of the Philippines (4L) National Summit, held from August 10-12, 2023. The event focused on the ratification of the Constitution and By-Laws, as well as the election of the National Executive Board, under the theme "Four-L Philippines Revitalized and United for Brighter Tomorrow." Gov. Cua highlighted the dedication and commitment of lady legislators in advocating for positive change.

In photo (L-R): 4L Interim National Secretary General, Vice Mayor Myra Fostanes-Colis of Mabini Bohol, 4L Interim National President, Vice Governor Christine Garin of Province of Iloilo, ULAP President, Governor Dax Cua, 4L Interim National Vice President, Vice Governor Mei Ling Quezon of Province of Siquijor, and 4L Interim National Treasurer, SB Member Jetaime Okinlay-Gumban of Impasugpong, Bukidnon.

ULAP Liaison Officer and VMLP National President, Vice Mayor Dean Anthony Domalanta, delivered a speech on August 3, 2023 during the "Tugon ng Lokal at Sambayanan: Buhay at Kabuhayan, Isang Pagsasama-sama para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas" National Summit at Midas Hotel, Pasay City, held from August 2-4, 2023. In his address, he called upon all partners to work together with ULAP and the local government units to build capacity and resources for the effective implementation of the commitments made during the summit. Emphasizing the importance of collective action and grassroots efforts, he expressed his hope for a secure, sustainable, and thriving blue economy for the West Philippine Sea region.

The National Summit, jointly organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Bureau of Fisheries Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR – National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Justice (DOJ), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Palawan Council and Sustainable Development (PCSD), and the state universities along West Philippine Sea (WPS), with support from RESTORE-WPS Project, Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity Oceans and Landscape (SIBOL), INSPIRE Project, IMPL Project Philippines, and Fish Right Project, aims to foster collaboration and sustainable practices for the region.

IN PHOTOS: The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) delegates, led by Gov. Dax Cua, National President, had the privilege of meeting with H.E. Ambassador Hjayceelyn Mancenido Quintana, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN, during the ASEAN Mayors Forum in Jakarta. The meeting served as a valuable platform for engaging in constructive discussions on pressing issues concerning local government units (LGUs) and the ASEAN community. Focusing on areas of mutual interest, including local sisterhood collaborations, digital transformation, and stronger LGU representation within ASEAN, the meeting laid the foundation for potential future collaborations that hold immense potential for fostering regional growth and cooperation.

1 August 2023 - Gov Dax Cua, ULAP National President, participated yesterday in the 2023 International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) Conference, with the theme "Building Better Futures of Governance towards Achieving the SDGs in a VUCA World.” In his speech, Gov Cua emphasized the importance of empowering local government units (LGUs) to actively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the need for a data-driven approach to service delivery, tailoring solutions to the diverse needs of each LGU. He also stressed that harnessing the untapped potential at the local level is key to unlocking the true power of sustainable development, creating a brighter future for all. The IASIA Conference 2023 is currently ongoing at the Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City until 4 August 2023.

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Quirino governor Dax Cua emphasized the role of collective action among local governments in fostering growth in the ASEAN.

“I believe that every local government unit, regardless of its size, has the power to make a significant impact on the larger landscape of ASEAN development. While we may be just one piece of the puzzle, together with other provinces and LGUs across the Philippines and the ASEAN Region, we can collectively shape the future of growth and progress. In unity and common purpose, even the smallest sparks can ignite the greatest fires,” said Cua.

Cua was among a number of local administrators who represented the Philippines in the ongoing ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Joining him are Siquijor Gov. Jake Villa, Deputy Secretary-General for Visayas of the Leagues of Provinces of the Philippines and Ralfhee Blake Barrios, Policy Manager of ULAP. The League of Municipalities of the Philippines, represented by Mayor Ben Patron of San Jose, Batangas, and Executive Director Andrea Loriaga, also participated in the forum.

Cua said that their participation demonstrates ULAP's strong commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.

The AMF, organized by UCLG ASPAC in collaboration with Jakarta Special Capital Region, aims to address the urgency of post-pandemic economic recovery and tackle regional and global challenges.

Themed "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, "Catalysing Regional Growth through Sustainable Development in ASEAN Cities,” the forum focuses on five crucial areas: Inclusive Economic Growth, Digital Transformation, Resilient Cities and Climate Action, SDGs Localisation, and Sustainable Mobility to Accelerate Cities; Net Zero Emissions.

After joining the inaugural opening of the AMF, Cua also served as a panelist in the session "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," where he shared insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by the Province of Quirino and its contributions to ASEAN's development as an epicenter of growth.

Highlighting Quirino Province's immense potential and possibilities, Cua emphasized the need for infrastructure development, economic diversification, education and skills development, environmental conservation, and social inclusivity to achieve the province's vision of prosperity.

He also spoke about the importance of youth participation across all levels of government. ###