La Union Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega will be seeking a second term as congressman of the 1st District of the Province of La Union, vowing to continue serving not only his constituent base but also the whole country as well.
Ortega, one of the leaders of “Young Guns,” officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in La Union and will continue with his campaign advocacy, building on the progress and initiatives he has started during his current term in Congress, with a focus on fighting for greater allocations in public works infrastructure, education, and social services.
"Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin na muling makapaglingkod bilang kinatawan ng unang distrito ng La Union. Ang aking hangarin ay hindi lamang para sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating distrito, kundi para na rin sa pag-angat ng ating bansa," Ortega said.
The congressman has a long-standing career in public service beginning with his journey as a barangay kagawad from 2007 to 2010. During this period, he was instrumental in implementing community-based projects focused on health, livelihood, and infrastructure improvements.
He then went on to become councilor of San Fernando City from 2010 to 2019, where he introduced numerous ordinances promoting local development and social welfare.
From 2019 to 2022, Ortega served as a provincial board member, where he focused on expanding economic opportunities and strengthening disaster preparedness in La Union, where his efforts helped elevate the province's resilience against natural calamities and improved the delivery of social services.
As a neophyte congressman, Ortega has been active in legislating measures that benefit not only his constituents in La Union but also the wider Filipino population.
He advocated for greater allocation of public works funds from the national government, ensuring that the infrastructure needs of La Union are adequately met.
He also championed scholarships for students, medical assistance for indigents, and aid for hospitals to improve the healthcare services in the province.
Ortega also fought for greater allocations in the national budget for social welfare programs for his constituents, such as the AICS and AKAP programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the TUPAD of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Naniniwala kasi tayo na habang umuunlad ang bansa, dapat itong maramdaman ng ating mamamayan. Kaya mas maraming pamilyang Pilipino ang ating matulungan, mas mainam dahil wala dapat naiiwan,” he said.
He is also known for his active participation in discussions on national issues, where he consistently pushes for policies that aim to uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially in marginalized sectors.
Ortega also emphasized that his decision to seek reelection is grounded in his vision of a more progressive La Union and a stronger representation for the people in Congress.
He believes that his experience and dedication to the service of the people will guide him in implementing sustainable and inclusive programs for his district and beyond.
"Patuloy tayong magtutulungan at magsusumikap para sa mas magandang La Union at Pilipinas. Naniniwala ako na mas marami pa tayong magagawa para sa ikabubuti ng ating distrito at ng buong bansa,” Ortega said.
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