Accomplishments

The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Office of Congressman Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, proudly announces a significant achievement in the fight against cervical cancer through its successful HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening Activity held in Laoag City from July 1 to 3, 2025.

The event, held at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, provided HPV vaccinations to young girls aged 9-14 and offered cervical cancer screenings for early detection. The theme of the event, "Ligtas sa Cervical Cancer: Para sa Bawat Babae at Mag-Ina", underscored the importance of prevention and early intervention in reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

A major accomplishment of the campaign was Laoag City’s 96% vaccination coverage among adolescent girls, making it the first city nationwide to exceed the 90% vaccination threshold. This milestone places Laoag at the forefront of the country’s HPV immunization efforts, setting a strong example for other local government units (LGUs) to follow.

The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of local health officials, including the Laoag City Health Office, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, and Mariano Marcos State University, as well as the DOH, DepEd, and other key stakeholders. These partnerships were crucial in ensuring that the campaign reached a wide number of beneficiaries and effectively raised awareness about the importance of vaccination and early cancer detection.

In addition to the vaccinations, the event emphasized the need for early screenings, which can detect cervical cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. The campaign also served as a platform to promote preventive health measures and the availability of HPV vaccines to protect young girls from future cancer risks.

Looking forward, the HPV vaccination campaign will continue to expand across Ilocos Norte. Plans are already in place to extend the program to other municipalities throughout the province, with the goal of reaching 100% coverage by the end of 2025.

Through this successful initiative, OPANL and its partners have made significant strides in advancing public health, protecting the well-being of women and girls, and setting the stage for a healthier future in Northern Luzon.

In response to the growing urgency for disaster resilience across the Philippines, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL), in partnership with the House of Representatives and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), has successfully launched the AGRIDAM – Agent for Risk and Damage Management – Training of Trainers Program. The initiative aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities in the disaster-prone regions of Ilocos, Cagayan, and the Cordillera.

As part of President Marcos’ vision to build a more resilient Philippines, the AGRIDAM program focuses on equipping local leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to manage and mitigate the impact of natural calamities. Specifically, the program trains barangay officials and community leaders, preparing them to guide their residents through times of crisis and to foster a culture of preparedness at the grassroots level.

Key Milestones and Achievements:

• Training of Trainers Program:
  In 2024, the program graduated 600 trainers per region, totaling 1,800 skilled trainers across Northern Luzon. These trainers are now equipped to lead their own disaster risk management workshops, ensuring that local communities are well-prepared for future calamities.
  
  

• Expanding Reach through Local Leaders:
  Each of the 1,800 trainers is expected to reach up to 72,000 individuals, creating a far-reaching ripple effect that extends the program’s impact well beyond the initial training sessions. This multiplier effect significantly increases disaster readiness and response capacity across the region.
  
  

• Sustaining National Resilience Efforts:
  The AGRIDAM program supports President Marcos’ broader goal of a resilient Philippines. By building local capacity and leadership, the program addresses the critical shortage of trained disaster management professionals and ensures that communities can effectively manage their own disaster preparedness and response efforts.
  
  

• Empowering Communities at the Grassroots:
  A key feature of the program is its emphasis on empowering barangay officials—the first responders in disaster situations. Through targeted training, these local leaders are now better equipped to handle evacuation procedures, coordinate relief efforts, and ensure the safety of their constituents during and after a disaster.
  
  

Long-Term Impact:

The AGRIDAM program not only addresses the immediate needs of disaster risk management but also establishes a sustainable framework for future disaster preparedness. With a growing network of trained leaders, the program is creating a self-sustaining disaster risk management ecosystem where every community in Northern Luzon is prepared and equipped to face the challenges posed by natural calamities.

The program’s success in 2024 is just the beginning. In the coming years, the reach of AGRIDAM will expand, training even more local leaders and enhancing the disaster resilience of the entire region. As the program grows, it will continue to play a crucial role in the nation’s ongoing efforts to reduce disaster vulnerability and build a safer, more resilient future for all Filipinos.

About AGRIDAM:

The Agent for Risk and Damage Management (AGRIDAM) program is a strategic initiative launched by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL), in partnership with the House of Representatives and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities in Northern Luzon’s most disaster-prone areas. The program focuses on training local leaders, particularly barangay officials, to become expert trainers in disaster risk management, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience at the community level.

The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL), led by Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V. Remigio, has successfully participated in and supported the quarterly Regional Development Council (RDC) meetings across the Northern Luzon regions in 2024. These meetings were instrumental in endorsing priority projects, driving regional development initiatives, and fostering strong cooperation among local government units, national agencies, and the private sector.

Region 1

1st Quarter Meeting – March 27, 2024 | Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
The RDC-1 meeting, attended by ASec. Remigio, saw the approval of two significant projects: the Health System Resilience Project of the Department of Health (DOH) and the School Infrastructure Enhancement initiative by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). ASec. Remigio and local leaders also presented certificates of appreciation to the Local Chief Executive of Dingras, Ilocos Norte for hosting the meeting.

2nd Quarter Meeting – June 28, 2024 | Bauang, La Union
During the State of the Region Address (SORA), Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc highlighted key development projects, including the Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project and the Free Wi-Fi for All Program. The meeting also endorsed the SDG Catch-up Plan for accelerating sustainable development goals across the region.

3rd Quarter Meeting – September 25, 2024 | Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
This quarter's meeting saw the approval of the Regional Statistical Development Program (RSDP) 2023-2029 and the confirmation of Grace B. Corrales as Private Sector Representative to RDC-1. The meeting further emphasized the need for regional cooperation to achieve socio-economic development.

4th Quarter Meeting – December 2, 2024 | Lingayen, Pangasinan
The 4th Quarter meeting featured the endorsement of the Region 1 GAD Agenda and the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter project to boost local agricultural productivity. The LMP Pangasinan Chapter was also honored for successfully hosting the event.

Region 2

1st Quarter Meeting – March 26, 2024 | Ilagan City, Isabela
ASec. Remigio attended the meeting, where the top three priority projects for the RDC-2 to present to President Marcos were discussed, including infrastructure and health system resilience projects.

2nd Quarter Meeting – May 29, 2024 | Batanes
In this rare occasion where Batanes hosted the RDC meeting, the province's unique challenges in project implementation were brought to the forefront. Governor Marilou Cayco of Batanes highlighted key issues, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions to the province's development needs.

3rd Quarter Meeting – September 25, 2024 | Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
ASec. Remigio participated in the endorsement of the Cagayan Valley Regional Statistical Development Program (RSDP) 2023-2029. The program aims to enhance data collection and foster socio-economic development in the region.

4th Quarter Meeting – December 5, 2024 | Cauayan City, Isabela
Key resolutions were adopted during this meeting, including the Luzon Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) 2025-2055, which outlines strategies for optimizing resources and enhancing interregional cooperation. The Abuan River Irrigation Project was also endorsed, benefitting farmers in Isabela.

Cordillera Administrative Region

1st Quarter Meeting – March 15, 2024 | Baguio City
ASec. Remigio addressed the RDC-CAR during the 1st Quarter Meeting, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to realize the President’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas. The meeting celebrated the conferment of the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) to NEDA-CAR and DENR-CAR. Volunteer awards were also presented, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to regional development.

2nd Quarter Meeting – July 31, 2024 | Baguio City
OPANL joined the 37th Cordillera Month Celebration and reinforced the region’s growing economic success. Governor Elias Bulut Jr. highlighted the efforts that made the region the 4th fastest-growing regional economy in the Philippines in 2023. OPANL continues to support local government units in advancing economic growth across Northern Luzon.

3rd Quarter Meeting – September 12, 2024 | Baguio City
During this meeting, ASec. Remigio reaffirmed the importance of regional identity while focusing on sustainable development. The council approved the funding of 44 Farm-to-Market Roads (FMR) and endorsed the Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region project, continuing efforts toward greater regional autonomy.

4th Quarter Meeting – December 12, 2024 | Baguio City
ASec. Remigio paid tribute to retiring NEDA-CAR Director Susan Sumbeling for her 41 years of service. Key regional initiatives such as the Cordillera Regional Physical Framework Plan 2025-2055 were endorsed, reflecting the collective efforts of the region toward long-term development.

Throughout 2024, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon and the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) of Regions 1, 2, and CAR successfully completed all four quarterly meetings. Moving forward, OPANL remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that contribute to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.

In a continuing effort to strengthen the ties between Malacañang and the people of Northern Luzon, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL), under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V. Remigio, has successfully conducted a series of courtesy visits to local government units (LGUs) across Regions I, II, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

These visits, spanning from March 2023 to April 2024, embody President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bring government closer to the people by listening to their needs, affirming national support for local priorities, and encouraging development initiatives that reflect regional identity.

Through face-to-face engagements with provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and local officials, OPANL collected pressing local concerns, identified strategic development opportunities, and relayed the administration’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.

The first leg of the initiative commenced on May 8, 2023, with visits to Tuguegarao City and the Province of Cagayan, marking the formal start of a region-wide effort to directly engage local leaders, gather community concerns, and align local priorities with the national development agenda.

“We began this journey in Tuguegarao City and ended in the mountains of the Cordillera. From our first handshake to the last dialogue, the mission was clear—to listen, collaborate, and act on behalf of the President,” said ASec. Remigio.

The final leg was completed on April 7, 2024, with a visit to Mountain Province, where Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. and his team discussed critical concerns on infrastructure resilience, capping OPANL’s commitment to engage with all provinces in Northern Luzon.

By visiting over 25 LGUs in 11 provinces across Northern Luzon, OPANL not only reinforced the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas but also ensured that local voices are heard, valued, and supported.

REGION I: ILOCOS REGION

Ilocos Norte

• In Laoag City, ASec. Remigio engaged Mayor Michael Marcos Keon and Governor Matthew Manotoc in discussions on rural electrification, sports tourism infrastructure, and provincial marketing strategies.

• In Batac City, Mayor Albert Chua reaffirmed support for the administration’s programs, and emphasized local priorities aligned with national initiatives.
  
  

Ilocos Sur

• In Vigan City, OPANL met with Acting Mayor Randy Singson and Governor Jerry Singson to align on infrastructure priorities and the "One Ilocos Sur Agenda."

• In Candon City, Vice Mayor Kristelle Singson raised funding concerns for infrastructure and tobacco farmer support.
  
  

La Union

• Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto of San Fernando City shared the city’s development agenda.

• In San Juan, OPANL tackled flood control and tourism security with Mayor Arturo Valdriz.

• In a visit to Governor Rafy Ortega-David, OPANL expressed appreciation for the province’s warm welcome.
  
  

Pangasinan

• In San Carlos City, Mayor Julier Resuello shared accomplishments and sought continued presidential support.

• Governor Ramon Guico III welcomed OPANL to discuss urgent development initiatives.

• In Alaminos City, Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste discussed urban expansion and commercial hub development.
  
  

REGION II: CAGAYAN VALLEY

Batanes

• Governor Marilou Cayco and all six local chief executives briefed OPANL on Batanes’ unique challenges and resilient local governance. OPANL also joined the provincial flag ceremony—the first participation of the Office of the President in the province.

Cagayan

• In a visit to Governor Manuel Mamba, OPANL was welcomed by local leaders to discuss development concerns.

• Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que, the conversations revolved around the problem faced by the city and funding support for LGU projects.

Isabela

• Governor Rodolfo Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino Dy III hosted OPANL for a provincial-level dialogue on agriculture and economic resilience.

• In Ilagan City, Mayor Jay Diaz presented the city's Corn Innovation Center.

• Cauayan City Mayor Caesar Dy Jr. introduced their smart city and sports infrastructure projects.

• In Santiago City, Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan laid out plans for a regional trade center and expanded commercial zones.
  
  

Nueva Vizcaya

• OPANL visited Governor Jose Gambito and toured the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal, a national model in agri-trade and private-public collaboration.

Quirino Province: 

• OPANL attended People's Day at the Provincial Auditorium in Cabarroguis, hosted by Gov. Dakila Cua, Rep. Midy Cua, and Chairman Junie Cua. Rep. Cua shared that ₱10 million in aid from Rep. Sandro Marcos' office has supported the province—₱5 million of which went to the Malasakit Center's Medical Assistance Program, with a portion also funding the event itself. Gov. Cua expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the continuing support to Quirino.
  
  

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (CAR)

Baguio City

• Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared governance strategies and ongoing programs in alignment with President Marcos’ vision.
  
  

Benguet

• In La Trinidad, Governor Dr. Melchor Diclas discussed priorities in agriculture, health, and education.
  
  

Ifugao

• In Lagawe, Governor Jerry Dalipog raised urgent concerns on El Niño impacts and shared the PLGU sports complex proposal.
  
  

Kalinga

• Governor James Edduba presented the province's readiness for investment and its proposal to host a regional center.
  
  

Mountain Province

• With Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr., OPANL addressed disaster risk management and soil erosion affecting infrastructure. 

In 2023, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL), led by Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V. Remigio, played a pivotal role in ensuring the alignment of regional development plans with national government priorities, in line with the mandate outlined in Executive Order No. 82, s. 2019. This executive order reconstituted the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) and tasked Presidential Assistants to coordinate closely with the RDCs to support the implementation of national policies and development programs in their respective regions.

Throughout the year, OPANL was actively involved in multiple RDC meetings across Northern Luzon, ensuring that the region’s priorities were fully integrated into the national development framework. Below are the highlights of OPANL’s participation in key RDC meetings:

1. RDC-CAR 2nd Quarter Meeting – Baguio City (June 8, 2023)

In the 2nd Quarter meeting of the Regional Development Council of the Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR), Asec. Remigio commended the Council for formulating the 2023-2028 Regional Development Plan, which was aligned with the Marcos administration’s key development objectives. This plan aims to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the region, focusing on infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. Asec. Remigio highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the President’s office and regional stakeholders to ensure that these objectives were realized.

2. RDC-1 2nd Quarter Meeting – Laoag, Ilocos Norte (June 27, 2023)

OPANL also participated in the 2nd Quarter RDC-1 Full Council Meeting, where Asec. Remigio emphasized the importance of regional initiatives, particularly those focused on nutrition and education, aligning them with national goals. Her involvement in discussions provided insights into how the Presidential Office can support local programs and foster collaboration with regional line agencies. Asec. Remigio underscored the significance of the RDC’s role in advancing President Marcos’ regional priorities.

3. Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan Launch – Ilagan, Isabela (August 8, 2023)

The launch of the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan (CVRDP) 2023-2028 was another milestone for OPANL’s engagement with regional development efforts. The CVRDP outlines strategic projects aimed at turning the region into a gateway for East Asia by 2040, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, IT-based enterprises, and tourism. During the event, Asec. Remigio emphasized the importance of a unified approach to regional development, ensuring that the region’s plans align with the President’s socio-economic agenda. The collaboration between NEDA, local government units (LGUs), and private sector representatives highlighted the shared vision for inclusive growth.

4. RDC-CAR 3rd Quarter Meeting – Baguio City (September 14, 2023)

In the 3rd Quarter RDC-CAR meeting, OPANL actively participated in discussions centered on the region’s economic development and the preservation of its environmental resources. The meeting underscored the importance of regional autonomy, a long-term goal for the Cordillera region. Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. outlined the region’s progress in various sectors, and Asec. Remigio assured continued support for autonomy and inclusive development, in line with national efforts to improve the quality of life for the Cordillera people.

5. RDC-1 3rd Quarter Meeting – San Fernando, La Union (October 2, 2023)

OPANL representatives were present at the 3rd Quarter RDC-1 meeting where regional economic development and infrastructure projects were discussed. The panel discussion and follow-up meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen local economies and ensure that regional projects receive adequate support. This meeting demonstrated OPANL’s role in facilitating the national-local coordination that is vital to ensuring the success of development initiatives in the Ilocos Region.

6. RDC-CAR 4th Quarter Meeting – Baguio City (December 5, 2023)

The final RDC-CAR meeting of 2023 focused on regional sustainability, children’s welfare, and mining practices. Asec. Remigio joined the meeting to provide support for regional policy proposals, including livelihood projects and energy resource distribution. The Council’s endorsement of projects aimed at regional prosperity exemplified the collaborative efforts between OPANL and regional stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Asec. Remigio reaffirmed OPANL’s commitment to supporting long-term regional development in Northern Luzon.

OPANL's active participation in RDC meetings throughout 2023 strengthened coordination between the national government and regional stakeholders, ensuring that development plans were aligned with the President's goals. The office played a key role in endorsing regional initiatives like the CVRDP, driving Northern Luzon’s growth in line with the national socio-economic agenda. OPANL prioritized infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and regional autonomy, all of which are vital for the region's progress. By ensuring that local projects aligned with national priorities, OPANL contributed to the broader vision of building a stronger and more inclusive economy for the country. 

The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon (OPANL), under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Ventura Remigio, has completed a milestone initiative: courtesy visits and consultations with all key Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) across Regions I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan Valley), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). This cross-regional engagement was part of its commitment to bringing Malacañang closer to the people by directly gathering agency concerns, aligning priorities with the President’s agenda, and identifying points of support for urgent and strategic development efforts.

The first leg of the visits began in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, on May 9, 2023, with initial engagements held at DOT Region 2 and DOLE Region 2, followed by successive visits to other regional agencies, culminating in Batanes on December 18, 2023—effectively covering the entire Northern Luzon cluster under OPANL's jurisdiction.

“Tuguegarao was where it started. From there, we carried forward the mandate of listening, supporting, and acting,” said Asec. Remigio. “The completion of these visits shows the President’s commitment to decentralized development and whole-of-government collaboration.”

Regional Line Agency Visits

Health Sector| Department of Health (DOH)

1. DOH-CAR – June 7, 2023

• DOH-CAR emphasized their commitment to Universal Health Care, discussed the rising mental health concerns post-COVID-19, and shared plans for a regional mental health revolution through collaboration with LGUs, national agencies, and health institutions.

2. Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (CVCHD) (Tuguegarao City)- August 2023

• 1. 1. • CVCHD raised concerns on resource gaps, universal healthcare, and regional disease outbreak mitigation.

Infrastructure | Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

1. DPWH Region I (La Union) – June 1, 2023

• • • Engaged with RD Ronnel Tan to discuss the Build Better More agenda, infrastructure priorities, and implementation hurdles.

2. DPWH Batanes DEO – December 18, 2023

• • • Discussed funding needs, local concerns raised by LGUs, and Asec. Remigio praised the agency’s proactive planning in a geographically unique setting.

 Tourism | Department of Tourism (DOT)

1. DOT Region II (Tuguegarao City) – May 9, 2023

• • • Asec. Remigio and RD Troy Alexander G. Miano, both long-serving tourism frontliners, discussed strategies to boost Cagayan Valley tourism.

2. DOT Region I (La Union) – May 31, 2023

• CTO Evangeline Dadat shared plans to revitalize the tourism sector. Asec. Remigio emphasized full support from the national government in realizing tourism growth targets.

Employment | Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

1. DOLE Region II (Tuguegarao City) – May 9, 2023

• • • OIC-RD Jesus Elpidio Atal Jr. welcomed OPANL and emphasized open inter-agency communication.

2. DOLE Region I (La Union) – June 1, 2023

• • • RD Exequiel Ronie Guzman discussed labor strategies anchored on LGU partnership and job sustainability.

3. DOLE CAR (Baguio City) – June 7, 2023

• • • RD Nathaniel Lacambra highlighted collaborations for upskilling tour guides, supporting tourism workers, and innovative rural employment projects in areas like Sagada.

Planning & Development | National Economic and Development Authority

1. NEDA Region II (Tuguegarao)- May 9, 2023

• ARD Ferdinand P. Tumaliuan and ASec. Remigio discussions were  focused on infrastructure investment, a proposed regional transport system, and NEDA’s role in aligning local development with national goals. 

2. NEDA Region I (La Union) – June 1, 2023

• • • ARD Irene Ubungen presented the Regional Development Plan (RDP); discussions centered on inter-agency coordination and economic development integration.

3. NEDA CAR (Baguio City) – June 6, 2023

• • • Asec. Remigio was briefed on RDP 2023–2028, RDC initiatives, and Cordillera Day 2024. She affirmed Malacañang’s support for evidence-based policy and planning.

Disaster Resilience | Office of Civil Defense – CAR

1. OCD Region 2 (Tuguegarao City)-May 19, 2023

• Meeting with RD Leon Rafael Jr. focused on DRRM strategies, the RAPIDOs App, and the proposed North Luzon Disaster Response Group .

2. OCD-Region 1 (San Fernando, La Union)-June 1, 2023

• Briefing with OIC Carmelita A. Laverinto on Tropical Cyclone "Betty" impact and community disaster risk reduction initiatives

3. OCD-CAR (Baguio City) – June 6, 2023

• Dir. Albert Mogol showcased DRRM innovations such as family-level preparedness, regular earthquake drills, and hospital coordination mechanisms.

Social Welfare | Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

1. DSWD Region II (Tuguegarao City)- May 8, 2023

• RD Lucia Alan discussed the programs to support different sectors in the region. Asec. Remigio also met payout recipients, offering the national government’s solidarity and support.

2. DSWD Region 1 (San Fernando, La Union)-June 1, 2023: 

• RD Marie Angela Gopalan Discussed programs supporting President BBM’s social agenda and regional synergy.

3. DSWD CAR (Baguio City)– June 6, 2023

• OIC-ARDO Amelyn Cabrera and Asec. Remigio tackled inclusive social protection, especially for women, children, PWDs, senior citizens, and indigenous groups.