The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bauang, headed by Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Marin P. De Guzman III, conducted its Flag-Raising Ceremony on Monday, February 17, 2025. The Ceremony was hosted by the Sangguniang Bayan Office (SBO).

The Officials, Department Heads, and employees of LGU Bauang attended the Ceremony wearing their Filipiniana-inspired attire, each piece boasting its own design. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) released a Revised Dress Code for government employees to wear Filipiniana every second to fourth Mondays of the month, and ASEAN-inspired attire every first Monday of the month. The Code was established to “boost employee morale, professionalism, and productivity of the over two million civil servants.”

The Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan, Ms. Rosalie J. Dout, in her message about Justice, this week’s Public Service Value, motivated everyone to help the less fortunate instead of judging them. “The greatest judge of them all is God.”

The SBO presented their Accomplishment Report which included their participation in LGU Bauang activities, among other achievements. The activities included the GABAY and Pamaskong Handog last December 2024.

Ms. Angela Mabutas of the SBO presented a spoken poetry piece, entitled “Ating Lingkod,” about LGU Bauang which delighted the participants, evoking a spirit of service.

Hon. Henry A. Bacurnay, Jr., Municipal Vice Mayor, in his message, enumerated the three kinds of love. “When we talk of Valentine we always talk of love. There are different kinds of love: “eros” for romantic love, “filial” for family, and “agape” for commitment. Let us show in whatever capacity our Agape or love for commitment.”

For the final part, Mayor Martin De Guzman greeted everyone a belated Valentines Day. He proceeded to speak about LGU Bauang’s official visit to Jeongseon County and Taebaek City in the Republic of South Korea on February 7-13, 2025 – to solidify partnerships that boost employment for the Seasonal Workers Program in Bauang. He added that the Seasonal Workers can also apply for residency in the partner county and city.

Bauang continues to be one of the leaders of International Relations in the country. Our partnerships not only celebrate the dedication of Mayor Martin De Guzman and the rest of the LGU officials to public service, but also empowers Bauangeños to work diligently to lift the Municipality to greater heights, so as they say, sulong, Bauang.

Written by: Korina Esteban-Ma
Photographed by: Cris Jaime A. Balbuena