| Achievement
has been a hallmark of the life and professional career of
Governor Manuel C. Ortega, who is on his first term as the
local chief executive of La Union, after posting an overwhelming
victory in the May 14, 2007 elections.
A “jack of all trades,” his vast experience and
academic competencies make him a very effective leader. He
was a consistent student leader during his college days in
the University of Santo Tomas where he finished his Bachelor
of Science in Commerce, majoring in Management and Business
Administration. Governor Ortega also holds a Master’s
degree in National Security Administration (MNSA) from the
National Defense College of the Philippines. Unknown to many,
he is also a bemedalled officer of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines where he holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Like his brother, Congressman Victor F. Ortega, he is a teacher
by heart. From 1977 to 1980, he was a UST professor in commerce.
A business guru himself, he held top positions in some of
the country’s largest private corporations.
He eventually sought and carved his own niche in La Union
politics, consistent with the legacy of public service handed
down by his grandfather, Don Joaquin “Joaquino”
Ortega, La Union’s first elected civilian governor and
his father, former House Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco “Pacoy”
I. Ortega.
Elected mayor of then town of San Fernando in 1988, he served
for three full consecutive terms until May 10, 1998. When
the San Fernando residents voted for the conversion of their
town into a city through a plebiscite, he served as mayor
of now City of San Fernando. Ortega’s incumbency as
chief executive of the then town of San Fernando was remarkable
for its unerring focus on peace and order to stimulate socio-economic
development, and the cleaning and greening of its communities,
and superb delivery of public services.
During his first term as member of the House of Representatives,
he earned the respect of the leadership of the chamber and
of his peers. Governor Ortega, either as principal author
or co-sponsor, has filed a number of legislative measures
seeking among others, the grant of greater autonomy to local
government units; reduction of red tape in the bureaucracy;
increase in the effectiveness and efficiency of the Philippine
National Police, rationalization of the use of funds allocated
for public works and infrastructure projects; increase of
the monetary and other benefits of barangay officials, barangay
health workers, teachers, policemen, firemen and other frontline
civil servants; and introduction of reforms to the national
tax and revenue system particularly on its effects to the
tobacco industry.
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