The City of San Fernando, La Union was formally launched as the country’s 20th Justice Zone during a ceremony held at the Aureo Hotel on May 21, 2026.

Led by the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), the initiative aims to strengthen coordination among justice sector institutions and promote efficient, accessible, and people-centered justice services in the city.

City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto welcomed representatives from the judiciary, national government agencies, and development partners as the city officially joined the growing network of Justice Zones nationwide.

In the event, Chief Justice Hon. Alexander G. Gesmundo delivered the Supreme Court’s message, while Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Hon. Ian Norman E. Dato also expressed his support for the initiative. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Hon. Juanito Victor C. Remulla also sent his regards through a video message.

Additionally, Executive Judge Hon. Nyerson Dexter Tito Q. Tualla, who serves as the Justice Zone Convenor, led the affirmation of commitment from the local justice sector, highlighting the city’s collective effort to uphold fair, efficient, and responsive justice delivery.

Also present during the launch were Associate Justice Hon. Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal of the Court of Appeals and the JSCC Technical Working Group on Processes and Capacity Building, along with Mr. Siavash Rahbari from the European Union-supported GOJUST Programme III and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).

Other attendees were representatives from the five pillars of justice sector: the courts, the prosecution, public attorney’s office, law enforcement, and the corrections.

The program was also attended by City Councilors Hon. Ramon F. Laudencia, Hon. Nerissa Joy O. Almazan, and Hon. Joseph Clarence G. Valero, together with esteemed stakeholders and delegates from various agencies.

The program concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the signing of the Wall of Commitment.

As the 20th Justice Zone in the Philippines, the city is now a model of exceptional coordination, communication, and cooperation among agencies appertaining to the five pillars of justice: Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Courts, Corrections, and the Community.

Moreover, San Fernando City holds the remarkable recognition of currently having the highest rating among all 20 Justice Zones nationwide.

With the tagline “Hustisya a Nabileg, San Fernando a Nalinteg,” (Justice Stands Strong, San Fernando Where Rights Belong), this milestone symbolizes the shared commitment of justice sector stakeholders toward strengthening the rule of law and public trust in the justice system in the #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo.