Joaquin Ortega

Joaquín Vicente Eulogio Ortega y Joaquino was a Filipino politician who was the first civil governor of the province of La Union. His tenure marked the centuries long presence of the Ortega political family in the affairs of the province.

Biography

Ortega was born in Cebu in 1868. In his early career, he worked as a cashier for the Compañia General de Tabacos de Filipinas in La Union. He later represented La Union in the Malolos Congress during the Philippine Revolution.

Political career

The Taft Commission of the United States-backed Insular Government of the Philippine Islands appointed Ortega as the first civil governor of the Province of La Union on August 15, 1901 and first ever civil governor of the Ilocos Region itself. He was affiliated with Partido Federal. In the 1902 local election, he became the first elected La Union governor serving until February 1904. Ortega went on to become the 2nd Governor of Abra serving for 10 years from 1904 until 1914.

Death and legacy

Ortega died on May 31, 1943. Many of his children and his descendants became politicians themselves. The Ortega political family is often cited as a "dynasty" that endured for a century in La Union's politics. with relatives even contending for the same major position in elections. In 1988, his son Titing was elected as La Union governor.

Personal life

Ortega married Francisca Lacsamana of Bangar with whom he raised fourteen children.