4th Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival hailed a success, benefits SMEs

By Jennifer T. Pambid

PGIN-CMO

Drawing more than 50,000 local and balikbayan spectators, the biggest gathering in the north dubbed “Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals” has successfully raised almost half million pesos for the small and medium enterprises (SME’s) in the province.

Held on November 29, 2014 at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium, this grand celebration of Ilocano greatness (“Tan-ok” in Iluko) is now on its fourth annual installment.

Provincial tourism officer Ianree Raquel said Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos want to support SMEs by giving them financial assistance in order to better promote local products which have been the source of great pride to Ilocanos.

“The SMEs of the province are chosen as the beneficiaries for the event because after our appearance in Manila FAME [Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers' Exchange] International where Ilocos Norte was recognized due to their works being displayed in our booth, we realized they need more assistance to develop and promote their products,” Mr. Raquel said.

Manila FAME was held on October 16-19, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center wherein Ilocos Norte’s rich cultural narrative and its people’s ingenuity were featured through a variety of handloom-woven clothes, ceramics and wood furniture.

In her speech during the event, Ms. Marcos cited the importance of upholding and safeguarding Ilocano culture and heritage.

“Ang kultura at sining ay hindi hilig o luho lamang ng mayayaman at matataas kundi hanapbuhay at propesyon ng napakarami sa atin,” she said.

By providing assistance to the SMEs through Tan-ok, Ms. Marcos believes that they will be able to grow their respective businesses which can generate more job opportunities for Ilocanos in the province.

The governor also expressed that this festival of masses is not just about the Ilocano “sense of pride, unity and greatness” but an investment for the province’s bounty and potential tourism.

Last year, Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival was organized to raise funds for the construction of the new building of Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Ilocos Norte Chapter in Laoag City.

Ms. Marcos recognized and thanked PNRC Ilocos Norte Chapter for “their extraordinary efforts not only in times of calamity but for the health and safety of our families.” She also emphasized their contributions to the relief efforts to Typhoon Yolanda affected areas, particularly in Tacloban City.

Comments

Free dormitories eyed for Nueva Era students in LC, Batac

Nueva Era mayor Aldrin Garvida By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Nueva Era , Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here, headed by Nueva Era mayor Aldrin Garvida is planning to establish dormitories in the cities of Laoag and Batac that will exclusively cater to college students from the said cities. “Sapay la kuma ta maituloyen iti mabiit tay ar-arapaapen tayo ken iti munisipyo a maipatakderan kuma dagiti annak tayo a college students nga agbasbasa idiay siyudad iti Batac ken Laoag iti libre a dormitoryo a bukod da ngem inggana nga awan pay ket an-anusan mi paylaeng nga ibaklay kenni apo bise mayor iti pagbayad da iti kasera aggapu iti bukod mi a suweldo malaksid dagitay it-ited iti munisipyo ken iti barangay nga stipend da kada semester, ” Garvida said. Garvida added that the proposed establishment of dormitories would be a big help to the students’ parents as this would shoulder the expenses of their children for rent and likewise they would feel more secured

Empanada festival: A celebration of good taste and good life

By Dominic B. dela Cruz & Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporters BATAC CITY—If there is one thing Batac is truly proud of, it would be its famous empanada-making business that has nurtured its people over the years. Embracing a century-old culture and culinary tradition, Batac’s empanada claims to be the best and tastiest in the country with its distinctive Ilokano taste courtesy of its local ingredients: fresh grated papaya, mongo, chopped longganisa, and egg. The crispy orange wrapper and is made of rice flour that is deep-fried. The celebration of this city’s famous traditional fast food attracting locals and tourists elsewhere comes with the City Charter Day of Batac every 23 rd of June. Every year, the City Government of Batac led by Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta commemorate the city’s charter day celebration to further promote its famous One-Town, One Product, the Batac empanada. Empanada City The Batac empanada festival has already become an annua

P29 per kilo rice sold to vulnerable groups in Ilocos region

BBM RICE. Residents buy rice for only PHP29 per kilo at the NIA compound in San Nicolas town, Ilocos Norte province on Sept. 13, 2024. The activity was under a nationwide pilot program of the government to sell quality and affordable rice initially to the vulnerable sectors. (Lei Adriano) San Nicolas , Ilocos Norte —Senior citizens, persons with disability, and solo parents availed of cheap rice sold at PHP29 per kilogram during the grand launching of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) Rice held at the National Irrigation Administration compound in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte province on Sept. 13, 2024. “ Maraming salamat Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa inyong pagmamahal sa Region 1 lalong-lalo na sa bayan namin sa San Nicolas,” said Violeta Pasion, a resident Brgy. 18 Bingao in this town. The low-priced grains were sourced from the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) contract farming with irrigators' association members in the province. Along with Pasion, Epi

The Ilocos Times

Search This Blog