The Ilocos Times

By Alfredo C. Garvida, Jr. The province of Ilocos Norte has produced notable people who have become part of Philippine history. Of the 16 presidents we have had, 3 of them, or 18.75%, come from or trace their roots to Ilocos Norte: Ferdinand Marcos, who was from Batac, Fidel V. Ramos, whose mother was from Batac likewise, and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose mother's roots were from Bacarra. Of course we have the two Luna brothers, Antonio and Juan, coming from Badoc; Gen. Artemio Ricarte and Bishop Gregorio Aglipay, the founder of the Philippine Independent Church, both from Batac; Josefa Llanes Escoda, the founder of the Girls Scout of the Philippines who was executed by the Japanese Army during World War II for spying for her native country, from Dingras; Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Ruiz Castro, from Bacarra; and adding flavor to the notables that are now etched in Philippine history are the five Armed Forces Chiefs of Staff coming from the province, namely, Gen. Fabian...

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION September 29, 2016 Minor Jolina Rabang, 4 years old, was abandoned by her mother, Jacqueline Mabalatan “aka Camille” formerly lives in Barangay 1, San Lorenzo, Laoag City and originated from Bienvenido Bohol. Her mother left her under the care and custody of Mrs. Celedonia Rabang of Barangay 1, San Lorenzo, Laoag City since September 2012. The child is now under the custody of Shekinah Home Dingras Ilocos Norte Inc. located at National Highway, Barangay Cali, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. Therefore, we earnestly request the public especially those who knows the whereabouts of the minor’s mother or relatives to relay this message. Failure to appear would mean disinterest on their part hence the Shekinah Home Dingras Ilocos Norte Inc. will initiate legal proceedings for the minor’s declaration of abandonment and adoption. Interested parties may contact Ms. Jandarille Ibana, Registered Social Worker or Daniel A. Joseph Eclarin, General Manager of Shekinah Hom...

Around 4,000 mangrove propagules planted by various government and non-government organizations on September 30 at Gabut Norte in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. (Lei Adriano)

LAOAG  chief of police superintendent Edwin Balles speaks to the 710 drug users who voluntarily surrendered during the first spiritual healing and mass oath-taking ceremony held at the Laoag City Hall Auditorium recently. (Doms dela Cruz) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—With the increasing number of drug dependents who are voluntarily submitting themselves to local authorities, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos is seeking the help of the religious sector and medical health workers including those who specialize in psychiatry and guidance counseling to help out in the rehabilitation efforts. According to Ms. Marcos, the provincial government has already identified some local assets while considering the establishment of a drug rehabilitation center in some government hospitals here that are underutilized. “We know that the religious group have the best record in any drug rehab, ang mga pastor at religious group talag...

Dingras mayor Erdio Valenzuela leads the wreath-laying ceremony to celebrate the 188 th  Escoda Day. A native of Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Josefa Llanes-Escoda is the founder of the Girl Scout of the Philippines. Joining Mr. Valenzuela are Oliva Marie Albano, chief girl scout medalist and other Dingras municipal officials. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Minimum wage earners in the region will receive a pay hike ranging from P12 to 27 per day following the effectivity of Wage Order No. RB1-18. The new wage order took effect on October 2, 2016, or 15 days after its publication in the Ilocos Herald on September 17. Wage Order RB1-18 increased the minimum daily wage of workers as follows: large non-agriculture, from P253 to P280 with P27 increment; medium non-agriculture, from P253 and P244 to P266 with P12   and P21 increase; small non-agriculture, from P233 to P252 with P19 daily pay hike; micro non-agriculture, from P227 to P243 with P16 increase; agriculture plantation, from P233 to P252 with P19 increment; agriculture non-plantation, from P227 to P243 with a raise of  P16; and commercial fishing, from P253 to 280 with P27 difference. The new wage order will benefit 208,296 workers and employees working in 48,955 micro establishments in the region. Schedule f...

Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan Matthew M. Manotoc distributes stipends to PGIN scholars. (Alaric Yanos) By Jennifer T. Pambid PGIN-CMO Laoag City —More than 600 scholars of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) received their first stipend for the school year on September 20, 2016 at the Centennial Arena here. Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Matthew M. Manotoc led the distribution to the recipients, comprising of 459 academic scholars and 200 young leaders-scholars. Stressing that “education is a shared commitment,” Mr. Manotoc assured that the provincial government will continue supporting deserving students to finish their studies. Graduating student Mary Tamayo of Marcos, Ilocos Norte, thanked the PGIN for the help she is getting from the program. “ Nagpapasalamat po ako sa provincial government of Ilocos Norte at kay Governor Imee Marcos dahil kung wala po itong proyekto na ito, siguro hindi ako makakapagtapos ngayong taon ,” Ms. ...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—The Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the province stopped an alleged treasure hunting activity along Culili Point at Brgy. Masintoc in this town. Aside from the activity’s stoppage, the DENR has also filed criminal and administrative charges against 20 people, whom they said were involved in the said activity. Based on DENR’s initial investigation, Oliver Cadang, development management officer under the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the alleged treasure hunters dug tunnels and has damaged a geological monument in the said area. Mr. Cadang, who led the team that stopped the activity, said they confiscated equipment and other machineries and tools at the site. Assisted by the Paoay police, the team found four dug holes measuring 17 meters deep and some tunnels constructed as passageway for diggers. The dig area is on top of a mountain-like corral rock fo...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Following the mass oath-taking of the different government-led organizations here, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos challenged its new set of officers to come up with significant projects in their respective towns and cities as the province gears up for its bi-centennial anniversary on February 2, 2018. These projects that are worthy of significance could range from improvement of irrigation system, community livelihood, infrastructure and school development among others which were once a priority program of then former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Held at the Ilocos Norte Capitol Session Hall, the governor led the oath-taking of the newly-elected officers of the local Philippine Councilors League, National Movement for Young Legislators, Ilocos Norte ABC Federation, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, and the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines-Ilocos Norte Chapter. “This term will...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A special task force was formed to conduct a deeper investigation on the killing of another police officer   on September 19 , making him the second police victim attacked by motorcycle-riding men last month. Police Officer 1 Perfecto Mike Joaquin Jr., 43, was shot   on by still unidentified assailants while he was about to park his motorcycle in front of his house at Brgy. San Pablo in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.  Barely two weeks ago, 40-year old PO3 Fernando Sacatrapos of Barangay 15 Santa Rita in nearby Paoay town was also gunned down in broad daylight while driving to work. Alarmed by the series of attacks against law enforcers, a special task force group was formed immediately   on through General Order No. 122 signed by P/Chief Insp. Jaime Quiocho Jr. of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office based in Camp Capt. Valentin S. Juan here.  Based on initial police report, PO2 Gerome Ruiz...

By Iryn D. Cubangbang and Kim Dyan Calderon DSWD Almeda Quinluman, one of the Bajaus who attended the consultation dialogue spearheaded by DSWD Field Office 1. (DSWD) The Dept . of Social Work and Development (DSWD), through the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) sub-committee on social protection, is considering various situations of Bajau families wandering in the cities of Region 1 for identification of proper and longer-term assistance. Initially, Bajau communities in the City of San Fernando were reached out to establish linkage and benchmark on their well-being.  A consultation dialogue and focus group discussion with some Bajau families was held with representatives from the Cities of Laoag, Batac, Vigan, Candon, San Fernando, Alaminos, San Carlos, and Dagupan. Partner agencies were also present such as DILG, PNP RO1, CHR-1, NEDA-1, and NCIP. This effort will collect responsive activities done by these concerned cities and agencies to improve...

By Alfredo C. Garvida, Jr. This writer expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago who passed away last Sept. 29, 2016. She was a bigger than life political leader of extraordinary intellect: known for her biting and fearless rhetoric, sense of humor, awe-striking command of the dictionary, transcending performances in public service, be it in the judiciary or the legislature, legal prowess and deep-seated understanding of her nation's socio-political truths. We will surely miss her presence in the social and political arenas, especially on occasions such as where we are in these days. Definitely, the fierce and fearless talking intellectual Miriam would not waste a second before injecting her strong views on what is transpiring in our political field now, were she in good health, and perhaps her intercession's impact could steer certain people in government to be not so radical and out of line in their style of governance....

By Dominic Dela Cruz Staff reporter Batac City —Education officials in this city are scheduled to undergo their first international benchmarking activity in Singapore from October 6-9, 2016. The delegation, numbering 30, includes education superintendent Vilma Eda along with education program supervisors, principals, school heads and teachers. Ms. Eda explained that the benchmarking is annual requisite for all education division offices in the country. She added that the said activity will determine their priorities and flagship programs. She said that since their first three benchmarking activity were held local, they decided to hold their fourth in Singapore. She pointed out that Singapore was chosen as it has one of the highest academic standards in the world. She further said that Singapore also uses information and communication technology (ICT) in their educational system. In addition, Ms. Eda said the benchmarking aims to gain relevant strategies in the op...