The Ilocos Times

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Dingras , Ilocos Norte—The local government here continues to improve Madongan Dam as a tourist attraction. This summer, however, local officials admit that the summer season has caused a shortage of water in the dam. Despite this, Dingras mayor Erdio Valenzuela said picnickers continue to flock to the dam as it maintained its “natural beauty with its water curtain”. “So far adda met payla danum na ta adu met pay dagitay map-mapmapan a turista though we admit a talaga nga adda pinagkisang iti danumen gagangay ta dagitoy a gundaway ket nakittid ti ayos iti karayanen ”, the mayor said. Mr. Valenzuela said they have coordinated with the police and the Brgy. San Marcelino council to keep the area safe, especially this summer. The Ilocos Norte provincial government has provided tourist ambassadors and aids, as well as first aid nurses last year. Brgy. San Marcelino operates and maintains the dam located at Sitio Nalasin

NUEVA  Era mayor Caroline Garvida and Nueva Era vice mayor Atty. Aldrin Garvida lead the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with officials of the other three tribal communities Carasi, Dumalneg and Adams. The MOA formalizes the Ilocos Norte Cultural Communities (INCC) with the four towns as primary members. ( Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Nueva Era , Ilocos Norte—Four Ilocos Norte municipalities formally formed the Ilocos Norte Cultural Communities (INCC) after their representatives signed a memorandum of agreement. The MOA signing coincided with the 18 th INCC Festival held April 26, 2018 in this town. Nueva Era mayor Caroline A. Garvida identified the signees as the towns of Nueva Era, Adams, Carasi and Dumalneg. The four towns formed INCC based on Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous People’s Right Act (IPRA) of 1997. The said law provides that the state shall recognize, protect and promote the rights of the Indigenous Cult

San Nicolas , Ilocos Norte—After seven years of annual mobile e-passporting services with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), partnering with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), a consular office finally opened on May 6, 2018 in a mall in this town. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano reassured that “DFA is committed to make its passport and other consular services more accessible to our people. “The opening of these two consular offices [Ilocos Norte and Isabela] is a firm example of that commitment,” he added. With an estimated 60% of families in Ilocos Norte receiving remittances from relatives working abroad, quick and accessible passporting has been a constant need. ( PGIN-CMO )

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced that the search is on for outstanding Community Based Forest Management model people’s organization in the country. Forester Isabelita Austria said the nationwide search aims to recognize the best practices of the different people’s organization in the country particularly in safeguarding natural resources and at the same time, boost the livelihood of local communities. According to Ms. Austria, the mechanics of the program highlights the elements of sustainable forest management such as: resources security, social, economic and cultural aspects, biodiversity conservation and soil and water conservation. The search will kick-off at the municipal level then the selected winners will compete for provincial, regional and national levels. “Starting this April, nominees are now accepted ready for the awarding of national winners by November which

As the debate rages on the proposed tricycle fare rates increase, the riding public now wants more involvement—both in the deliberations and public hearings. An open letter has made its rounds at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It chastises the proposed PHP15 and PHP2 per kilometer after the first kilometer. It also drives home the point the city’s public transportation system state as broken. From overcharging to refused conveyance; over-speeding and cramped tricycle designs; up to tricycle franchise issues; and down to the inefficient, inexact and basically inexistent distance rate; the open letter points out all that is wrong with the city’s public transportation system. And how our local officials are essentially winging it when it comes to managing public transportation. The letter also points out that when the city government raised basic fare rate to PHP11 from PHP8 in 2011, gasoline prices then averaged PHP59.39 per liter. During the first quarter of this year, gasol

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Some century-old acacia trees located along the national highway in Ilocos Norte’s second district are not likely to be cut yet even if there is an on-going road clearing operation within the right of way. According to 2 nd district engineer Mathias Malenab, there are trees along the right of way which they should cut but due to a very tedious process of securing permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it may take a longer time before they grant an application for tree cutting permit. Last year, he said the DPWH conducted an inventory of trees along the national highway and submitted it to the regional office. However, up to this time, the DENR has yet to act on it.   “Please bear with us. We painted them [trees] for visibility purposes. Kung minsan, ayaw tanggalin because they are part of the landscape kaya hindi rin namin tinantanggal. Nakapanghihinayang naman na tanggalin dahil 100 years

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Burgos , Ilocos Norte—In time for the April 22 celebration of Earth Day, officials and residents of Barangay Poblacion in this town launched a campaign to save Pusuak Spring, located about 300 meters from the town proper. “Pusuak" is an Ilokano word which means a natural water fountain. Over the years, the Pusuak Spring has served as the lifeline for its residents, supplying clean and potable water to local residents. Amidst prolonged drought caused by climate change in this northern part of Luzon, locals said the natural spring never runs out of water. During the summer season, a number of residents gather in the area to wash clothes, swim or have a family picnic. In fact, the spring is the main source of an on-going Department of Public Works and Highways water system project worth PHP14 million. With a swimming area measuring 25 meters by 12 meters, Brgy. Poblacion chairperson Joegie Jimenez said the

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—To promote a more active lifestyle and overall wellness in the community, the Ilocos Norte government plans to establish more three-generational (3G) playgrounds and fitness parks in several schools in the province. A 3G-park refers to a communal space wherein children, adults and the middle-aged, and seniors can come together and engage in active play or exercise in an environment that is both secure and ripe for recreation. To date, the provincial government has set up at least five 3G parks: beside the Provincial Capitol and at the municipal parks of Dingras, Badoc, Bacarra and Batac City. Since its public opening in December 2016, hundreds of families gather in these sites, aside from a trip to the malls, to divert children's time and attention from computers and other forms of technology at home. Funded by the provincial government through its special educational fund, Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member M

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Adams Ilocos Norte —Some students of the Adams National High School (ANHS) are going into wine-making business. As a growing eco-tourism destination for local and foreign tourists, this town is known as the “fruit bowl capital” of Ilocos Norte and became famous for its bugnay fruit wine and other local spirit wines such as tapuey (rice wine), roselle, dragon fruit, pineapple, lemongrass and turmeric among others. Inspired by the thriving wine industry here, Jessie Bayeng, Teacher 1 of the ANHS said Grade 11 and Grade 12 students are taking up entrepreneurship subject. The subject teaches the student how to process fruit wines and how to sell it in the market. “Our students learn how to ferment local fruits into wine and they are also required to make a business plan out of it,” said Mr. Bayeng. During the fruit season, these students gather whatever fruits available and ferment it for at least six months. After that, they

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A provincial lawmaker is pursuing the passage of an ordinance to strengthen an anti- epal bill, prohibiting the display or posting of government official’s names and photos in all government projects, services and vehicles. Adopting Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers’ House Bill 3952, or the so-called Anti-Epal Act of 2016, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Vicentito “Toto” M. Lazo said the proposed local ordinance, which is similar to Mr. Barbers, aims to give “more teeth” to the measure once approved by the provincial board. In a joint committee hearing, with mayors, councilors, barangay chairpersons as well as representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways and other local government units in attendance, held at the SP session hall, Mr. Lazo reiterated, “We are all guilty of epal but we should not tolerate such small things— for small things can become big.” Citing several measures such as t

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) was in Ilocos Norte on May 10, 2018 to promote responsible viewing among Ilocanos. In a press conference held at the Capitol Auditorium, Marisa Laguardia along with three other companions—Atty. Marites Candido, Paolo Santos and Pablo Reyes enjoined parents and guardians here to take an active role in self-regulating most specially their children at home. With the theme, “Matalinong Panonood Para sa Pamilya nina Juan at Juana,” the nationwide information campaign aims to empower the public, to guide and protect the welfare of the viewers, especially in determining the kinds of media and entertainment the children should consume and enable viewers to understand and appreciate ratings and classification system for film and television. “ Narito tayo ngayon para sa mas malawak na kaalaman ng mga manonood ,” said Ms. Laguardia as she enjoined Ilocos res

ATTY . Melvyn T. Guillermo (fourth from left), chief of the legal division of Department of Agrarian Reform-Ilocos Norte, led the delegation of DAR Ilocos Norte to the cascading of new policy issuances conducted by DAR Regional Office 1. The legal division of the Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office 1 (DARRO1) recently held a cascading of new policy issuances, leveling-off activity and legal case monitoring system (LCMS) data updating workshop. The legal division personnel of the different provincial offices of DAR in the entire region attended the activity held in Baguio City. Atty. Armi Christie C. Pe Benito, chief of the legal division of DARRO1, said among the topics discussed was Administrative Order No. 2-2018 of DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones. The said administrative order pertains to “the 2018 omnibus rules for cancellation cases of emancipation patents, certificates of land ownership awards and other titles issued under any agrarian reform pro

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Laoag City —The National Food Authority (NFA) and other rice stakeholders displayed several truckloads of rice in front of the Provincial Capitol on April 25, 2018. The move ensures a stable supply of good, quality rice in the market. Dubbed as “Tulong sa Bayan,” traders, millers and retailers sell rice to consumers at PHP39 per kilo in support of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s effort to make affordable commercial rice while waiting for replenishment of National Food Authority (NFA) rice buffer stocks. In Ilocos Norte, they delivered the first batch of low-priced commercial rice in Laoag and Batac City outlets on April 25. NFA officials said “This effort is a joint project of the Office of the President, the Confederation of Grains Retailers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (GRECON), the Philippine Confederation of Grains Associations (Philcongrains) and NFA.” For Ilocos Norte vice governor Eugenio Angelo M. B

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Around 500 agricultural patents were distributed to Ilocos Norte farmers on April 22, 2018 courtesy of the government. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Land Registration Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Regional Trial Courts, Victor Dabalos, provincial environment and natural resources officer of the Ilocos Norte said the Handog Titulo Program aims to lessen boundary conflicts and confirms ownership of land occupants. As part of the 10-point agenda and priority programs of the Duterte administration on improved land administration and management, Mr. Dabalos said the program works both ways for the government and its people. “This is in line with our president’s desire to promote social justice through equitable distribution of lands in order to spur progress and development. It increases the collection of

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—About 23 baby marine turtles, locally known as “pawikan”, emerged from their nest near a picnic area at Brgy. Pagsanahan Norte in Badoc, Ilocos Norte and crawled into the open sea to begin their voyage from their birth place. A villager Danlito Gamaio witnessed this as he was supposed to gather seaweeds at about 6:30 a.m. he immediately reported the said incident to the barangay chairperson and the nearest office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR). According to the barangay’s residents, their coastal village is a favorite nesting place of sea turtle. Through information drive from environmentalists, some people here have become aware that sea turtles are endangered species and must be protected. Rhoel Valdez Marcelo, ecosystems management specialist of the DENR confirmed this as he reported another villager Roman Madalipay narrated that on December 28 last year, he saw a sea t

Piddig mayor Georgina Salazar-Guillen with a Piddig graduate. (Berong Ver) By Bernard Ver Contributor PIDDIG, Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here, led by mayor Georgina Salazar-Guillen gave “grants for the grads” in a bid to boost students’ enthusiasm to study harder. The Piddig government sourced the funding for the project from the supplementary funding support to public basic education. Under the program, high school valedictorian receives PHP20,000; PHP 15,000 for salutatorian; PHP10,000 for the first honorable mention; and PHP 5,000 each for second and third honorable mentions. For elementary pupils, the class valedictorian receives PHP5,000; PHP3,000 for the salutatorian; and PHP2,000 for the first honorable mention. Mrs. Guillen emphasized that the fund is different from the Special Education Fund (SEF). The SEF comes from an additional one percent tax on real property that LGUs are mandated to impose and collect by virtue of Republic Act 716

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte provincial government is cracking down on government officials and their direct descendants on going to casinos, cockpit arenas and other gambling areas. The crackdown stems from a memorandum circular from Malacañang prohibiting all government employees in casinos and other forms of gambling. Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos reiterated this recently as she directed personnel of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office to implement President Duterte’s order. Memorandum Circular No. 06 issued by the Office of the President enjoins all government workers to observe the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees by promoting high standard of ethics in public service and to live modest lives and uphold public interest over personal interest. Pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1067-B, series of 1977 and as amended by PD 1869, series   of 1983

By Bernard Ver Contributor Sarrat , Ilocos Norte—The local government here began enhancing its welcome arch. Former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. was born in this town. Mayor Remigio B. Medrano personally checked on the project’s development on April 19, 2018. Mr. Medrano, an engineer, said he seeks to innovate their landmarks through advanced crafts that visualize Ilocano culture. He added that he wants to use century-old Hispanic styles by installing local bricks which he will associate with modern designs. In the Philippines, welcome arches are considerably the most noticed landmark of a certain place; a structure that welcomes the people upon entering a place and noteworthy for boundaries of different territories.

By Bernard Ver Contributor LAOAG CITY—Provincial officials said an estimated 500,000 tourists visited the province during the Holy Week. They also mentioned that they expect more influx of tourists in the province for the coming holiday and summer season, as well as the shifting of the country’s school calendar. Among the top destinations in the province include the St. Augustine Church in Paoay; the Kapurpurawan rock formation in Burgos; the windmills of Bangui; the Blue Lagoon at Balaoi, Pagudpud; La Milagrosa Cove and Gateway of Badoc; Marcos Heritage Trail in Sarrat; Davila Seafood Area; the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos; and the Empanada food stalls and church of Batac City. Tourists are coming in both from land and air. Bus companies servicing the Ilocos Norte route said they are ready to cater to the tourists. Laoag International Airport (LIA) manager Ronald Estabillo, for his part, said the airport is ready to welcome both domestic and forei

San fernando city , La Union—Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos called for closer cooperation and a “hierarchy of control” among government agencies tasked with ensuring road safety in light of recent accidents in the Ilocos Region resulting in several fatalities. Speaking before the Road Safety Summit, Ms. Marcos said: “In many cases, the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] and LGUs [local government units] have been unable to provide adequate safety precautionary measures to prevent accidents and fatalities.” The regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted the summit at the La Union Provincial Capitol on April 30, 2018. As chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), the Ilocos Norte governor initiated the immediate gathering of agencies and stakeholders of the transport and road sectors at the last RPOC meeting on April 18, 2018 in Lingayen, Pang