The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano & Bernard Ver Piddig , Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here installed 14 air-conditioning units in the town’s Farmers’ Trading Center. The office of Rep. Rodolfo “Rudy” C. Fariñas (1 st district, Ilocos Norte) provided the PHP15 million funding after Piddig Mayor Georgina Salazar-Guillen lobbied the Ilocos Norte representative. The funding includes a makeover for the building for the air-conditioning units to function well. The Dept. of Public Works and Highways implemented the project. The trading center is a multipurpose building serving not only farmers, but is also a venue for the municipal and school activities, especially sports and seminar workshops.   “I am glad for these building improvements; it will be more convenient for the people of Piddig, Ilocos Norte, and the visitors as well,” said Mrs. Guillen. Built during the previous administration, the center, formerly known as Gakki center, also becomes an evacua...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY — A bridge dating back to the Spanish colonial era is under threat from a government road project; and local history advocates are urging the preservation of the historical landmark. The Puente de Barit at Brgy. Barit, this city, is among the heritage structures in the province, according to Fr. Ericson Josue of the Diocese of Laoag. A historian, Mr. Josue said three other bridges designed with the same three arches were built at Brgys. Tupec, Bulangon and San Mateo. He said the bridges might be as old as the Spanish churches in Ilocos Norte province that were built before 1888. But, just like some surviving colonial bridges in Ilocos Norte, the Barit Bridge never became the subject of extensive conservation efforts, he said. Order to stop On August 10, 2018, social media posts reported that workers undertaking a road widening project there tried to demolish the approaches of the bridge. A post ...

Ni Loida Alimboyoguen Yamamoto ti nagkaykaysaan Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii [ISAH]  a baro a presidente para iti 2018-2020 babaen iti napalabas nga eleksion idi Hunio 5, 2018 iti Susannah Wesley Community Center. Ni Yamamoto ti umuna a babai a mangidaulo ti ISAH kalpasan dagiti immuna a nagpresidente   sipud pay nabangon idi Pebrero 27, 1977, kas kada: Atty Peter Aduja [Vigan]; John Quiocho [Caoayan-Narvacan]; Mario Albalos [Vigan]; Dr. Sid Villafuerte [Sto Domingo]; Peping Billena [Caoayan-Santa]; Rey Custodio [Candon]; Ben Cabreros [Narvacan], Julio Quiocho, Jr. [Caoayan]; Danny Villaruz [Santa] kapautan a president 2001-2018. Agdama a bise presidente ti Vigan Assn of Hawaii & Associates ni Yamamoto; nag-OFCC ken secretary; nag-runner-up iti Mrs. ISAH 2008, ken aktibo iti komunidad. Tubo iti Vigan City, maikatlo a tubo ti Vigan a mangidaulo iti ISAH. Dagiti dadduma a nabotosan iti nasao nga eleksion nga inturong ni Amado Yoro, ken kakaduana, isu da...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAOG CITY—The Ilocos Norte schools supervisors and principals will undergo reshuffling effective August 1., 2018 Ilocos Norte schools division superintendent Vilma Eda said reshuffling is “good as it provides school heads the opportunity to share their home-grown expertise to other schools”. Under a Department order, it states that school heads in the province who have served five years in their assigned school must move out to also serve in other schools. “When you go out of your comfort zone, the more that you will be trained and developed other competencies for the betterment of schools,” said Mrs. Eda in a press conference held at the division office. According to Ms. Eda, reshuffling is also a way of sharing management skills and applying good practices when one is exposed to different areas. Among these include improvement the physical conditions of the school and development of better relationships with t...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—To intensify the campaign on proper waste disposal, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is urging concerned local government units from the provincial, municipal and barangay levels to support the proposed “Ilocos Norte Anti-Littering Ordinance.” Sponsored by senior SP member Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, he expects the simultaneous implementation of anti-littering campaigns in the 21 towns and two cities of the province to send a strong signal to the public that Ilocos Norte means business. “We need to standardize because we don’t want any garbage scattered elsewhere,” said Mr. Manotoc following the conduct of a public hearing held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall. Long before the passage of the provincial ordinance, Brgy. Sungadan (Paoay) chairperson Efren Valdez said his constituents are already practicing proper waste disposal. Mr. Valdez, however noted that there are some erring public transport buses...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Catholic Church ordained a 29-year-old deacon on July 31, 2018 in his home-parish of Saint Gabriel in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte. The first mass of Rev. Metchell Valdepe ñ a was at 3:pm after his presbyterial ordination in the morning. For the Diocese of Laoag led by Bishop Renato Mayugba, parishioners said they are “excited and thankful for the rare privilege granted” by the Vatican to a deacon. This refers to a special plenary indulgence, the Vatican ’ s Apostolic Penitentiary granted to whoever attends his first mass. The decree was signed on June 28, 2018, in the name and authority of Pope Francis, by His Eminence, Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, the Major Penitentiary. The decree mandates that whoever attends the first mass of Fr. Valdepe ñ a shall receive a special plenary indulgence. For a devout Catholic like Rommel Sagucio, he said “A plenary indulgence is believed to remove all the temporal punishment due ...

The K-9 unit of the BJMPRO-I and PDEA regional office I conducted a surprise and massive “greyhound operation” in all the dormitories of the Laoag City jail on July 31, 2018. The operation aims to totally eradicate any contraband inside the jail facility. Jail warden Herminigildo Rivera said this is in line with the thrust of the jail bureau of drug-free jail facilities nationwide. The operation did not yield any illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, communication devices, firearms and other contraband materials. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Philippine National Police (PNP) Region I office sacked 13 police chiefs in the region for poor performance in the anti-illegal drugs campaign. Region I police director P/Chief Supt. Romulo E Sapitula said the 13 police chiefs “failed to pass their monthly evaluation rating”. While visiting the different police stations in Region 1, Mr. Sapitula has reminded the police to perform well and double their efforts in the fight against illegal drugs. “As head of office, it is your responsibility to improve crime clearance and efficiency in the locality,” Mr. Sapitula said. In Ilocos Norte, Mr. Sapitula relieved the police chiefs in Batac City, Pinili and Nueva Era and Carasi effective July 31. He also relieved nine others, including the police chiefs in Candon, Narvacan, Santa, Alilem, Salcedo and Sugpon in Ilocos Sur; and Santol, San Gabriel and Burgos in La Union. The PNP Regional Office said they have reassig...

By Bernard Ver Contributor LAOAG CITY—The Provincial Peace and Order Council and Anti-Drug Abuse Council held a joint meeting for the second quarter review at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Session Hall. Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo M. Barba presided over the conference in lieu of Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos. The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), with P/Senior Superintendent Cesar R. Pasiwen leading, presented updated data of illegal drugs-cleared municipalities which includes Marcos, Carasi, Dumalneg, Adams, Burgos, Currimao, Banna, Vintar and Piddig, and a total of 518 barangays out of the 559 barangays in the province. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) represented by agent Lanibelle C. Ancheta said that from April 1 to June 30, 2018, they seized a total of 4.9758 grams of shabu and 7.0996 grams marijuana. The Philippine Army’s 702nd Brigade, through Lt. Col. Jearie Boy Familian, reported th...

Ni Amado I. Yoro Ewa, Hawaii Adda anniniwan ditoy ditoy kadaratan mapukawda met laeng kas kadagitoy a tugot, saanda nga agtalinaed ditoy saanda a taga ditoy ganggannaetda iti apagdarikmat iti panagmaymaysa a panagbirok iti kinaasino iti lansad ti barukong adda ulimek iti kararua dagiti dalluyon a dumuprak ken maburak denggen ti kanta ti angin saan nga agtalinaed ti dalluyon iti kadaratan agsublisublida a kas met iti anniniwan a lemmesen ti dalluyon punasen ti dalluyon dagiti tugot iti kadaratan awanan nagan a pakasaritaan inton agtabon ti init agtabonto metten ti anniniwan iti awan naganna nga ipapanaw.. [MANIPUD ITI PANAGMAYMAYSA KEN PANNAKAIPUSING]

Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas speaks during the turnover ceremony of t he farm equipment from the Dept. of Agriculture. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City – Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas thanked the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the two farm equipment grants for two rural barangays in the city. The Sta. Rosa Farmers Association of Barangay 39 Sta Rosa received a recirculating dryer worth PHP3.4 million; and a solar-powered irrigation farm facility worth PHP650,000 for the Bacsil South Farmers Association of Barangay Bacsil South. These two grants were launched and blessed in the turned over ceremonies on August 1, 2018 under the Corn Banner Program and High Value Crops Program of the Department of Agriculture. Mrs. Fariñas said the barangay’s equity is the location and housing of said equipment for its protection. “ Importante daytoy nga equipment ta inna pamagaan dagiti produkto iti talon a saan ketdi a maiyur-u...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The newly-elected Provincial Federated President of the Association of Barangay Council in Ilocos Norte has vowed support to the current projects and programs of the Ilocos Norte government led by Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos. San Lorenzo village Chief Elmer Faylogna of Bangui town secured his seat as ex-officio provincial board member of the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Monday afternoon as he run unopposed as ABC Federated President in the province. Mr. Faylogna is an engineer-contractor of various infrastructure projects in the province. He is also on his third and final term as Barangay Chairman of San Lorenzo in Bangui town. After the ABC Ilocos Norte Chapter election, Mr. Faylogna immediately took his oath and replaced former ex-officio board member Paulino Baltazar, also a civil engineer from Sarrat town. The newly-minted board member said, “I will do my best to fulfill my duty as the newly-ele...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Department of Science and Technology continuously reaches out to more learners in the province with a better access to various information even without internet connection. Joven Viernes, DOST provincial director based in Batac City said they have turned over at least one unit of Starbooks (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station) to the provincial library located at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena. As the first Philippine science digital library of the DOST, provincial library users can now access it anytime. “The stand-alone onsite research kiosk provides free science and technology (S&T) information for academic and livelihood use even without internet connection,” said Ms. Viernes. Specifically, the kiosk contains thousands of digitized scientific information sourced-out from local and foreign linkages, subscription, archive collections, and in-house publicati...

Laoag City —The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Ilocos Norte Sports and Development Council (INSPDC) has begun preparations for the 42 nd Milo Marathon-National Finals, which will take place in Laoag City on December 9, 2018. Sports consultant Faivo Bartolome said the province is continuously preparing to ensure the smooth flow of the said event. “ Nakahanda na ang rota para sa darating na marathon. Ang dapat na lang napagtuunan ng pansin ay kung paano yung magagawang coordination,” he stated. A total of 12,000 visitors are expected to come for the marathon’s national finals. With this, the INSDPC are coordinating with local hotels to ensure that there is enough accommodation for the expected participants. Mr. Bartolome remains hopeful for a successful and flawless national final as the province had already hosted for a leg of the Milo marathon last year. “Our province competed with many cities just to hold this kind of event. Luc...

Laoag City —Newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federated President Rafael Salvador Chua Medina assumed his seat as the newest ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). The board later gave him the chairpersonship of the Committee on Youth and Sports during the 93 rd SP Regular Session on July 16, 2018. As the representative for the youth at the SP, he guaranteed that he will always support advocacies that will develop the youth for a better future. On youth involvement with illegal drugs, he wants to “[H]elp them realize that there is no good that comes from using drugs. Wala tayong makukuha diyan. Pwede pa ngang ika-baliw iyan . Sa mga kabataang nakagamit na ng drugs, we will seek the help of the Department of Health (DOH) for their rehabilitation and conduct seminars," adding that after their rehabilitation period, " Bigyan natin sila ng livelihood projects, nang pagkakaabalahan nila para hindi na sila bumalik sa maling landas ....

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Batac City —The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office temporarily approved the double shifting of classes of the City of Batac National High School (CBNHS) Poblacion Campus. The first shift will be from 6 am to 12 noon, while the second shift starts at 12 noon until 6 pm. Batac schools division superintendent Joanne A. Corpuz made the announcement. She said the double shift was necessary due to the high number of enrollees in the said school. Records show that CBNHS poblacion campus had an abrupt increase of 149 junior high school enrollees for SY 2018-2019, compared to only 85 students last school year. To solve the problem on classrooms shortage, the DepEd regional office considered the double shifting of classes until the availability of classrooms. Ms. Corpuz said the school has now a buildable space for 12 classrooms and the construction will start soon as DepEd considers it as a “priority project”. ...

SP member Matthew Manotoc and other Ilocos Norte officials distribute laptops, projectors and television sets to various Ilocos Norte primary schools. ( Photos courtesy of CMO) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Some 245 primary schools in the province became the latest recipients of 118 laptops, 100 projectors and 181 Smart LED television sets courtesy of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. Funded under the Special Education Fund of the province, provincial government officials distributed the school equipment on August 30, 2018 in time for the management committee meeting and oath-taking of the new set of officers of the School Division of Ilocos Norte Federated Parents Teachers Association with Sangguniang Panlalawigan senior member Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc as inducting officer. In his speech, Mr. Manotoc expressed gratitude to the parent-representatives and to the teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education Iloco...

By Bernard Ver Contributor LAOAG CITY—A text message from a Laoag resident has asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod here to consider gambling in wakes. The text message, with the sender not identified, specifically asked for the council to legalize mahjong during wakes. The text was forwarded to Laoag Vice Mayor Franklin Respicio; who then endorsed it Laoag councilor Handy Lao, who chairs the council’s committee on games and amusement. Mr. Lao said they will study it further but stressed that Presidential Decree 1602, or the Philippine Gambling Laws, will serve as their guide. The said law states that the operation of gambling like 'Mahjong' as an example in P.D. 1602 section 1 paragraph (a); will be considered illegal if wagers or bet is consisting of money, articles of value or representative of value are at stake or made. Gambling in wakes is ingrained in the Filipino culture; however, it has also lately become an avenue for some people to take advant...