‘Soil restoration’ to cover all parts of Ilocos Norte

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—Massive use inorganic fertilizer has deteriorated soil fertility in the province.

With this, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Sustainable Development Center (SDC) is urging farmers to “heal” their lands to boost their productivity.

Edwin Cariño, SDC office head said they have completed soil restoration in at least 18 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte.

“Right now, we are eyeing other towns of the province such as in Adams, Dumalneg, and Carasi to have their soil rehabilitated because of too much use of inorganic fertilizer,” said Mr. Cariño.

Early on, experts conducted soil testing in various parts of the province to help farmers identify the crops suitable to be planted in a certain parcel of agricultural land.

In fact, they are now popularizing a color-coded soil fertility map among farmers in the province to informed then about the level of soil fertility and what to do about it.

Under the color-coded map, there is a corresponding fertilizer recommendation for rice.

Farmers can also use the map for other crops but with the guidance of agricultural extension workers to compute for the fertilizer requirement of a particular crop or they can also consult the nearest soil laboratory.

In response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to the agriculture department to help farmers boost productivity, the Dept. of Agriculture is undertaking a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming and optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization.

Various local government units are also currently distributing farm inputs such as organic fertilizers to let farmers appreciate the long-term effect of organic farming.

Aside from reducing cost of farm inputs and producing healthier foods for the people, the government is pushing for organic farming while encouraging farmers not to burn their farm wastes and use it instead as organic fertilizer.

Comments

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

PGIN honors Ilocano heroes of past, present through Heroes Walk

SPO1 Allan Lampitoc Franco of Banna, Ilocos Norte and PO2 Jovalyn D. Lozano of Adams, Ilocos Norte receive a resolution of commendation, a certificate of college scholarship grant to their family members and a P20,000 cash incentive each from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte represented by Governor Imee R. Marcos and Vice Governor Angelo M. Barba in recognition of their bravery and heroic acts in the Mamasapano clash in Maguindanao on January 25. Mr. Franco and Mr. Lozano were recognized on March 10 in time for the unveiling of the second batch of Ilocano heroes at the Heroes Walk located along the Sirib Mile in Laoag City. (Lei Adriano) By Jennifer T. Pambid PGIN-CMO In honor of the heroes who brought freedom, fame and glory to the province as well as to the country in the past century, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Education Department and Sirib Youth Office launched the second batch of Ilocano Heroes Walk on March 10, 2015.

Pagudpud’s tourism transformer passes away

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., owner of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte passed away on Wednesday evening, July 11, 2018. He was 67. “He did not survive an open-heart surgery,” said Ronald Dominguez, spokesperson of the largest resort at Brgy. Balaoi in Pagudpud. Known as the architect behind the transformation of Pagudpud town as a premiere destination of the north, Mr. Nolasco put up Hannah’s Beach Resort in what was originally meant as a family vacation resort. The rest is history when it expanded into more than 300-room executive villas and cabanas, with on-going infrastructure developments and set up various amenities. As a result, hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists visit here daily. The resort is on a cliff by the beach, which provides a spectacular view of the sparkling blue lagoon. “Yesterday will go down my lifeline as one

The Ilocos Times

Search This Blog