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| San Nicolas Mayor Edmar Vincent Bonoan delivers his first State of San Nicolas Address (SOSNA) 2026 in a special session conducted by the Sangguniang Bayan headed by San Nicolas Vice Mayor and presiding officer Napoleon Hernando before the people of San Nicolas held at the Robinsons Mall Cinema 4 on August 10, 2026. (Doms dela Cruz) |
By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter
SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte—Mayor Edmar Vincent Bonoan delivered
his first State of San Nicolas Address (SOSNA) on August 10, 2026, highlighting
the administration’s first-year accomplishments, ongoing programs and
development priorities for the municipality.
The address was delivered during a special session of the
Sangguniang Bayan, presided over by Vice Mayor Napoleon Hernando, and attended
by municipal and barangay officials, government agencies, stakeholders and
residents.
Bonoan thanked San Nicoleños for entrusting him and his
administration with the responsibility of leading the municipality. He said the
administration’s goal is to pursue inclusive growth, economic independence and
better public services through cooperation, accountability and prudent use of
public resources.
Upon assuming office, the administration conducted an
organizational and operational review that identified problems involving
departmental structure, accountability, manual processes and overlapping
responsibilities. The mayor said the LGU is now working to clarify functions,
document procedures and improve digital systems.
A review of the municipality’s financial position also examined
appropriations, cash resources, trust funds and existing obligations, including
the LandBank loan incurred for land acquisition during the previous
administration. For 2027, the municipality is scheduled to pay nearly P10
million in principal and PHP7.57 million in interest on the loan.
The administration also reviewed ongoing infrastructure and
procurement projects, including projects that were delayed or reported
completed despite remaining incomplete or non-functional. Bonoan stressed that
government-funded projects must comply with approved plans, be properly
completed and deliver their intended public benefit.
Infrastructure and governance
Among the projects
completed or underway are drainage improvements in Barangays 3 and 15, ongoing
drainage and road improvements in Barangays 12 and 13, and the conversion of
two-storey canals into leveled road canals to improve traffic flow and road
accessibility.
The LGU is also reviewing its organizational structure and
filling vacant plantilla positions based on qualifications and actual
government needs. A GPS-based monitoring system for municipal vehicles is being
pursued to strengthen accountability in the use of public assets.
The municipality is likewise updating its Comprehensive
Development Plan and Executive-Legislative Agenda and has adopted a 10-year
Solid Waste Management Plan covering waste segregation, collection, disposal,
recycling and composting.
Education and youth
Education remains a
priority, with the administration continuing the Barangay Education Workers
Program and supporting initiatives such as the Give Me a Book Foundation and
the Bin-I Foundation.
The DAMILI Youth Program will continue to provide opportunities
in education, well-being, values formation, leadership, skills development and
economic participation. The LGU also plans to strengthen inclusive learning
programs for children with special needs.
Peace and order
Bonoan reported
that all 24 barangays have achieved 100 percent “drug-free” status, with
support from the BADAC, MADAC, PDEA, PNP and barangay governments.
The municipality is also strengthening public safety through
additional police vehicles, the revival of Police Assistance Centers in
Barangays 18 and 6, and the donation of lots for new facilities for the PNP,
Municipal Trial Court and Bureau of Fire Protection.
A GWM pickup donated by the Chinese Consulate was also turned
over to the PNP.
Disaster preparedness
The Municipal
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has acquired equipment including
a backhoe loader, rescue vehicle, mobile manlift and thermal drone. Fire
extinguishers were distributed to all 24 barangays, while an ambulance was
turned over to the BFP for emergency response.
An evacuation center is also being constructed in Barangay 22-San
Guillermo with funding support from Rep. Eugenio Angelo Marcos-Barba (Ilocos
Norte, 2nd district). Drainage improvements in Barangays 22 and 16
are likewise being undertaken to help address flooding.
Market and slaughterhouse
The administration
plans to improve the municipal market through the proposed establishment of a
sewage treatment plant, solar panels and better ventilation.
Bonoan also discussed the municipal slaughterhouse, which remains
unused because it has yet to secure NMIS approval. The LGU plans to address the
facility’s remaining compliance requirements and deficiencies so it can
eventually become operational.
Culture and agriculture
The municipality
continues to preserve its cultural heritage through partnerships with the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Mariano Marcos State
University, the University of the Philippines Diliman and other organizations.
Conservation efforts for Balay San Nicolas are ongoing, while
programs supporting traditional pottery, tinsmithing and blacksmithing are
being revitalized. The Luad Ilocos ceramic project is also being developed to
create new products and livelihood opportunities.
In agriculture, the LGU is focusing on improving tobacco
productivity, strengthening food security through the “Walang Gutom” program,
and rehabilitating irrigation and drainage facilities. The municipality is also
exploring the use of solar-powered pumps for dormant water impounding
facilities.
Environment and health
The municipality
continues tree-planting activities and has acquired electric bikes for
environmental operations. A baling machine was also procured to improve
landfill management and potentially extend the sanitary landfill’s service life
by about two decades.
In health services, the Municipal Health Office is now
PhilHealth-accredited under the YAKAP program, providing consultations,
laboratory services and medicines. San Nicolas is also a Certified Zero Open
Defecation community and hosts the only second-level laboratory in Ilocos
Norte.
Through PUROKALUSUGAN, primary health services are being brought
closer to underserved communities. The LGU is also reviving the CARE Clinic in
partnership with MMSU’s Physical Therapy Department for rehabilitation
services.
Social services and transportation
The administration
has launched “Project NELA” (No Elderly Living Alone) to assist sick and
elderly residents living alone. Food packs and rice assistance are also being
distributed to qualified vulnerable families and workers.
To address growing transportation demands, the LGU is working toward designated transport terminals, including a central terminal at Robinsons Ilocos. Traffic lights are also being targeted for installation at appropriate intersections, alongside road-widening and drainage improvements.
Vision for 2028
Bonoan said his
administration envisions San Nicolas as a premier commercial and culturally
driven municipality with a sustainable economy, safe and resilient communities,
and transparent, accountable and service-oriented leadership.
He said the administration will continue pursuing people-centered
governance, digital transformation and innovative solutions while strengthening
integrity and accountability in public service.
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