The Ilocos Times

  MR.  Laoag ABC 2023 and newly crowned Mister Teenager Universe 2024 Lloyd Figueras receives a Plaque of Congratulations from Laoag Mayor Michael Keon and a “Resolution of Commendation” from the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod represented by PCL National President Handy Lao. By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —For the first time in this city’s history, a Laoagueño won this year’s Mister Teenager Universe 2024 pageant held in Bali, Indonesia. Lloyd Figueras, Mr. Laoag ABC 2023, represented the country in the prestigious universal search. Figueras, in his courtesy call and speech to the city hall particularly during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod said, he felt “overwhelmed with gratitude with the unwavering support the city government bestowed upon him throughout his journey in the pageant world”. He stressed that the encouragement given by the people of Laoag has been his “wind beneath his wings” in pushing him towards this remarkable...

Laoag City —The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) sustained its position as the Regional's Best PESO for 2023 during the Dept. of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Year-End Performance Assessment and Planning Exercise cum 2024 Congress in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, on March 13, 2024. PGIN-PESO also received the same recognition in 2017, 2019, and 2022. It  was also recognized for achieving the “Highest Number of Individuals Reached through Labor Market Information”, the “Highest Number of Hires on the Spot during Job Fairs”, the “Highest Number of Applicants Placed”, being the “Best Implementer of the TUPAD Program”, having the “Highest Number of Registered Employers”, winning the “Kabuhayan Awards 2023 for Implementing Livelihood Programs”, being the “Top Performing PESO in Career Development Support Programs”, receiving “Special Citations for Implementing Job Start Philippines”, and for “Timely and Complete Submission of Sta...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz  (Staff Reporter) Laoag City —Elected barangay officials in this city who had served for three consecutive terms in the same position will soon receive cash incentives from the city government. Laoag councilor Jason Bader Perera made this announcement after the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously passed a measure to this effect. Perera, who authored the said ordinance, explained that the incentives are for the barangay officials’ being in the frontlines in the delivery of basic services, maintenance of peace and order as well as other government services. He added that despite the work they give and provide, they receive “insignificant benefits”, and low honoraria, instead of regular salaries. Perera cited Section 458 (a) of the Local Government Code which empowers the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enact ordinances and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the city and its inhabitants pursuant to section 16 of this code. Section 393 of the same...

Bulacan Medical Center’s Ronchie D. Santos and Marc Anthony Payabyab (center) receive the QUILTS Award from EpiC Country Director Teresita Marie “Bai” Bagasao, USAID Foreign Service Officer Hoang Bui, AIDS Society Philippines President Irene Fonacier-Fellizar, and USAID Office of Health Deputy Director Yolanda Oliveros. Manila —The United States government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), recently partnered with the Department of Health and the AIDS Society of the Philippines to recognize seven facilities and organizations that made exceptional contributions to the country’s HIV treatment efforts. During the inaugural “Quality Uptake and Improvements in Lifesaving Treatment Services” (QUILTS) Awards held last May 31, the following facilities and organization were feted for their efforts in the following categories: Linkage to Care Champion – Bulacan Medical Center; Treatment and Care, Adher...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Marcos , Ilocos Norte—The Philippine National Police ( PNP ) Regional headquarters recognized Marcos Mayor Antonio V. Mariano with a plaque of recognition as one of the stakeholders for his enormous contributions in the PNP’s different programs and projects. Region I National Police Commission (NPC) Legal Affairs Unit chief Atty. Mary Hazel Bela-o and PNP regional director P/Brigadier General Emmanual B. Peralta handed the award during the kick-off ceremony of the 26 th Police Community Relations Month celebration with the theme, “Pulisya at Pamayanan, BARANGAYanihan sa Hamon ng Pandemya at Laban sa Krimen” held at Police Regional Office I, San Fernando, La Union on July 5, 2021. Mariano thanked the PNP for the award; he said he was surprised by it and that he was not expecting anything in return for his personal help to the different PNP stations including the PMFC, Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) and as far as PNP regiona...

Clockwise from top left) UNP President Erwin Cadorna; UNP Vice President Dr. Ferdinand Pio Lamarca; Director  Edelyn Cadorna; Dean Joselito Dela Rosa; Dr. Florida Ursulom; and Prof. Arnold Pio. Vigan City —Aimed at sustaining a culture of research amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Northern Philippines, through its Research and Development Office, held the first Virtual Student Research Congress joined in by student researchers from various colleges. The poster entry of the College of Public Administration (CPAd), “Food Security Among the 4P’s Families during the Covid-19 Crisis in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur” was most liked in social media. It was adjudged as first runner-up in the poster competition. Moreover, the paper “Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Awareness and Practices in the Municipality of Luba, Abra” ranked second runner-up in the oral presentation held July 8 through an online platform. Dr. Florida Ursulom, a seasoned researcher, mentored poster au...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz  (Staff Reporter) Laoag City —The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Ilocos Norte 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) emerged as number one in the current year disbursement rate (DR) for the first quarter of 2021. DPWH 1st DEO district engineer Maria Venus Torio announced that this is in recognition of their effectivity and efficiency in managing financial resources with a rate of 36.26 percent. “ Kapag sa disbursement rate ang pag-uusapan, mabilis kasi ang Ilocos Norte 1st DEO mag -implement ng projects at mabilis ding magbayad ,” Torio noted. Torio identified road projects and flood control projects which were easily completed unlike buildings. Completing the top 10 DEOs are Upper Kalinga, Laguna 3 rd , Zambales 2 nd , Abra, Bacolod City, Tarlac 2 nd , Pampanga 3 rd , Pangasinan 2 nd , and La Union 1 st . While the bottom 10 DEOs are Quezon City 1 st , Leyte 3rd, Rizal 2nd, Bohol 3 rd , South Cotabato 2 nd , Negros Occidental 2...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz  (Staff Reporter) Laoag City —The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)-Laoag City/Ilocos Norte district office emerged the on top of collection of taxes for CY 2020 in the entire Region I, revenue district officer Ramos Navarro announced. Despite of the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in March of last year, the local BIR here never stopped in the collection of taxes, though a series of extensions were also granted to taxpayers. Upon assuming as the new RDO in February last year, Navarro was immediately challenged as the January 2020 Laoag City-Ilocos Norte district office was recorded as number one in collection efficiency and it lasted until December 2020. Due to a good response, Laoag City-Ilocos Norte was again number one this January 2021, with Ramos hoping it will continue for the rest of the following months. However, Navarro expected a little problem that may arise because the annual income tax return to be filed this year will be from Mar...

  By Bernardo B. Ver II (Contributor) LAOAG CITY—Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Saul Paulo A. Lazo received a plaque of appreciation for his “invaluable assistance and generous support” from the Department of Education-Division of Ilocos Norte on January 7, 2020. Lazo is one of the recipients from the provincial government who supported the education sector. He is also provincial board’s education committee chairperson. The stakeholders in the education sector are helping DepEd in “building quality education in the new modalities of learning in today’s academic challenges”. According to senior education program specialist Valerie Talamayan, the distinctions are an aspect of the “partnership appreciation” program as a “sign of gratitude in attaining excellence in education”.

By John Michael Mugas (Contributor) LAOAG CITY—The biggest public hospital in the province of Ilocos Norte was recognized on December 16, 2020 by an international health association for its commitment on providing exceptional health services amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) was one of the 103 hospital recipients across 28 countries of the International Hospital Federation’s (IHF) Beyond the Call of Duty For COVID-19 award. The recognition came as Ilocos Norte experienced a sudden surge of COVID-19 cases in the past days breaching the 400-mark. MMMH&MC shared the award with other hospitals from the Philippines including Caba District Hospital, Makati Medical Center, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, Manila Doctors Hospital, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Region II Trauma and Medical Center, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. The list of winners was a...

  Laoag mayor Michael M. Keon receives a plaque of recognition and a P250,000.00 check as the winner in the search for the cleanest and greenest city in the province of Ilocos Norte. The awarding was witnessed by VG Cecilia Araneta Marcos, PENR officer Ms. Estrella 'Baby' Sacro and DENR-IN provincial director Vic Dabalos.  (CMO-Laoag photo) By Dominic B. dela Cruz  (Staff Reporter) Laoag City —Laoag City and the municipality of Nueva Era emerged as this year’s “cleanest and greenest” local government units (LGUs) of Ilocos Norte.   Under the “Narimat nga Aglawlaw” (A Brighter Environment) campaign of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, the provincial government, through its environment and natural resources office (ENRO), started the province-wide “Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Competition” last year to challenge component local government units to improve their waste management.  Held at the Sirib Mile on December 9, 2020, Laoag...

  BATAC  Mayor Albert D. Chua and other members of the city council hand over a certificate of recognition to Batac Water District manager Dona Sagun for her office’s help of three drums of chlorine to the city government to help in the city’s COVID-19 response. Batac also awarded the same to other 38 individuals and establishments. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz (Staff Reporter) Batac City —Living up to the concept of “bayanihan”, the city governments of Batac and Laoag recognized individuals, non-government organizations, government organizations, business establishments and others who extended their assistance to their respective constituents during the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua, along with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Batac Vice Mayor Windell D. Chua personally handed over certificates of recognition to 39 awardees on June 29, 2020 at the SP session hall here. The Batac government acknowledged with pro...

Newly crowned Bb. Marcos 2020 Cris Maria Catherine Ortega of Brgy. Lydia (center), 1 st  runner-up Crystal Lynette Reyes of Brgy. Fortuna (left) and 2 nd  runner-up Lorvin Mae Baradi of Brgy. Imelda (right). The coronation was held at municipal auditorium on March 11, 2020 as the featured event of this year's 3 rd  Mannalon Festival. (Doms dela Cruz)

  Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)  CNSSO  V/AFOC Area I Marionito F. Dela Cruz (center) receives the Special OFW Award for Community Service on behalf of his wife Elza Nagtalon Dela Cruz (awardee) who is presently working in Ireland. The award was given by the Roosevelt High School administrators during the General Alumni Homecoming 2020 Coronation Program and Gala Night held February 29, 200 at the Piddig Farmers Trading Center. Witnessing the awarding are the children of the awardee: Ramel, Meldrick and Melissa Jane with their families and friends. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Piddig , Ilocos Norte— "If you were born with the ability to change someone’s perspective or emotions, never waste that gift. It is one of the most powerful gifts God can give—the ability to influence”—Shannon L. Alder. The pride Ilocana Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Ms. Elza Nagtalon Dela Cruz of Class of 1975, re...

  Mister Laoag 2020 winners sign their contract with the Mister Laoag Organization after winning the tile for 2020 while Laoag councilor Handy Lao, as the overall organizer looks on. The signing of contract was conducted right after the press conference. Mister Laoag 2020 Cyrax Miguel (center) will join the nationwide search for the Misters of Filipinas 2020 representing the city of Laoag in September while the other winners will compete in their respective national pageants later. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Laoag City —Mister Laoag 2020 Cyrax Miguel is set to join the nationwide search for Misters of Filipinas on September this year representing this city. Laoag councilor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan ex-officio member Handy Lao made the announcement during the first press conference with the Mister of Laoag 2020 winners held at the Vertext main office. Mr. Lao said the Mister Laoag organization will always support the winners ...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Laoag City —The city government here has institutionalized the system in recognizing and providing incentives and awards for the search for Best Performing Barangays, now dubbed “Masigasig, Mapagkakatiwalaan at Matapat para sa Kaunlaran (MMMK)”. The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance that officially creates the best barangay search. Laoag Mayor Michael Marcos-Keon certified the bill as “urgent”, and the council members present during the December 10, 2019 session unanimously approved the measure. Laoag councilor Roque Benjamin Ablan, the ordinance’s author, said the competition will focus on the exemplary performance of all the city’s 80 barangays in their duties and functions that is aligned to the aims of the new administration under the new Laoag mayor. The new administration envisions every barangay to be more strengthened in order to upgrade continually the quality of local leadership and to provide awards and ...

(From left) 3rd runner-up, Miss Cal-laguip—Ma. Luisa Erika Francia; Miss ABC 2019, Miss Acosta—Ceara Marie Franco; Miss Batac 2019, Miss Caunayan—Andrea Nizza Mae Ganno; 1st runner-up, Miss San Mateo—Christian Lorens Adatan; 2nd runner-up, Miss Tabug—Dianne Joyce Piñol.

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—It pays to be a volunteer. More than the special award conferred on December 16, 2019 to Brgy. Poblacion, Burgos volunteer workers at the South Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City, barangay officials and other volunteers of the said Ilocos Norte barangay are elated for the unexpected recognition. Barangay Poblacion in Burgos, Ilocos Norte is one of the three national awardees for the special citation for local government unity category for its existing volunteer programs. The other LGUs include the municipality of La Trinidad in Benguet Province and Mandaluyong City. Fresh from visiting family members and friends in the United States, Brgy. Poblacion chairperson Joegie Jimenez said the small piece of recognition in the search for the outstanding volunteers in the country has further inspired them to continue what they have started at their barangay. “We are very mu...