The Ilocos Times

Alwytz is all smiles with the goat he got as graduation gift. ( Photo courtesy of Gaoiran family) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Bacarra , Ilocos Norte— Grade 6 student, Alwytz Robiniol Gaoiran, 11, graduated on April 3,2019 with no medal but got the biggest surprise from his family when a goat met him as he arrived home. Alwytz prefers animals to toys or gadgets and creates his own play station out of recycled materials. He is the sixth out of the eight children of Ronnie Gaoiran, a farmer from Brgy. Buyon, this town, and Brigida, who is currently working as a domestic helper in Kuwait. Last Christmas, the boy wished for a goat to take care of while studying, but the family budget was just enough to make ends meet. On his graduation at the Buyon Elementary School in this town, Alwytz beamed when his elder brother Alvin, who is now working in Manila, granted his long-time wish to have a goat he can take care of. Alvin described his younger br

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Bacarra , Ilocos Norte—Officials and residents of this town are rejoicing as its dome-less belfry will soon be restored courtesy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Bacarra mayor Nicomedes dela Cruz reported that the NHCP through director Rene Escalante on his recent visit to Ilocos Norte, assured about PHP50 million for the restoration of this important national treasure, also known as the “acrobatic bell tower of Asia”. Locals said they are thankful for this new development as the dignified dome-less bell tower of Bacarra is often under appreciated. Unknown to many, the old church of Saint Andrew the Apostle along with the bell tower and convent are among the enduring landmarks of the Augustinian Friars that forms part of the rich history of the Ilocanos. Built in 1593, a 7.8 intensity earthquake on August 17, 1983 destroyed the church and belfry. It caused the