The Ilocos Times

Urges students to ‘contribute to our great home’ Laoag City —" Pag-isipan ninyo kung anong gagawin ninyo kapag nakatapos na kayo sa pag-aaral . I hope that you make the most out of this opportunity and I hope that you stay here in Ilocos Norte and eventually contribute to our great home,” Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc remarked in front of almost 2,000 provincial scholars during the mass stipend distribution at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City on October 31, 2019. The event was facilitated by the Provincial Education Office (PEdO), Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO), and the Provincial Treasurer’s Office. In his speech, Mr. Manotoc assured that the scholarship program will be further improved, adding more slots in the future: “You are considered as ambassadors in the Provincial Government and the scholarship program is one of the most popular programs of the former Governor, now Senator Imee Marcos. Thus, as one of the m

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—In its bid to reduce single-use plastic in schools, public schools in the province will soon have their own potable water system for teachers and students to discourage them from buying bottled water or soft drinks. With a total budget of PHP1.5 million sourced from the 20% development fund and the maintenance and operating expenses, a total of 150 schools in the towns of Banna, Solsona, Pagudpud, and Nueva Era will be installed with a deep well potable water system next year, said Romeo Angay, Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Ilocos Norte in defense of his office proposed budget in 2020 during the budget hearing held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The installation of potable water system is among the major projects of the environment office under the Ilocos Norte provincial government next year including the continuous implementation of the “Ilocos Norte green wall” project which aims to grow more trees and

Manila —The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), formally launched on Friday the DOH Academy’s e-learning platform, which will standardize core training content for health workers through online learning modules centralized in one location. The first of its kind in the Philippines, the e-learning platform went live during a ceremony led by USAID acting deputy mission director Thomas Bayer and DOH Undersecretary Mario Villaverde. “The DOH e-learning platform can be accessed by health workers anytime and anywhere, which will save travel time and reduce absenteeism from workstations.   This will enable trainers and health workers to spend more time attending to their patients,” Mr. Villaverde said. “USAID believes that technological innovation presents new opportunities to respond to critical development challenges that impact millions of people around the world,” said Mr. Bayer.   “We are proud of ou

Laoag City— With the aim to increase the number of health personnel and doctors practicing in Ilocos Norte, the provincial government headed by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos-Manotoc is finalizing the inclusion of medical scholarship in its integrated provincial scholarship programs. Mr. Marcos-Manotoc confirmed this during his “First 100 Days Report”: “We have just finalized our ‘doctor scholarship’ which will be implemented next semester at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). With this, we hope that we will produce more homegrown Ilokano doctors in our province.” Provincial education officer Matilde Nery reiterated that they have completed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the scholarship: “We have actually finalized its IRR, together with the dean of the MMSU-College of Medicine and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. It will be endorsed to the province’s Chairman of the Committee on Education for the creation of its ordinance. It will cover

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Batac CITY—A total of 759 new scholars from the second district of Ilocos Norte received their notice of award at the Imelda Cultural Center in Batac City on October 11, 2019. Funded under the “Tulong Dunong” program of the Commission on Higher Education’s tertiary education subsidy, each beneficiary will receive PHP12,000 worth of financial assistance per year. During an orientation program with the new scholars and their parents, Danilo Bose, CHED Region 1 officer-in-charge explained the program is meant to ensure education to be accessible for all. To qualify for the program, the applicant must be a high school graduate whose gross income of parents when combined must not exceed PHP400,000 per year. He or she must not also be a recipient of any CHED scholarship or financial assistance program. Following the Supreme Court Ruling on the unconstitutionality of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in Novemb

Laoag City —1,000 senior high school (SHS) scholars, accompanied by their parents and guardians, filled the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in this city as they received their three-month’s worth of stipend from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, on September 16, 2019.   Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc led the distribution and was facilitated by the Provincial Education Department. Alongside Mr. Marcos-Manotoc were Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Atty. Saul Lazo, Atty. Donald Nicolas, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federated President Rafael Medina. “ Alam po natin kung gaano ka-importante ang support system sa isang estudyante . Rest assured that along with our Chairman on Committee on Education, pag-aaralan po namin nang mabuti kung paano pa i -expand ang provincial scholarship na ito . For now, I like to congratulate all our scholars as well as their parents and guardians for being part of this program,” Mr. Marcos-Manotoc remarked.   Now on its second

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Ilocanos who wanted to expand their horizon and learn basic Japanese language attended a free orientation seminar on October 11, 2019 at the Ilocos Norte Capitol auditorium. Anne Marie Lizette B. Atuan, head of the Provincial Public Employment Service Office of the Ilocos Norte government said the orientation was open to all interested individuals aged 18 to 39 years old who are fit to work, either high school, college level or college graduate. According to Ms. Atuan, “this is a wonderful opportunity to Ilocanos who are planning to work in Japan or those who are engage in business tourism in the Philippines who are dealing with Japanese guests and tourists”. In partnership with the KRT International Training Center, Ms. Atuan said the Ilocos Norte government hopes to developed well-rounded Ilocanos to boost employment here and abroad. After the orientation, a Japanese training course was also offered to the appli

Laoag City —The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Provincial Education Department (PED), opened the Competency Assessment Assistance Program (CAAP) for 350 senior high school (SHS) Technical–Vocational–Livelihood track graduates.   The CAAP will finance the assessment fees of beneficiaries as aid in applying for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Assessment and Certification. “ Sa mga SHS natin, kung gusto nilang magkaroon ng National Certificate II, the Provincial Government can fund that,” Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc stated during his “First 100 Days Report” on October 8, 2019. Matilde Nery, PED officer-in-charge, also explained: “ Napagalaman kasi natin na ang national certificate ay napaka-importante pala para sa mga senior high school upang maging eligible sila for work. Sabi ni governor na ‘urgent matter’ ito [CAAP] at gusto niyang ma-implement agad-agad . “However, benefits vary. D

By Bernardo B. Ver II Contributor LAOAG CITY—The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino [Filipino Language Commission] joined the celebration of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) and honored teachers for their unique ability to teach and use the national language. Amongst the five college teacher-nominees, Maria Eliza Lopez of the Mariano Marcos State University bagged the “Ulirang Guro sa Filipino 2019 [exemplary teacher in Filipino]” in the recently concluded “Gawad Ulirang Guro 2019 held at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila on October 1, 2019. Mrs. Lopez bested the other 139 teacher-nominees from all over the country. The commission recognized her for her dedication in teaching the Filipino language, as well as the promotion of the indigenous language and culture in their homelands. The recognition activity is part of the commission’s ongoing drive to promote and develop the Filipino language through incentives, grants, and awards to the noblest profession in

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Laoag City— The Dept. of Education, as per Order No. 16 S. of 2019, reassigned schools division superintendents in the province on Sept. 18, 2019 The said order implemented a nationwide policy on reassignments and also included regional and assistant regional directors and assistant division superintendents. With this order, Ilocos Norte schools division superintendent Vilma Eda was transferred to Laoag City vice Dr. Joel B. Lopez, who was reassigned to Batac City. Erstwhile Batac schools division superintendent Dr. Joann Corpuz, meanwhile, moved to the Ilocos Norte division post. The reassignment came from a DepEd Regional Memorandum No. 259 issued on Sept. 2, 2019. Ilocos Norte division turnover MS . Eda and Dr. Corpuz conducted a simple turnover ceremony at the Ilocos Norte division witnessed by the office’s staff. Later on, the duo was presented to the local tri-media in the monthly “Tungtongan”, a mass media pro

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—In support of the universal free education in the province, the Ilocos Norte government has allocated about PHP12.5 million for the payment of electricity bills of poor public schools here. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc reported that the amount has been sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF) of the province. For 2019, Ilocos Norte’s collection of SEF tax has increased to PHP617,600,000 compared to last year’s more than PHP222 million. As of this posting, the provincial education department is currently studying the public elementary schools which are qualified under the program. “We have created some criteria based on their maintenance and other operating expenses. Do they really need it?” said Mr. Manotoc as he explained the concerned schools will be consulted first prior to implementation. “This time, we will allow the school to decide if they want us to pay their electricity or conv

ONLY ILOCOS NORTE AWARDEE . Dr. Joel Lopez with CSC Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada and CSC regional director Hedy Jose B. Lardizabal. By Bernardo B. Ver II Contributor Laoag City — “I’m thankful to God for I was the only awardee from Ilocos Norte in today’s awarding.” So said Dr. Joel B. Lopez, this city’s former schools division superintendent after receiving the Civil Service Commission’s Pagasa Regional Award on September 12, 2019 in San Fernando City, La Union. The CSC award was in line with the government agency’s 119 th anniversary commemorating the enactment of Public Law No. 5, “An Act for the Establishment and Maintenance of an Efficient and Honest Civil Service in the Philippine Islands”. Mr. Lopez is the only awardee from Ilocos Norte. The former Laoag education chief is recognized as one of this year's achiever in public service highlighting the “Talent Development Program cum Universal Backyard Camping”—a school-based activity that

Laoag City —As part of the province’s efforts to encourage and acknowledge the exemplary efforts of young athletes representing the province in national sports events, 18 student-athletes received their stipend from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc who authored Provincial Ordinance No. 005-2016, also known as the Sirib Athletic Scholarship, was present to lead the stipend distribution. The program was established to cater to underprivileged yet deserving athletes from elementary to tertiary level to continue improving their athletic skills in their chosen field, without neglecting their studies. The Sirib Athletic Scholarship, including Sirib Academic Leaders, Sirib Community Leaders, and Sirib Youth Leaders are among the scholarships offered by the Provincial Government. On the same day, 393 beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students

  Dinah Dumlao, Science teacher of the PNHS By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Piddig , Ilocos Norte—Student-researchers at the Piddig National High School in Ilocos Norte are being taught to become innovative by applying science and technology-based concepts into practical inventions to make lives easier for the people. According to Dinah Dumlao, Science teacher of the PNHS, she said their students in junior high school are currently engaged in investigatory projects as part of their Science classes, to prepare them to a higher concept of scientific skills. “Learning Science has never been easy. Students learn in their Science classes to explain principles, theories, and concepts behind inventions,” said Ms. Dumlao. In preparation for the annual conduct of the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the school launched the so-called “Innovate, Create and Collaborate” (ICreCo) program to prepare thei

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—At least 20 Filipino teachers representing eight regions in the country are currently making waves in Korea to teach young Koreans about the Philippines rich history and culture. For a 39-year-old public school teacher Chandler Ibabao from a remote village in Pudtol, Apayao, visiting Korea to participate in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) Teacher Exchange Program is far from her wildest imagination. Under the program, some selected teachers from the Philippines will teach their major subjects, along with Philippine history and culture, to elementary and middle school students in various regions of South Korea. Similarly, Korean teachers will also be in the Philippines next month to teach Filipino kids. Elated of her three-month long teaching experience at the Daejeon Jeonmin Elementary Sc

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Batac City —Due to public demand, the Sangguniang Panlungsod here passed a resolution requesting Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) through the President Shirley Agrupis to offer maritime/seaman and criminology courses. Batac Sangguniang Kabataan federated president and council ex-officio member John Gabrielle Dominique M. Daguio and Batac councilor Bismark Angelo Quidang sponsored the said measure, with all who voted in favor it becoming co-sponsors. Upon the motion of Mr. Daguio, all members present during the session approved the measure on its second and final reading. According to Mr. Quidang, only private higher academic institutions offer said courses in the entire province of Ilocos Norte. He added that with state universities now offering free tuition fee and if MMSU and other education officials grant these, “dagitay arapaap dagitay kalugaran tayo a kayat da met iti ag seaman ken kayat da met iti rumang-ay it

  LAOAG  DepEd superintendent Dr. Joel Lopez hands over the certificate of completion to one of the persons deprived of liberty (PDL) graduates of ALS at the BJMP Laoag during their commencement exercises. Others in photo are Florentino Camaquin Integrated School master teacher II Mrs. Carlota A. Acacio, J/Sr. Insp. Frederick Pang-ag and other DepEd teachers. ( Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Laoag City —32 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) currently detained at the Laoag City Jail recently graduated through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepED). The graduates—five from elementary and 27 from secondary level—officially received their certificates of completion on July 2, 2019 at the BJMP-Laoag court from Laoag City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joel Lopez. In his speech, Dr. Lopez said the graduates’ accomplishments have inspired him. “‘PDL’ means deprived of liberty but I would like to st