The Ilocos Times

  Chinese consul and head of post Zhou Youbin, and MMSU President Shirley Agrupis lead the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Chinese corner at the ground floor of the MMSU main library. Said corner features various book titles, a television set, DVD player, teaching materials, and photo exhibits to be used by university faculty and students. ( Lei Adriano)   By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter CITY of Batac —A Chinese corner, measuring around 7 by 13 meters is now open at the first floor of the main library building of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University in this city. The corner features various book titles, a television set, DVD player, teaching materials, and photo exhibits for use by university faculty and students. Leading the unveiling ceremony on Sept. 3, 2020 are Chinese consul and head of post Zhou Youbin and MMSU President Shirley Agrupis. In her speech, Dr. Agrupis said the reopening of the Chinese corner is another miles

By Leilanie G. Adriano ( Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY—As various schools in this city gear up for distance learning under the new normal, some riders here have signified their intent to distribute learner’s modules for free. In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the Department of Education Laoag City and the Motorcycle Philippines Federation 128, Inc., both parties agreed that the modules, which teachers developed, the riders will distribute and retrieve for free to the city’s barangay village, including other municipalities if applicable. Dubbed as project “Volunteer Riders Organized for Optable Module” (VROOM) Delivery, Gary D. Ronquillo, the motorists’ federation provincial coordinator said in an interview that as partners for education in the “new normal”, they are offering their services for the welfare of children in Laoag and Ilocos Norte. “Over the years, we [riders] had been used to public service. This is the least we can do for our children during this time

CRISNER  Lagazo and a maruista exchanging deals at Eat Good Vibes Cafe in Laoag City on Monday. The young farmer bartered his long purple eggplant in exchange of school supplies to be distributed to Ilokano learners in the province. ( Photo courtesy of Eat Good Vibes Cafe)   By Leilanie G. Adriano ( Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY—A young farmer from Brgy. Sulbec, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte is bartering his freshly picked long purple eggplant in exchange for school supplies. Through the Maru Barter Ilocos, an online community where more than 10,000 members offer their products or services in exchange for something but with no cash allowed for every successful deal, Crisner Lagazo thought of dealing his eggplant crops, which are abundant this rainy season. Since Sunday evening, a photo of Mr. Lagazo’s eggplant plantation along with a tray of long purple eggplants has generated so many hits from the online barter community being administered by an inspiring young woman entrepreneur and owne

  Laoag City —To ensure the  accessible delivery of quality education amidst the pandemic, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) allotted PHP25 million for the procurement of desktop computers for public school students and teachers. “Last week, [Ilocos Norte] Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc asked the Provincial Treasury Office to allot PHP25 million for the procurement of desktop computers. We hope that we can purchase it before the opening of classes and distribute it to identified clustered areas,” provincial education office chief Dr. Dany Daquioag said. According to Mr. Daquioag, the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN) will assist in the identification of recipients, particularly schools in remote communities, of the desktop computers that they will use for downloading and printing of learning modules. The provincial government is also requesting donations from business process outsourcing (BPOs) companies based in Ilocos Norte to augment learning equipment

  Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua and several members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Batac Vice Mayor Windell Chua distribute equipment to the different schools in the city. The simple turn-over was held at the Imelda Cultural Center on July 9, 2020. (CGB photo) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Batac City —In preparation for the upcoming school year 2019-2020, the city government here distributed equipment to the different schools in this city on July 9, 2020 at the Imelda Cultural Center. Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua, in his speech during the turnover ceremony, assured that the city government will continue to support the city schools’ division here, especially on the implementation of learning continuity programs in the “new normal”. Mr. Chua said the purchased school equipment comes from the city government’s special education fund (SEF).   The city government turned over five units of photocopier to Payao Elementary School and the Batac National High School-Payao

Laoag City —The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is now finalizing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the new provincial scholarship program for medical students. On June 25, 2020, the provincial board’s Committee on Education, chaired by Atty. Saul Paulo A. Lazo, invited resource speakers and major stakeholders to revise the draft IRR for the Doctor of Medicine scholarship program at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City. “ Madaming katanungan ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa pagkagawa ng IRR. Kaya ang Committee on Education ay nag-imbita ng resource speakers kasama ang mga kapwa bokal natin upang ayusin ang IRR,” Mr. Lazo noted. He guaranteed that the “tripartite agreement” for the first year to third-year scholars will be finalized before the opening of MMSU College of Medicine in August, while the Clinical Clerkship and Internship programs will have a separate agreement. Moreover, the final number of scholarship slots will still need further discussi

BARTER FOR A CAUSE. Children in Barangay Lagui-Sail, Laoag City receive a learning kit courtesy of A&A Foundation and the Ilocos Norte 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company. Some of the donated school supplies were sourced through an online barter system where a kilo of calamansi is exchanged with a writing pad, pencil or crayons. ( Lei Adriano) By Leilanie G. Adriano ( Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY–At least 50 incoming Day-Care pupils at Barangay Lagui-Sail, this city are beneficiaries of a locally organized “barter for a cause” program, which is becoming a trend online, at least in the province of Ilocos Norte. On July 1, 2020, four-year old Ysabel Pastor from Sitio West of the said barangay, received her very first eight-color crayons along with pencils, writing pads, sharpener, eraser and a pack of multivitamin syrup from a group of Ilocos Norte cops spearheading the gift-giving activity. Ysabel is among the incoming Day-Care pupils of Barangay 54-A Lagui-Sail that benefited in

Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua and several members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Batac Vice Mayor Windell Chua distribute equipment to the different schools in the city. The simple turn-over was held at the Imelda Cultural Center on July 9, 2020. ( Photo courtesy of CGB)

Laoag City —In the thick of the pandemic, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Education Department (PED) visited towns and cities in the province to distribute the stipend of provincial scholars. The distribution of stipend, facilitated by the PED in partnership with the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO), and the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, started on May 20, 2020 and ended on June 3, 2020. Almost 2,000 scholars from the academic, technical-vocational, senior high school, and Sirib youth leaders’ scholarship received their stipend, which was distributed by the provincial government to their respective areas. In his message, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc thanked the scholars for their participation in the programs of the provincial government as well as encouraged them to explore and spend their time properly: “I encourage you to explore different opportunities and use your time wisely. I know we all have a l

By Dominic B. dela Cruz & Leilanie G. Adriano ( Staff Reporters) LAOAG CITY—There is no stopping the Department of Education (DepEd) in Laoag City to reach out to its learners even in the face of the coronavirus disease. If face-to-face and online instruction is not possible for learners, Laoag City Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda said teachers can also explore radio as an alternative mode of learning. In partnership with the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades located at the heart of the city, the school-based FM Broadcast Station, DWAT-FM 93.9 MHz went live on Monday to test its effectivity to young learners. Once everything is in place following its repair, Ilocos Norte learners will be the first to utilize radio-based instruction in the entire region. The station will also serve as a training venue for campus journalists in radio broadcasting as well as a laboratory for students enrolled in Electronics Products Assembly and Services. “At this point in

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte Provincial library i-hub is offering free internet service and wi-fi access to students undergoing online class in this time of “new normal”. In a social media post on the official page of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the Ilocos Norte i-hub, located at the second floor of the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena announced a new section has been added to the library called, ‘TeknoAklatan’. This is a digital library containing a collection or database of digital books (e-books) covering various subjects and accessed through the computers at the library i-hub. With the extended modified general community quarantine in the province where computer shops are not yet permitted to open, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc said students who lack computers at home or having problems with slow internet and wi-fi connectivity can avail of the i-hub’s new services for free. At present, some students in th

  By Reynaldo E. Andres Contributor   CITY OF Batac—The president of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in this city declared on February 21, 2020 that the University “shall be an English-speaking university to strengthen the use of English as a medium of instruction and official communication in the University system”.   Mmsu President Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, an academician loaded with expertise in instruction and research, said this academic stand will attain its ultimate goal of developing the proficiency of the faculty, staff, and students in the English language.   “This is the university’s response to results of recent surveys and studies which show a decline in the English proficiency of Filipino students,” Dr. Agrupis said, adding that her main purpose is to “enhance the English competencies of our students, which is also one of the primary concerns of the Department of Education (DepEd).   “We encourage the MMSU community to master the English lang

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Vintar , Ilocos Norte—Intermediate students in this town no longer need to share books during classroom discussions as they enjoy watching high quality video and photos flashed on screen while their teachers discuss the presentation. For a teacher like Flordeliza Domingo of this town, she said they feel so lucky to enjoy the benefits of a 21 st century school as the local government unit of Vintar is giving priority to the needs of their students. Sourced from the town’s Special Education Fund, the municipal government here allocated about PHP940,000 for the purchase of 114 cameras to all schools in this first-class municipality. The cameras, AverVision U50 5.0 megapixel features an auto focus lens up to 25-30 FPS live video capture, which students and teacher can use to project materials such as textbooks and other visual aid. It can also shoot clear pictures and videos. “We are thankful to the local government unit

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Good news to all scholars of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. Starting the second semester of this school year, the 560 academic and technical and vocational scholars of the provincial government scholars will receive stipend increase of PHP2,500 to PHP3,850 each. This came following the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s approval of the Integrated Provincial Scholarship Ordinance which aims to unify all the six classifications of scholarships offered at the Ilocos Norte government. These scholarship grants include those who excel in academic, youth leaders, technical and vocational students, athletes, medical students and senior high school students Owing to the increasing prices of basic commodities and living allowances, Carolyn Agcaoili, education research assistant I of the Provincial Education Office said that for academic scholars, they will now be entitled to receive a stipend of PHP20,000 each per semes

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter City of Batac —TO further motivate elementary and secondary students to study harder and excel, the city government here will soon give incentives or stipends for the top five deserving children of its permanent and casual employees. Batac City councilor Bismark Quidang, who authored the ordinance, said the measure is one of the city’s plans, programs and priorities for the general welfare of the city government. Mr. Quidang stressed that the city government continues its pursuit to give stipends and/or incentives to deserving school children and students who excel in their academics. The Ilocos Times learned that city officials led by Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua have long wished for this project to give incentives and/or stipends to the top five deserving students who are children of city hall employees. The awarding of incentives/stipends is scheduled at the end of every school year. Mr. Quidang added that this will a

  HAPPY GRADUATION. Ilocos Norte's second batch of DICT RIS graduates pose for posterity with their mentors and local officials on Dec. 2, 2019 at the Provincial Capitol session hall. (Lei Adriano)   By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter   LAOAG CITY—Eighteen trainees from Ilocos Norte graduated on December 2, 2019 from a 12-day blended learning on digital marketing and e-commerce course courtesy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) Technical Training program.   In a simple graduation ceremony held at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, Honey Eileen Julian said she feels more confident now after going through many sleepless nights to complete the comprehensive technical program.   “It’s quite fulfilling to finished the program—a survival of the fittest indeed!” said Ms. Julian saying her experience in digital marketing along with the small and medium enterprises they work with gave her new perspect

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter City of Batac —The Sangguniang Panlungsod here passed a resolution requesting Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to allocate funds for an additional school building at the Petra Q. Pimentel Elementary School. Batac councilor Violeta Daradar-Nalupta, who sponsored the measure, expressed confidence that the senator will accede to their request as the school is named after his great-grandmother. Mrs. Nalupta likewise announced that Mr. Pimentel’s staff told her to immediately submit a council resolution for the said request. The Batac councilor stressed that the Pimentel elementary school also served nearby barangays aside from Brgy. Pimentel. She also pointed out that the school buildings there are already 50 years old and can no longer cope with the demands of 21 st century education. They, also, can no longer keep up with the growing school population, especially with today’s K-12 implementation. Mrs. Nalupta hopes Sena

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Several Ilocos Norte youth is supporting the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for senior high school students. For 25-year-old Moyra Colobong of the Ilocos Norte National High School, she said the Philippines need to strengthen its defenses and one way of doing so is to utilize its available resources by training the young to undergo reserved officers’ training course. “This is a stepping stone for us to strengthen our defenses, learn to follow rules and become disciplined,” said Ms. Colobong as she admitted kids these days are becoming hard-headed or out of control due to so many reasons. Like Ms. Colobong, Marian Sidly Madamba, 17, also observed these misbehaviors from fellow youth hence, with the revival of ROTC, she hopes the rigid training will make them more responsible individuals. At first, Samuel Guzman, 18, of Brgy. 8, Laoag City, said he was hesitant to supp

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Batac City —In a bid to teach schoolchildren here this city’s history, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has requested the Department of Education (DepEd) thru schools division superintendent Dr. Joel Lopez to integrate the city’s history as part of their curriculum in all levels. Batac has been known to as “The Home of Great Leaders”, as many significant historical figures in the history of the Philippines were born or raised here. Batac, as a town, was founded by the Augustinians in 1587 and is considered to be one of the oldest towns of the old Ilocos. From its classification as fourth class municipality in July 1987 to a first-class municipality in November 2005, Batac proved its strong development, leading it to achieve its dream of cityhood. Batac councilor Kichel Jomarie Pungtilan, who sponsored the measure, said teaching the history of Batac in schools will give students an idea about the works, contributions and heroism o

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Hundreds of students lined up for work at the ground floor of the Provincial Capitol on November 20, 2019 as application for the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) in December began. For Sharina Mae Verdadero, a student of Bachelor of Science in English Language in the City of Batac, she said the program is worth trying not just to earn for money but also to gain more experience. Open to all students aged 15 to 25 years old, Ana Marie Leaño, public services officer 1 said, “there are 200 slots ready to be filled up this December holiday.” Applicants should submit a duly-accomplished application form issued by PESO, a photocopy of NSO birth certificate, and one passport size picture. Deadline of submission is on Friday, November 22. The program aims to take advantage of the Christmas holidays to give opportunity to Ilocano youth to earn money for their education and basic needs. Beneficiaries