The Ilocos Times

  Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon meets with Barangay 7 chairperson Henry Yumul regarding the barangay’s implementation of waste segregation. Mr. Yumul presented the plans and programs of their barangay regarding the said program. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —"Everybody should understand that Laoag City is among the few cities in the Region left without a comprehensive waste segregation program. This is the reason why we are also left with no choice but to act fast and immediately fast track the implementation of the program, and subsequently open the sanitary landfill in Barangay Balatong”. Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon made this announcement after the city government received a “Notice of Violation” from the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) for the closure of the existing open dumpsite at Brgy. Lagui Sail, this city. In relation to this, Keon thanked Brgy. 7 Nra. Sra. De Natividad led

  Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon meets all the city’s barangay chairpersons in two batches as he wants to strictly implement the city’s solid waste management program with the new sanitary landfill’s opening. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —The city government here again reiterated its desire to fully and strictly implement its solid waste management program, with a focus in waste segregation. In a bid to achieve this, Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon met with all of the city’s barangay chairpersons to tell them to prepare for the closure of the controlled dumpsite at Brgy. Lagui-Sail and the subsequent opening and operation of the new sanitary landfill at Brgy. Balatong. During the said meetings, which occurred in two batches, Keon said that since the city’s rural barangays have plenty of vacant lots, the barangay chiefs there could create communal compost pits. He also learned from the barangay heads that waste segregation at the source is not

By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City In the resolution, which Laoag councilor Juan Conrado A. Respicio sponsored, it states that the request was due to numerous reports that there are local elective officials in the city conducting quarrying operations in their areas of political jurisdictions thus resulting to gross violations of Provincial Ordinance No. 010-2019 and other existing laws, particularly RA 6713 entitled “An act establishing a code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees”. It further states that “conflict of interest” arises when a public official or employee is a member of a board, an officer, or a substantial stockholder of a private corporation, or owner, or has a substantial interest in a business, or his rights and his duties therein may be opposed to, or affected by the faithful performance of official duty. Section 12 Paragraph XVI and XVII of Provincial Ordinance No. 010-2019 states that, “national officials incl

Laoag City —In the time for the Environment Month Celebration, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte's (PGIN) Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) held the groundbreaking of paminta (black pepper) and moringa Plantation at Brgy. Davila, Pasuquin on June 18, 2020. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc led the groundbreaking ceremony, saying: “We are all healing this calamity in many different ways but I am heart-warm that on this sunny day under many trees, we come together and celebrate our Environment Month.” Nineteen hectares of public land at Brgy. Davila is being used for the planting of paminta seedlings and moringa stem cuttings. Through a memorandum of agreement, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources allowed the Provincial Government to develop the area. “We commit and revitalize our dedication to our environment. Kilala tayo bilang ‘Renewable Energy Capital’ [of Southeast Asia]. We are known as the very ‘Green Province’ and I k

Laoag City —The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau Region I (DENR-EMB RI) granted PHP25.5 million to the Ilocos Norte provincial government to fund the construction of a plastic recycling and resource recovery facility (PRRF) at Brgy. Imelda in Marcos town, Ilocos Norte. On January 22, 2020, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc signed a memorandum of agreement with EMB Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe to officially turn over the fund. Engr. Naz-Hipe applauded the initiative of the province, saying: “ Sa buong Pilipinas , Ilocos Norte is one of the very few provinces na nakakuha ng ganitong kalaking halaga under the administration of President [Rodrigo] Duterte. We congratulate you for having availed this assistance and we do hope that it will be a successful project. Maging model project ito na pwedeng bisitahin din ng ibang local government units para ma -replicate sa ibang rehiyon ,” she added.

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—A massive river clean-up along the stretch of the Padsan River is being eyed to bring in better opportunities among Ilocanos through sand extraction. For five years starting this year, the China-Philippines Unified Enterprises Inc. (CPU), a Philippine-based consultancy firm that assists Chinese clients find business opportunities in the country will be extracting sand along the heavily-silted Padsan River for construction use. While introducing the new company and its planned operation to host villages in Laoag, Martin Araneta, CPU external vice president said in an interview they have already secured an open quarry permit and the extraction of sand will commence after consulting local residents in the area. “We are here to bring in better opportunities and to serve the Ilocanos. Rest assured that whatever undertaking we may have will be in accordance to the law,” Mr. Araneta said following a video presenta

  By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Paoay, Ilocos Norte —Thirteen personnel of a private firm based in Metro Manila along with 150 environment science students of Mariano Marcos State University planted 700 narra and molave saplings at the Paoay Lake National Park on January 17, 2020. With a team of forest rangers from the Environment and Natural Resources Office who assisted the participants, Atty. Paolo S. Teston, partner of M and A Associates said it always feels good to be close to nature after their daily grind in the metro. “As we work in the law firm, we attend to hearing and meet with clients. I remember joining tree planting activities way back in college that was long time ago. With the eruption of Taal Volcano and with the current environment crisis around the world, it reminds us to do our part for the environment,” said Mr. Teston. Through the initiative of Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos, wife of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, the t

A joint panel of the House of Representatives has approved a substitute bill consolidating 35 House bills seeking to create the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Water Regulatory Commission (WRC). The Committee on Government Reorganization and Committee on Public Works and Highways both approved on November 12 the unnumbered substitute bill. The committee chairs noted the urgency and importance of the substitute measure given the issues plaguing the water supply in Metro Manila and the directives of President Rodrigo Duterte. "Our agenda is very timely due to the recent and continuing water crisis which is being experienced by the residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces," said Rep. Ramon Guico, who represented the highways committee and co-presided the hearing with Rep. Mario Vittorio Marino, chairman of the reorganization committee. The DWR shall be the primary national agency to implement Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as the W

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Local revenue sources will increase this year with the approval of 140 permits of quarry applicants last year. Records from the Provincial Quarry Office showed the provincial government has released at least 91 of the 140 permits with the remaining permits due for release on the first week of January 2o20. Compared to previous years, there were only 77 approved quarry permittees in 2018, and 113 in 2019. For this year, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Donald Nicolas, in his capacity as chair of the committee on appropriations, said they expect an increase in the collection of local revenues in view of the increase in quarry fees. In addition to real property taxes, the quarry industry is a major local revenue source of local government units in the province. Under the Provincial Quarry Ordinance, both the provincial and municipal governments have a share of 30% from quarry fees and charges while the host barang

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

Laoag City — The Province of Ilocos Norte’s greening initiative against climate change was recognized as a national pioneer during the “Cash-for-Work for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Program” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. On October 8 to 10, 2019 environment and natural resources office (ENRO) project head Estrella Sacro, presented the “Barangay Ranger Officer” (BRO) initiative under the “Green Wall Project” of the province. The presentation was held in Metro Manila, with eight other provinces in Luzon participating. “ Madami ang humanga sa implementation ng BRO natin kasi sa ibang probinsya wala silang ganito. Sabi ng panel of judges, kakaiba ang ating project,” Ms. Sacro remarked.   The BROs are primarily tasked to protect and maintain the “Green Wall Project” on identified plantation sites. Some of their responsibilities include forest fire prevention, planting of seedling, application of fertilizers to ensure high surviv

Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon meets with Brgy. Balatong lot owners regarding the purchase of their respective lots intended for the proposed sanitary landfill. The lot owners assured their intention to sell their lots. The city council has already approved funding for the acquisition for the landfill project. (Doms dela Cruz)

Laoag City —To set an example for the whole province, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc released a memorandum last month, directing all Provincial Capitol departments and agencies to strictly observe practical energy-saving measures.  PGIN employees should “strictly comply” with the memorandum including a 15-minute rule of switching on and off the air conditioning units (ACU) mandating that all departments should turn on the ACU 15 minutes after official start of office hours and it should be turned off 15 minutes before the end of office hours. Instead of using compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and incandescent bulbs, offices are also advised to maximize the natural daylight and use energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LED). Moreover, office equipment such as computers and monitors should be set to energy-saving modes; while kitchen equipment such as refrigerator and water dispenser should be turned off every weekend or when not in use.     Mr. Manotoc is h

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Laoag City —The Sangguniang Panlungsod here passed a resolution imposing the total ban of black sand mining in the city. Laoag councilor Edison Bonoan said black sand mining “undoubtedly causes damage to environment”. Mr. Bonoan, who sponsored the resolution, said the council resolution is in support of Provincial Resolution No. 016-2013, “Resolution Banning Black Sand Mining in The Province of Ilocos Norte, Enjoining the Issuance of Permits, Urging the Recall of Permits Already Issued and Voiding All Favorable Endorsements by Local Government Units to Mining Applicants”.       He added that “it is but proper echo the provincial resolution in order to emphasize the concerted efforts of all Laoagueños in protecting the environment”. He further disclosed that this is the main reason the city government disapproved an application of an unnamed Chinese national who applied for a 100-hectare sand mining permit for Brgy. La Paz i

Laoag City —Leading the “Narimat nga Aglawlaw” launch on October 3, 2019 at Brgy. Casili, this city, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc urged the whole Ilokano community to start doing their part in taking care of our environment. “Narimat nga Aglawlaw,” a province-wide environmental awareness campaign, is an initiative Mr. Manotoc that reiterates the importance of solid waste management and segregation. In his speech, Mr. Manotoc described the serious problem of non-biodegradable materials on the planet: “The world faces a plastic crisis now. These plastics are not only damaging our environment but also damaging us, humans. Hindi sapat ang mga band-aid solutions sa pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan; kailangan natin ay long-term solutions.” In addition, he emphasized the immediate action needed in order to protect it: “In the province, all barangays have started complying to the call so I am hoping that this will be the start of the effort. Panahon na p

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Marcos , Ilocos Norte—Over 200 saplings of narra and other native trees were planted in the mountainous barangay of Elizabeth in this town on August 22, 2019 to rehabilitate its watershed. Tessie Diego, Ilocos Norte assistant provincial election officer said that as part of the 79 th anniversary of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), all employees of Comelec joined in the simultaneous tree-plating activity nationwide.   “The tree planting activity is our simple way of promoting green environment and to inspire others to care for nature,” said Diego after climbing her way up the mountains and did her share of planting some narra seedlings amidst the threat of stormy weather that is currently battling this northern part of Luzon. The Comelec has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources whose primary mandate is to ensure environment protection. During the election period, both agencies of the gover

By Bernardo B. Ver II Contributor LAOAG City —ZAK Green Energy Philippines plans to put-up a mini hydropower plant in Vintar, Ilocos Norte. The said project is set to generate electricity using water source from the river particularly at Brgy. Canaam in the said town using the modernized ‘diversion type hydro plant’.   From the water source, they will use large steel pipes down to the ‘Power House’ where the water turbines are located. The hydro plant can produce 12 megawatts (MW) of power that can cater to about 10,000 households near it. Atty. Jingboy Atonen, ZAK’s legal counsel said the project cost is more than PHP1.5 billion. The project’s completion will take up to five years, or in 2024 if it starts this year. The project’s design officer Engr. Warlito Ramos, meanwhile, assures that there will be no dredging activity in the area. Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Atty. Saul Lazo, however said he is worried about the hazardous effects of the said

By Bernardo B. Ver II Contributor Laoag City —The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region I office released an order lifting the “cease-and-desist order” issued to OMNICO Natural resources, Inc. (ONRI), together with the other 21 holders of industrial sand and gravel permits in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. On August 15, 2019, the Environment and Management Bureau (EMB), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) Ilocos Norte, DENR Bangui composite team conducted a joint evaluation to determine environmental compliance and other related concerns. Results found that the respondent is compliant to the environmental laws and has complete documentation of permits and certificates related to the existing requirements. The DENR issued cease-and-desist order against OMNICO due to alleged illegal quarry operations at the Padsan River in Sarrat on August 13, 2019.

Laoag City engineer Roy Tomas and assistant city engineer Manuel Aurelio present to the media the proposed sanitary landfill site in Laoag City at Brgy. Balatong. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Laoag City —The planned sanitary landfill in this city nears realization after the Sangguniang Panlungsod allocated funds for its lot acquisition. During a regular session, Laoag councilor Juan Conrado A. Respicio sponsored a resolution reverting the amount of PHP9,150,000 from “personal services savings” to “capital outlay” and appropriated the same for land acquisition. Mr. Respicio said the said amount is available from the salary savings of vacant positions for the period January to June 2019. He added that the amount is for the purchase of 6.7 hectare of lot intended for ecological solid waste management program of the city government. The Ilocos Times learned that the council earlier allocated PHP2 million for the city engineering offi

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Batac City -- Sangguniang Panlungsod of this city unanimously approved two resolutions endorsing major road rehabilitation, reconstruction, and upgrading by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The two resolutions cite the implementation of the off-carriageway improvement-tertiary road and the rehabilitation, reconstruction, upgrading of damaged paved roads of the Batac-Espiritu (Banna) road with no objection to the removal and cutting of 145 affected trees. Batac councilor Bernardo Marders said that these projects will be implemented by the DPWH on their road widening projects. It was learned that the road damages cause the increasing volume of traffic congestion in said areas. In relation to this, the city government of Batac expressed no objection in the cutting and removal of trees as these affects the implementation of the project. “These affected trees are imperative to pave way for the full impleme