The Ilocos Times

Laoag City —Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc delivered his third State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Oct. 8, 2024 at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, urging global Ilokanos to return to their roots and invest in their homeland. The event was attended by more than 8,000 audience, comprised of provincial officials, local chief executives, representatives from national government agencies, non-government organizations, barangay officials, sectoral representatives, and leaders from various communities. In his address, Manotoc began by acknowledging the challenges posed by the recent onslaught of super typhoon "Julian," which caused widespread devastation across the province. Despite this, he emphasized the resilience of the Ilokano people, stating: "It is during our most challenging moments that we prove to you that we are a provincial government you can depend on. Sa gitna ng kalamidad, matatag ang mga Ilokano. Naandurtayo !” As the address prog...

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc speaks during the “INvest: Ilocos Norte Investment Conference” at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila. Taguig City —"Consider me your partner and your advocate, I will be here personally to make sure that your business is also our business, and we take care of our investors in Ilocos Norte. Make it happen in the Philippines, make it happen in Ilocos Norte,” remarked Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc as he delivered his welcome message at an investment conference hosted by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) on Aug. 27, 2024 Government officials, foreign ambassadors, and representa tives from private businesses participated in a one-day event titled “INvest: Ilocos Norte Investment Conference” at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila. Organized by the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Center, the event featured experts in the field of investment promotions who shared experiences and valuable guidan...

Senator Imee R. Marcos expressed increased optimism for the passage of her legislative measure since 2022 seeking a fixed six-year term for barangay officials, now that a counterpart bill has been filed at the House of Representatives. On Aug. 16, 2022, Marcos filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1195, which seeks to extend to six years the term of office of barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), amending Section 43 (c) of “The Local Government Code of 1991” (Republic Act No. 7160). On April 8, 2024, she filed SBN 2629, proposing a fixed six-year term for barangay officials. The proposed measure limits barangay officials to serve only two consecutive terms in the same position. “ Marami pong salamat sa mga kongresista na nakarinig sa aking panukalang batas na habaan ang termino ng mga barangay officials. Huli man sila, malaking tulong pa rin . Thank you po ,” the senator said, referring to House Bill No. 10747, filed at the [House] on Aug. 12, 2024. “ Matapos...

What is the difference between living in an urban area and living in a rural area? A certain government agency here in Laoag City which is responsible for farming issues cannot differentiate or identify between a rural area and an urban area? Ignorance of the law or sluggish intelligence excuses no one. Imagine, it is the only government agency in the City of Laoag which cannot differentiate or define the meaning of an urban area and a rural area. Because when it comes to evaluation of a barangay’s performance, it is a given protocol that urban barangays and rural barangays belong to different categories. For instance, in a competition when it comes to planting in an urban vegetable garden, this agency has categorized certain barangays which are urban barangays into rural barangays. Obviously, it should not be. How can this agency categorize an urban barangay into a rural barangay? What is this agency's legal basis? So from the very start such competition among these said bara...

In the Philippines , the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is subject to rules and regulations that govern the proper use of SK funds to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management. The SK is not allowed to withdraw any amount from their SK funds without following specific provisions and controlling factors. Here are some important points to consider regarding the use of SK funds and oversight of SK functions:   Guidelines for SK Funds : SK funds are governed by the Local Government Code of 1991 and its subsequent amendments, as well as the SK Reform Act of 2015. These laws provide guidelines on the allocation, disbursement, and utilization of SK funds for youth development programs and projects.   Budgeting and Approval Process: The SK is required to prepare an annual budget that outlines proposed expenditures for youth programs and activities. This budget must be approved by the SK Council through a majority vote and endorsed by the barangay co...

For so many years now, many LGUs have been trying to implement waste recycling programs in their own localities, but very few seem to have succeeded. By the looks of it, many local officials seem resigned to the idea of doing the same thing repeatedly, and expecting different results, which is Einstein’s definition of insanity. Is it therefore the time now to try something different? So that we could have different results? Instead of just having one type of garbage truck picking up both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste materials, why not have two separate trucks to do that, with two separate schedules? That way, the biodegradable waste, which is mostly food waste, could be brought directly to a biodigester facility, where these could be composted and converted to organic fertilizer. Without the biodegradable waste, it would be easier to sort the non-biodegradable waste, which is mostly recyclables. Better still, we should make it compulsory to sort or segregate the non...

SOLSONA  SB member Marvin Pascua while defending his measure for allowing the traditional games during wakes. ( Photo by Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Solsona , Ilocos Norte—Gathering visitors, mourners and keeping a 24-hour vigil over the deceased, the municipal government of Solsona has allowed traditional games during wakes based on a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Bayan. The SB requested law enforcement agencies to extend leniency in the implementation of Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287 during wakes within the municipality of Solsona subject to guidelines and limitations that may be imposed. Republic Act 9287 primarily amends PD1602, which imposes penalty to any person taking part in all forms of illegal gambling by exclusively increasing the penalties on jueteng , masiao and last two while leaving other enumerated illegal gambling activities with the same degree of penalties. In Filipino tradition, when so...

Laoag City —The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) spearheaded by Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc led a series of cash-for-work payout distribution on April 2, 2024 as Ilokano farmers concluded their environmental preservation services. PGIN, in partnership with the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development, allotted a budget for the program totaling to PHP54,810,900 which helped 13,212 beneficiaries in the first quarter of this year. Since Manotoc was elected as governor of Ilocos Norte, he has prioritized the promotion of environmental preservation which can be seen from his province-wide campaign “Narimat nga Aglawlaw” that focuses on implementing solid waste management and anti-pollution programs. This cash-for-work program is one of the foundations that builds the bridge towards improved quality of environment in the province and this is manifested in his speech during the cash distribution in Vintar, Ilocos Norte: “Rest assured itutuloy po namin itong programa...

Badoc, Ilocos Norte—This town’s Liga Ng Mga Barangay (LMB) President and Sangguniang Bayan ex-officio member Virgilio Calajate expressed his full support in the conduct of the first semi-annual barangay general assembly in all the barangays here with a theme ‘’Barangay At Mamamayan, Sama Samang Nagtutulungan Sa Pagtaguyod Ng Maayos, Maunlad At Mapayapang Pamayanan Tungo Sa Isang Bagong Pilipinas”. In expressing his full support for the conduct of the semi-annual general assembly as the “father” of all the Punong Barangays in this town, he said this would let their respective constituents about their accomplishment, especially on their plans, programs and activities for the barangay as well as their financial conditions. Calajate likewise emphasized his support for the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., as the administration’s brand of governance and leadership which focuses on all-inclusive plans for economic and social transformation. “ ...

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 St...

LAOAG CITY—The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Ilocos Norte has reached its PHP3.2 billion collection target for 2023 due partly to compliance among taxpayers. In a media interview, revenue district officer Aldrin Camba said he is thankful for the taxpayers for making the Ilocos Norte bureau one of the country’s top performing revenue districts. “(This transpired because of) the cooperation of Ilocano taxpayers and through the intensified tax enforcement operations, which paved the way in hitting the annual target,” he said. For this year, the local BIR chief vowed to duplicate or even surpass last year’s success through intensified enforcement activities such as the imposition of stiff fines and filing of tax evasion charges against tax cheats, if any. In support of the implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, he said, "the district has started accelerating its digitalization initiatives to deliver prompt, efficient, and excellent taxpayer service, ensuring tha...

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...

Indauluan da Gob. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson (Maikatlo manipus kanawan) ken Bise Gobernador Ryan Luis Singson (maikadua iti kanigid) ti pannakagetteng ti laso kas mangipasimudaag iti panaglukat ti Kape de Ylocos Trade Fair idi Octobre 24, 2022. Karaman kadagiti sangaili da Vigan City Mayor Bonito Singson, sigud a Mayor Chavit Singson ken LMP pres. Germelina Goulart. Vigan City— Tapno masustiner ti kinangato ti kalidad ti Rubosta a kape a patanor ti Ilocos Sur, inyusuat ti Gobierno Probinsial ti Ilocos Sur ti Kape de Ylocos Trade Fair manipud Octobre 24-28, 2022 iti Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center, iti Siudad ti Vigan. Sangapulo ken lima a coffee shops/establishments ken lima nga coffee producing upland municipalities ti nangipatakder iti booth -da. Inarak dagiti managkape nga Ilocano dagiti booth tapno ramananda ti templa dagiti propessional a barista a nagusar kadagiti local a binukel ti kape ( coffee beans ) a produkto dagiti ili ti Sigay, Sugpon, Salcedo ken S...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —To keep up with the increasing demands of local governance, the city government here has created various positions in its different offices. Laoag councilor Juan Conrado Respicio said that it is an imperative to create various positions in different office. Section 76 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”, states that “Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern—Every local government unit shall design and implement its own organizational structure and staffing pattern taking into consideration its service requirements and financial capability, subject to the minimum standards and guidelines prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.” Section 458 paragraph (a) (1) (viii) of the same code also provides for the power of the Sanggunian Panlungsod to determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mai...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz  (Staff Reporter) Laoag City —The city-owned cockpit arena will soon to resume operations after the Sangguniang Panlungsod of here allowed its resumption for two years on its present location. Laoag councilor Jason Bader Perera said that the decision to reopen the arena is based on the amended part of the zoning ordinance which states: “A cockpit may be established in open agricultural areas providing a 100-meter radial distance from residential, commercial, institutional and educational uses, and in compliance with existing national laws, to, “a cockpit may be established in a commercial area providing a 20-meter distance from residential, commercial and institutional uses and 100-meter radial distance for educational uses and if it is an open agricultural area then a 100-meter radial distance from residential, commercial, institutional and educational uses, and in compliance with existing national laws”. During the discussion, Perera cited a jurispru...

LAOAG CITY – Reelected Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc vowed to continue programs he started during his first term but on a much grander scale. In his speech during the formal presentation of documents for turnover at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Manotoc said that while expectations are high for the province of Ilocos Norte and its new set of leaders, he sees no problem achieving their goals, especially under the incoming administration of his uncle President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. “We have the national government on our side. So, let us capitalize on the moment. We are at the forefront of the Philippines and everybody is looking at us. Let us make our president and our province mates proud,” Manotoc told the transition team and the department heads. He said he will push for agriculture modernization, tourism investments as well as manufacturing and product processing to generate more jobs and livelihood. "There had been a lot of dela...