The Ilocos Times

  By Leilanie G. Adriano  (Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY—Three colossal projects in the province of Ilocos Norte are taking their tool in view of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which delays the delivery of equipment and construction materials including skilled laborers sourced by contractors as far as Manila and Pampanga. Assistant provincial engineer Lanie Daquioag confirmed this as she reported "there are some changes in the original plan and design." Known as the “Big 3” projects, the provincial engineering office said the on-going construction of the Provincial Capitol expansion building, reconstruction of the Dap-ayan Food Park, and the full rehabilitation of the President Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium, all in the city of Laoag is only about 10 percent completed. Funded through a soft loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines during the last term of former governor and now senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee" R. Marcos, t

  Laoag City —The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and "Arkila," a local delivery service provider, have collaborated to employ displaced public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers as delivery riders to service customers in various parts of the province. According to Atty. Nikki Pilar, Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) project head, the provincial government has been creating COVID-19 recovery projects to alleviate the condition of the stakeholders in the public transportation sector. “One way to safeguard the livelihood of our affected PUV drivers is working with delivery entities since 50% of the transportation sector is only allowed to operate in the province. We contacted Arkila, the first delivery service provider that showed interest to our ‘IN BUYanihan Recovery Program’, to partner with the hiring of displaced drivers,” she remarked. Five driver-riders were already hired, with beneficiaries targeted at 50. They will follow a rotational shift in deliverin

  By Leilanie G. Adriano ( Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY—As the province of Ilocos Norte relaxes its borders to tourists and returning residents, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte is urging all its residents and visitors to adopt the use of the “SafePass” app to manage COVID-19 cases. Instead of scanning piles of logbook and reviewing CCTV footages for contract-tracing purposes, “SafePass” is a digital incident mitigation and management system developed to address COVID-19 safety protocols, and now has free versions that can be used by anyone from anywhere. In a three-page Executive Order, which Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc issued on Oct. 21, 2020, the governor said there is a need to adopt SafePass to minimize the adverse effects of COVID-19. According to Wilfredo Lorenzo Jr, the provincial government’s information technology department officer-in-charge, he said that starting October 21, 2020 all Capitol employees will use the “SafePass” app when ent

Pagudpud , Ilocos Norte—Officials of the Chinese Consulate in Ilocos Norte, headed by consul Zhou Youbin, visited the northern provincial border in this town and gave border personnel meals and face masks on October 1, 2020. In time for the Mooncake Festival, the time of the year the moon is at its fullest that symbolizes reunion, the consulate also offered mooncakes. Likewise, October 1 marked the 71 st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. "We are proud to support brave Ilokano frontline workers. I would like to extend our deepest respect to all police, soldiers, medical workers, firemen, and local officials. Thank you for your selfless service to protect the whole community,” Mr. Zhou said. "We value the longstanding friendship between Filipinos and Chinese. Together, we will finally win the battle against the virus. Wish everyone a Happy Mooncake Festival," he added. Since the onset of the pandemic, Ilocos Norte's Chinese consula

By Leilanie G. Adriano  (Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY—Young achievers in the province of Ilocos Norte received their cash stipend in a simple ceremony held at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena. Running for nine years now, the Provincial Capitol workers’ children who are performing well in school get cash reward from the provincial government of Ilocos Norte. According to human resource management officer Fe Siazon, this year’s 52 beneficiaries have increased compared to previous years which ranges from 20 to 30. The beneficiaries graduated in elementary, senior high school and college on top of their classes and each of them received PHP6,000 cash reward. For a parent like Lyn Marie Asuncion from Laoag City, she said she is grateful to the provincial government under the administration of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc for inspiring more government workers and rewarding their children who do well in school. “The cash incentive is a great boost to our childr

Laoag City —Medical technologists and nurses assigned in several local government units in Ilocos Norte underwent a capacity-building training on September 24, 2020 to scale-up the province's testing capacity as part of its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response.   Held at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium, the training was a joint initiative of the Task Force Salun-at and the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC).   According to Dr. Modesty A. Leaño, head of MMMH&MC’s molecular biology laboratory MC, the training aims to empower city and municipal health offices in conducting the proper procedure in collecting, packaging, and transporting of COVID-19 specimen.   “The goal of the Task Force Salun-at and MMMH&MC is for all persons involved in contact tracing, the locally stranded individuals [LSIs], and the Returning Overseas Filipinos are subject to prompt, proper, and timely testing. Importante ang proper collection [of swab sampl

  Laoag City —As one of the five pilot provinces in the Philippines to lead the Department of Agriculture’s synergized agriculture and fisheries extension services, Ilocos Norte has started building its three-story research and extension center to boost local farming practices. On September 10, 2020, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc led the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (INAFES) at the Provincial Agriculture Compound in Laoag City. "After devolution, naging fragmented na ang agriculture extension services natin. Kaya naisipan naming i -collate lahat ng efforts, skills, at resources upang mabigyan ng mas mabisang solusyon ang mga problema ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda ," provincial agriculturist Norma Lagmay shared during the press briefing at Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall, on September 24, 2020. Accordingly, the provincial government will apply a participatory rapid appra

  Laoag City cemetery clean-up. Laoag City police station personnel and officials and BPATS of Brgys. 1, 2, 3, 58, 57 and 30B conduct a clean-up drive at the Laoag City north cemetery in preparation for the All Saints/Souls Days celebration. (Photo courtesy of PNP-Laoag) By Leilanie G. Adriano  (Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY–Following the guidelines issued by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) on the observance of “undas”, a Filipino tradition of remembering the dead by going to the cemeteries and lighting up candles or offering prayers and flowers, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc retracted his earlier pronouncement, saying they will now close all public and private cemeteries in the province from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, 2020. In his latest Executive Order No. 96-20 posted on the evening of Oct. 8, 2o20 in the official social media page of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the governor said visiting hours fo

  Laoag City —The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), has started the distribution of cash assistance to public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers who were displaced during the suspension of public transportation services under the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on August 27, 2020. The provincial government provided PHP1,275 to 297 recipients out of 995 PUJ drivers in exchange for clearing drainages, unclogging canal systems, and cleaning the surroundings in their respective municipalities. “ Itong cash-for-work program namin ay in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office at Environment and Natural Resources Office. Ang first batch ng recipients natin ay ang mga naunang nakapagpasa ng mga dokumento. Nauna na ang mga Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations na may ruta dito sa Laoag City, Pasuquin, Bacarra at San Nicolas,” Lauren Eman Bayangos, MINC personnel, said. Eddie Aquin

Laoag City --The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the initiative of Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, will launch its "Speak up, I'm here" mental health movement to help address the increasing number of psychological-related incidents in the province. The movement is created due to consecutive suicide-related cases reported in these past months. According to the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, there is a 32% increase in suicide incidents compared to their August 2019 data. "Speak up, I'm here" aims to expand the service delivery network to address mental health issues, encourage positive psychological practices, try to prevent suicide and improve mental health situations, and decrease mental health-related incidents. On October 1, 2020, the implementing offices, the Communications and Media Office, the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office, Gender and Development Office, and the Provincial Public Employment Service Office

  Laoag City —Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc has committed to the opening of the "Northern Luzon Tourism Corridor," an initiative of chief executives and tourism councils in Northern Luzon to cushion the impact of COVID-19 across tourism industries. Preparing for the resumption of tourism by rolling out a rehabilitation plan, the provincial governments of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, and the city government of Baguio have collaborated to prioritize the livelihood rehabilitation of their constituents while guaranteeing the overall safety of tourists and spurring again tourism-related economic activities.   "We started discussing the 'Tourism Bubble' concept together with 'the Department of Tourism (DOT) and counterparts in Region I and Baguio City, as well as other tourism officers in the country because at that time, very early in May,   there was no clear reference about how to address the impact of the pandemic,

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

  In August, 2020, the Chinese Consulate in Laoag donated a total of 50,000 disposable masks, 5,000 KN95 masks, 400 sets of coveralls, and 100 pieces of goggles to help local communities in Ilocos Norte to resume their respective work. The Chinese consulate distributed the said medical equipment to Mariano Marcos State University, Paoay National High School, and St. Santiago School for their preparation for the new school year. They also distributed several sets of materials to the Laoag International Airport to help airport personnel prepare for the resumption of flights to the province. The Chinese consulate also gave Ilocos Norte border personnel PPEs to help them handle the increasing number of returning residents. Chinese consul & head of post Zhou Youbin said: “We especially hope to show our deepest respect to all frontliners.”

  Displaced PUV drivers line up as a beneficiary of the provincial government's recovery program for displaced workers. To become part of the program, they must ensure they are fit to work and meet the minimum health protocol. (Lei Adriano) By Leilanie G. Adriano ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —As the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic rages, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc called on the public anew to stop discriminating patients and their relatives as well as people working on the frontline against COVID-19. “It [discrimination] is something that is very sensitive but let us try to be very understanding, especially to our frontliners,” Mr. Manotoc appealed during his virtual press conference. Despite the recognition they receive for their heroic sacrifices, health workers face social stigma, harassment, and denial of service, among others. On April 20, 2020, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Provincial Ordinance (PO) No. 22-2020, as amended by P

  By Leilanie G. Adriano ( Staff Reporter) LAOAG CITY—An idyllic cove with crystal clear waters at Sitio Pagetpet, Brgy. La Milagrosa in Badoc, Ilocos Norte is gearing up for a much-needed facility improvement while tourists are not yet allowed to visit here due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, the town of Badoc that hosts the La Milagrosa Cove and the Minor Basilica of Saint John the Baptist had drawn foreign and local tourists for devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. To keep up with a growing interest in faith tourism under the new normal, the Ilocos Norte government through members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved a total of PHP5 million as additional funds for tourism facility improvement. According to provincial tourism officer Ianree Raquel, "part of the improvement includes the establishment if at least five comfort rooms for female and four for male.” In addition, there will also be three urinals for male. "Both male and female comfort

  Laoag City —To support a wider demographic of residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has created an emergency livelihood and employment program for Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs). Through the “IN na NEGOSYO sa KARITON ni Manong MATT” program, PGIN will provide a working capital of Php 2,000.00, a business cart or “ kariton” , and an entrepreneurship training to 50 qualified recipients. According to Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager Lizette B. Atuan, the project will cater to displaced ROFs who will stay in the province for good. PESO will accept applications from August 17 to August 21, 2020. Applicants must first write a letter of intent to Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, fill-out an application form available at llocos Norte PESO Facebook Page, and send it to ilocosnortepeso2020@gmail.com for assessment.   Chosen ROF-beneficiaries need to submit the following requireme

  Laoag City —The Provincial Veterinary Office, together with the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), inspected four animal shelters to examine the facilities' level of disaster preparedness in case a strong typhoon hits Ilocos Norte. “ Kasama namin ang PEO sa pag -inspect ng mga animal shelters. Sinuri namin ang mga ito bago i -turnover sa mga local government units (LGU). Ayon sa memorandum of agreement, ang mga LGU ang bahala sa management ng mga animal shelters pagkatapos itong i -turnover sa kanila ," provincial veterinarian Dr. Loida M. Valenzuela said. The provincial government constructed animal shelters in four towns: Badoc, Currimao, Dingras, and Solsona. " Sa Dingras, due for turnover na. Sa Solsona naman, ang counterpart ng LGU ay ang pagpapalitada ng daan papunta sa shelter. Habang sa Badoc, may kaunting repair pa na kailangan gaya ng mga rain gutter sa building. At sa Currimao, ongoing pa ang construction ng animal shelter,"

  Laoag City —The Ilocos Norte provincial government through the Ilocos Norte Trade & Investment Office (INvest) now provides support to the micro, small, and medium enterprises that are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the new ‘Buy IN’ project. Inspired by the unique “bayanihan” culture of the Filipinos, “Buy Ilocos Norte” or “Buy IN” is the digital platform of the provincial government to regulate and promote potential and existing local businesses in the province by providing them e-marketing strategies and consultations. “ Dahil sa pandemiya ay nag -shift ang mga local entrepreneurs natin from doing their business in a physical store to digital market or e-commerce. Kaya dito sa ‘Buy IN’, tutulungan natin ang mga entrepreneurs sa pag-promote ng kanilang mga produkto hindi lang sa probinsiya kundi pati rin sa labas . We will also offer free marketing consultations to them as to how to position their products, set prices, determine the appropriate packaging, and

  Laoag City —The Ilocos Norte provincial government’s Sustainable Development Center (SDC) continues to provide loan assistance to Filipinos around the world through its Overseas Filipinos Remittances for Development (OFs-ReD) Program. Launched in 2011, OFs-ReD is a loan assistance program of the Provincial Government, in partnership with the Migrant and Development (MnD) Council compose of the Provincial OFW Desk, Ilocos Consolidated Cooperative Bank (ICCB), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), and North Western University (NWU), to assist former and active OFs and migrants who own and manage a business. “ Ang loan assistance na ito ay hindi lamang para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) kung 'di pati rin sa mga migrants. Kailangan na ang mga loan applicants ay may existing business at kompleto ang mga permit . Maaari silang mag-submit ng requirements dito sa SDC office na isu -submit namin sa ICCB upang i -evaluate ang feasibility at qualifications ng mga ap

  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