By The Ilocos Times staff This year , there is an equal number of male and female awardees, with one awardee being openly gay. The youngest is nine while the most senior is an octogenarian. Some hold master’s degrees and doctorates while one awardee finished only grade school. Notably, there are two law enforcers and two Supreme Court justices. There is also one student athlete and a university unit. Two women keep Ilocano material culture alive while one man pursues a free and responsible press. And a doctor who strives to keep everybody healthy. In celebration of Ilocos Norte’s 198th Founding Anniversary, The Ilocos Times is proud to announce the 10 Outstanding Ilocanos for 2016. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales A native of Paoay, Ilocos Norte Conchita Carpio Morales is arguably the most efficient and most courageous Ombudsman (and former Supreme Court justice) the Philippines has ever seen. Under Ms. Morales, the Office of the Ombudsman posted a 75-percent
Online edition of The Ilocos Times, a community newspaper based in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.