The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Pagudpud , Ilocos Norte–The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) intensified the monitoring of stray dogs in this town to control rabies. Dr. Loida Valenzuela, PVO chief said one patient here diagnosed with rabies recently alerted them. According to Ms. Valenzuela, Ilocos Norte is eyeing a “rabies-free province” declaration; however, with this recent case, the declaration will likely not come yet. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Rabies Control Council (PRCC), in partnership with the PVO and international organization Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), has eradicated rabies cases for the past three years. Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and warm-blooded animals, with dogs being the most commonly involved. Early signs include fever and tingling at the bite site, usually followed by violent excitability, a fear of water, paralysis in s

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte—The Gawad Amerika Foundation (GAF) again recognized a resort in this town as its “2017 Most Outstanding Tourist Destination in the Philippines.” GAF is an organization of Filipinos based in the US and supported by various American non-profit groups. Known for advocating eco-tourism by being a constant host to international beauty pageants for a cause, the seven-hectare Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center (HBRCC) property nestled at the foot of a mountain overlooking the blue lagoon and powdery white sand of Maira-ira Cove in Balaoi village, Pagudpud town continues to reap local and international awards as a major tourist destination in this northern gateway of Luzon. Retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., owner of the Hannah’s resort received the award recently from GAF held in Hollywood, California. After receiving the award, Mr. Nolasco said he is grateful for the prestig

Sarrat mayor Remigio Medrano and Pagudpud mayor Marlon Sales. (Berong Ver) By Bernard Ver Contributor Manila —Sarrat mayor Remigio B. Medrano and Pagudpud mayor Marlon Ferdinand T. Sales graduated in the Agribusiness Executive Program of University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P) on November 11, 2017. Dr. Rolando Dy, Center for Food and Agribusiness- ‎ University of Asia and the Pacific ‎ executive director administered the commencement exercises. A total 46 students completed the six-month Agribusiness Executives’ Program (AEP). UA&P conducted three-day classes every month, from Thursdays to Saturdays. The school designed the program to develop the managerial, analytical and strategic thinking skills of executives and managers in their own community in collaboration with agribusiness industry practitioners and experts. Both content and design are based on a comprehensive needs analysis and innovative design process done in collaboration with agri

NLREC officials and the people of Pagudpud led by mayor Marlon Sales join the ceremonial planting of the 205,000 th  seedling which marks the three-year implementation of the Pagudpud windfarm's reforestation program. ( Photo courtesy of Joey Quiaoi t) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Pagudpud , Ilocos Norte—Over the past three years, the North Luzon Renewable Energy Corporation (NLREC), which operates an 81-megawatt wind farm at Brgy. Caparispisan in this town, has been growing forest trees as part of its greening program. On October 26, 2017, local officials and residents here witnessed the ceremonial planting of the 205,000 th seedling within the 625-hectare windfarm. In 2014, the NLREC started to plant indigenous trees in a once barren area where they installed the towering windmills. “The first major goal of this effort was to produce 350,000 seedlings and plant 205,000 within three years,” said Maria Meliza Tuba-Principe, senior manager for stakeho