The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Pagudpud , Ilocos Norte—The largest resort in this town vows to lead the way in ensuring clean and sustainable tourism. “It’s a lesson learned to all of us in the tourism industry. We need to create a new order for tourism. One that is environment-friendly and sustainable in the years to come,” said retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco, proprietor of a Pagudpud resort. To strengthen its eco-tourism advocacy, the resort is on the forefront of organizing world-class beauty pageants which primarily aims to develop men and women who make it to their mission to help others change their habits for the good of the planet. Referring to the temporary closure of Boracay island as a sad event in the country’s tourism industry, Mr. Nolasco said all other tourism stakeholders need to develop and strengthen it without disregarding the environment.   “Generally, it is sad note for Philippine tourism, baka isipin nila lahat ng

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Sarrat , Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here installed warning boards on the depths of the Padsan River to avoid accidents. This town’s part of the Padsan River is a favorite for picnickers this summer. Sarrat mayor Remigio Medrano said the warning boards primarily aims to prevent drowning incidents, especially for children who frequent the river this hot summer. Earlier, the Sarrat police reported a minor from Barangay 23, this town, who was drowned at the San Joaquin River Resort. Investigation showed that the victim along with three other cousins went to the river without their parents’ knowledge and they were not aware that the usually shallow river has a deep portion. In view of this, the municipal government put up several signages to prevent swimming in the area. Mr. Medrano also asked municipal employees and barangay watch people to help monitor picnickers in the absence of lifeguards.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Dingras , Ilocos Norte—The local government here continues to improve Madongan Dam as a tourist attraction. This summer, however, local officials admit that the summer season has caused a shortage of water in the dam. Despite this, Dingras mayor Erdio Valenzuela said picnickers continue to flock to the dam as it maintained its “natural beauty with its water curtain”. “So far adda met payla danum na ta adu met pay dagitay map-mapmapan a turista though we admit a talaga nga adda pinagkisang iti danumen gagangay ta dagitoy a gundaway ket nakittid ti ayos iti karayanen ”, the mayor said. Mr. Valenzuela said they have coordinated with the police and the Brgy. San Marcelino council to keep the area safe, especially this summer. The Ilocos Norte provincial government has provided tourist ambassadors and aids, as well as first aid nurses last year. Brgy. San Marcelino operates and maintains the dam located at Sitio Nalasin

By Bernard Ver Contributor Sarrat , Ilocos Norte—The local government here began enhancing its welcome arch. Former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. was born in this town. Mayor Remigio B. Medrano personally checked on the project’s development on April 19, 2018. Mr. Medrano, an engineer, said he seeks to innovate their landmarks through advanced crafts that visualize Ilocano culture. He added that he wants to use century-old Hispanic styles by installing local bricks which he will associate with modern designs. In the Philippines, welcome arches are considerably the most noticed landmark of a certain place; a structure that welcomes the people upon entering a place and noteworthy for boundaries of different territories.

By Bernard Ver Contributor LAOAG CITY—Provincial officials said an estimated 500,000 tourists visited the province during the Holy Week. They also mentioned that they expect more influx of tourists in the province for the coming holiday and summer season, as well as the shifting of the country’s school calendar. Among the top destinations in the province include the St. Augustine Church in Paoay; the Kapurpurawan rock formation in Burgos; the windmills of Bangui; the Blue Lagoon at Balaoi, Pagudpud; La Milagrosa Cove and Gateway of Badoc; Marcos Heritage Trail in Sarrat; Davila Seafood Area; the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos; and the Empanada food stalls and church of Batac City. Tourists are coming in both from land and air. Bus companies servicing the Ilocos Norte route said they are ready to cater to the tourists. Laoag International Airport (LIA) manager Ronald Estabillo, for his part, said the airport is ready to welcome both domestic and forei

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Motorists’ assistance stations in Ilocos Norte are now in place along the national highway starting March 28, 2018 to ensure smooth travel and provide reliable assistance to travelers going to the provinces. District Engineer Mathias Malenab of the DPWH Ilocos Norte’s second engineering district said in an interview that they have deployed a team to man these stations round the clock or until the holiday rush is over. Dubbed as, “Lakbay Alalay”, the DPWH has revived this program to assists vehicle owners while on the road. The motorist assistance station team is composed of an automotive mechanic who could troubleshoot in case of any vehicle breakdown; emergency responders in collaboration with the search and rescue team of the Philippine National Police and the village officials for ambulances in case of any vehicular accident within the area. Mr. Malenab said they also organized a team to help monitor the strict implementation of inst

Laoag City —Young and still active, Mrs. Myrla Pilar C. Ambanta, a 63-year-old resident from Dingras is one of the nine senior citizen tourism ambassadors the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) hired for this year’s summer employment program. “We can still acquire more talents and skills, which we can later on share to other people. We still have time to learn and love Ilocos Norte even more [through this summer program],” she said. Mrs. Ambanta is a retired registered medical technologist who worked at the Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos Memorial Hospital for 25 years. Regardless of the big shift and difference from her usual duties in the hospital, she said that her innate talent of being a conversationalist served as an advantage on her job as a tour guide at the Taoid Museum of the Ilocano Cordilleras located at Laoag City. Coming from a business-oriented family in Delfin Alabano, Isabela, she has memories working at a very youn

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Solsona , Ilocos Norte—Missing the old Baguio City when almost every corner still smelled of fresh pine trees? Adventure-seekers found a similar spot on a trip to the Ilocos Norte-Apayao road located between the boundary of Brgys. Manalpac in this town and Butao in Calanasan, Apayao, some 40 kilometers from Laoag City. Thousands of curious visitors or mountaineers ride on a motorbike or a 4x4 off-road vehicle to reach the newly-paved Ilocos Norte-Apayao road. Leading to its picturesque view deck is a sea of clouds when you reach the top before sunrise covered with rich flora and fauna. For those who have been to this site, seasoned trekkers see reminders of the Ambangeg trail of Mt. Pulag. With the influx of tourists visiting the so-called “Old Baguio City” which has already become viral in social networking sites, the local government unit of Solsona is determined to improve