The Ilocos Times

Bangkok —The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) strongly condemns Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's comments during a press conference justifying the killing of journalists. Mr. Duterte made the remarks in response to a reporter's question on May 31 about how his government would handle cases of media murders, according to   news reports. "Just because you're a journalist you are not exempted from assassination if you're a son of a bitch," Mr. Duterte said, according to an Agence France-Presse   report.   He claimed that many killed journalists were either corrupt or had "done something" that warranted their murders, according to press accounts. He also warned that journalists who defamed others in their news reporting would not necessarily be protected under the law from violent reprisals. "The only way to address impunity in the woefully high number of unresolved murders of journalists in the Philippines is through the

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) continue to intensify its information caravan, engaging media practitioners in Region 1 to increase public awareness on making local communities disaster-resilient. Melchito Castro, OCD Director in Ilocos region said the second leg of the media caravan kicked off in Dagupan City on May 31 to be followed by Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte this coming June. The caravan first took off in La Union last April, said Mr. Castro. “All our media partners are invited to join the caravan where we will discuss with them the protocols and SOPs [standard operating procedures] of the OCD during disaster operations,” he explained. Just in time for the implementation of the PAGASA modernization act of 2015, Mr. Castro who is in Laoag City on May 30 to attend the internal public hearing on the proposed Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10692 said there are new protocols/SOPs to improve public

By Yvonne Almiranez PRIB The Senate approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to declare Batanes as a cultural heritage and ecotourism zone on May 23, 2016. Sponsored by Senators Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda, member of the Senate Committee on Tourism, House Bill 6152 seeks to promote and protect Batanes’ ecology and environment as well as its natural and cultural heritage. Under the bill, the province of Batanes shall be accorded priority of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subjected to the rules and regulations governing the development of cultural heritage and eco-tourism zone. Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said that the measure was part of government efforts to develop a local tourism industry “which is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local communit

The European migrant crisis will not have large, adverse effects on the Philippines, according to a Malta-based economist in a presentation at a seminar hosted by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) last April 11.   While the distance between Europe and the Philippines makes it difficult to imagine how the crisis can affect the country, the breakdown of trust among European nations and the tightening of borders put free movement in the continent at risk, while hostilities against migrants intensify.   But according to Prof. Lino Briguglio of the University of Malta, Filipinos who work in the European Union (EU) need not worry about the crisis.   "The Filipino people have a very good reputation in Europe," remarked Mr. Briguglio.   "They often occupy jobs that are in demand. The migrant crisis will impact your overseas workforce as far as the tightening of visa rules and requirements is concerned. If the EU collapses, the

Project development officer III Wensley Sandi (in the middle) discusses the Guidelines on CSO Accreditation during DSWD FO1’s radio program aired at DZEA- Catholic Media Network, Laoag City with the Information Officers. By Iryn D. Cubangbang DSWD The DepARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development’s accreditation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that are at least three years in operation prove their legitimacy and assessment for possible access to government agencies’ funds and technical expertise. Thus was announced during the radio guesting of Wensley B. Sandi, project development officer III of the Standards Unit of DSWD FO1. This accreditation of CSOs as implementing entities and beneficiaries of government-funded programs and projects is in accord with the Joint Memorandum Circular 2014-001 and Joint Resolution 2015-001 of DSWD, Department of Budget and Management, and Commission on Audit. Accreditation lies within these areas of expertise: livelihood d

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY —Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here are urging the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte to continue the anti-poverty initiatives and repair of provincial roads project. Dubbed “Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA)”, the project is an innovative devolution program under the government of outgoing President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III that aims to institutionalize good governance by enabling and shepherding local government units on local road management. A Php6.5-billion project, Ilocos Norte is one of the beneficiaries covering at least nine major road networks here. In a resolution unanimously approved by the provincial board on May 23, SP member Vicentito “Toto” M. Lazo said there is a need to continue the rehabilitate and upgrade these provincial roads to ensure sustainable development and inclusive growth of residents here. Co

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter PINILI, Ilocos Norte—A family of five riding on a carabao-drawn carriage locally known as “karison” made of bamboo filled with baskets of native garlic was immortalized through a sculpture in this town to honor its hard-working farmers. Located in the junction that divides three paths leading to Badoc, Pinili and Currimao along the Manila North Road, the farmers’ monument was unveiled on May 21, 2016. In a simple unveiling ceremony led by Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos and Pinili town officials, Ms. Marcos said it’s about time to recognize the Ilocano farmers who had nurtured this province to what it is now. “ Kailangan na ipagmalaki natin ang ating mga garlic farmers dahil 60% ng bawang ng Pilipinas ay galing sa [We need to be proud of our garlic farmers because 60% of garlic produced on the country comes from] Ilocos Norte and a great deal of it comes from Pinili. Panahon na bigya