The Ilocos Times

LAOAG CITY—Public schools here are slowly adopting to change. Out with manila papers, old dilapidated books and in with computers, power point projectors and other state-of-the-art learning materials. Newly-installed Ilocos Norte schools division superintendent Vilma Eda is embarking on massive reforms and transformation in the teaching-learning process, urging all schools to think global and pursue 21st century skills development for all school learners.  As an initial step, Ms. Eda initiated the improvement of the physical make up of offices and benchmarking activities for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the continuing conduct of whole brain literacy self-mastery capability building for personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd). The new DepEd Ilocos Norte head, who is an awardee of the “very innovative person” (VIP) said it is high time that old-time school innovate itself to the rapid changing technology in response to the needs of millennial l

LAOAG CITY—To further promote Ilocos Norte’s cinematic landscape as a film destination, the Philippine Film Export Services Office (PFESO), under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), is eyeing the establishment of a cinematheque, a media hub to bring in local films to residents here.  According to Rogerio Bismonte Jr. of the Ilocos Norte government’s media incentives desk, PFESO representatives are on exploratory visit in the provinces’ various tourism sites here while looking for a possible site to establish a local film center. There are at least five cinematheques in the Philippines, and the nearest to Laoag is in Baguio City. Once established in the province, the PFESO said the cinematheque would make it easier for them to promote Ilocos Norte as a film tourism destination here and abroad.  To do that, the PFESO has recommended the passing of an ordinance in the municipal, city or provincial level for the creation of a film commission to implemen

With the implementation of the “Yakap Bayan” program, the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can now fully assist drug personalities who surrendered to the government. DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo explained during the recently held forum for those surrendered dubbed "Rehabinasyon" that Yakap Bayan is a rehabilitation and reintegration program for drug users and pushers who surrendered to the government which it will implement within the framework of the Department’s mandate as the head of the disaster response cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). With DSWD as the lead, it implements Yakap Bayan in partnership with different government agencies. The program consisting of graduated interventions, primarily aim to create community leaders out of the former drug dependents. Under the program, the persons concerned will undergo rehabilitation, empowerment and reintegration within the communities. The program will

LAOAG CITY—A Special Investigation Task Group investigating the June 3 killing of Marcos mayor Arsenio Agustin is a step closer to identifying the suspect. The Ilocos Norte police crime laboratory released its DNA examination result which showed that DNA samples extracted from a toothbrush matched those collected from cigarette butts, drinking water and energy drink bottles found at the crime scene. The police stressed that whoever owned the toothbrush “probably had a hand in the killing”. The police, however, requested not to divulge the suspect’s identity. A report from the police community relations office led by P/Chief Insp. Dexter Diovic Corpuz also states that at least 14 witnesses who saw the assassination had already filed their sworn statements. ( Leilanie G. Adriano )

LAOAG CITY—A home care facility for the aged will soon rise in San Juan, La Union courtesy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office. The facility’s initial construction phase budget of PHP12 million and will be located Sta. Rosa de Lima St. Ili Norte. It will cater to the needs of abandoned, ailing senior citizens and those neglected by relatives due to financial difficulties. DSWD asst. regional director for administration Nora D. Dela Paz said the proposed home for the elderly in Region 1 is “a long-awaited dream now being turned into a reality with the help of the national government”. After its completion, the regional office said they will prioritize abandoned, neglected, unattached, homeless and abused senior citizens. Meanwhile, DSWSD Region I operations and programs division chief Benjamin Baldo disclosed that the lot was located and identified more than 20 years ago but it is only this year that the national government approved its funding.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City— The elections officer in this city expects the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to push through this year. Atty. Julius Balbas made the statement in view of rumors that a postponement of the said elections will happen again. “As far as Comelec is concerned, matuloy ti election gapu ta addan appo iti calendar of activities a sursurotentayo ken awan met pay inbaba iti Kongreso or from the Office of the President a saan a matuloy ti election,” Mr. Balbas said. He stressed that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is continuing with the preparations for the October 23, 2017 elections. He said the Comelec calendar of activities, through Comelec Resolution No. 10177, has already came up with prohibition periods leading up to the elections. In this city, Mr. Balbas said they have conducted applications for registration from November 7, 2016 to April 29, 2017. He disclosed that their offic