The Ilocos Times

  The Department of Agrarian Reform – Ilocos Norte, in partnership with the Mariano Marcos State University – College of Industrial Technology, held a basic skills training on “atsara” making for the members of the Paninaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bacarra. (Photo courtesy of Rommel R. Aquino) The Department of Agrarian Reform-Ilocos Norte, in partnership with the Mariano Marcos State University-College of Industrial Technology (MMSU-CIT), conducted on March 15-16 a basic skills training on papaya pickles or “atsara” processing for the members of the Paninaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Paninaan MPC is located at the Panata agrarian reform community in Bacarra. It has a total membership of 112 with 75 agrarian reform beneficiaries. Agrarian reform program officer (ARPO) II Reynalda A. Quiamas said majority of the members are farmers engaged in agricultural production with rice as their major crop, and corn, garlic and papaya as their secon

  Laoag councilors, led by ex-officio member and transportation committee chair Mikee Fariñas holds a public hearing on the proposed fare increase. By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —Tricycle drivers in this city is asking for a PHP4 basic fare hike, which will hike rates here to PHP15 from the current PHP11 basic fare. Aside from the PHP4 fare increase, they are also asking to increase the rate after the first kilometer to PHP2 per kilometer. The current rate is pegged at PHP1 per kilometer after the first kilometer. Ex-0fficio council member Mary Michelle Louise “Mikee” V. Fariñas, the council’s transportation committee chairperson, however said the council will still study the matter. She also warned tricycle drivers and operators to refrain from charging PHP15 as basic fare. She stressed that the ordinance that raised tricycle fares to PHP11 remains unamended. Ms. Fariñas added that ordinance

Vira Vira Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association, Incorporated (RWSAI) is presently serving more than 6,000 residents of Brgys. Subec, Saguigui, Baduang, Burayoc and Saud in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Vira Vira Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association, Incorporated (RWSAI) is looking into the possibility of expanding its area of operations in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Jojo V. Constantino, Vira Vira general manager, said they are presently supplying potable water in Brgys. Subec, Saguigui, Baduang, Burayoc and Saud, all in Pagudpud. “We would like also to extend our services to Brgys. Caparispisan and Poblacion Dos,” said Mr. Constantino. In the late 80’s, Vira Vira was established through the assistance of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the water and sanitation program of the World Bank. The local government unit and barangay residents also gave their equity for the startup operations of the water system. Alex L. Malapit, Vira Vira R