The Ilocos Times

By Reynaldo E. Andres Contributor Batac CITY—It’s the beautiful façade of the Administration Building fronting the sprawling garden with twin fountains that greets online visitors as they begin to surf the new and improved website of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the center of excellence in higher learning and scientific research in Region 1. In a few seconds, the page starts a slide show that presents the programs and projects of the university in instruction, research, extension, and production. These programs, which can be seen in detail in the website, translate the core values of MMSU – excellence, effectiveness, and growth. These, and among other features, were shown to those who attended the launching of the newly improved website of MMSU held at the University Library on October 18. The new website can be accessed at http://www.mmsu.edu.ph . MMSU President Miriam E. Pascua said the university is compelled to improve its website so that “we co

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter FORMER Laoag City Mayor Roger C. Fariñas has withdrawn his election protest against incumbent Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas. On October 9, 2013, Atty. Arthur Villaluz, Fariñas’ legal counsel filed a Manifestation and Motion informing the Honorable Commission that the protestant has decided not to pursue his protest anymore and withdraws the protest against Chevylle V. Fariñas. The motion stated that “He [Fariñas] believes he has realized his purpose of uncovering the fraudulent manipulations that were perpetrated during the May 13, election for the office of the mayor of Laoag City to frustrate the will of the voters and ensure the victory of the protestee”.     It added: “The protestant is grateful for the opportunity accorded him by this Honorable Commission to lawfully ascertain the truth”. Reacting to this, Ms. Fariñas said she considers this as good news for the people of Laoag, especially those who supported her i

MOST BIZ-FRIENDLY LGU AGAIN. San Nicolas Mayor Melanie Grace Valdez and Vice Mayor Alfredo P. Valdez Jr. receive a plaque and certification from PCCI officials for being the Most Business Friendly-LGU municipal level at the Manila Hotel on October 24, 2013. This is the second most business-friendly award for the first class municipality. ( Doms dela Cruz ) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter MANILA—Proving that its earlier recognition as the most business friendly municipality in the country was no fluke, the San Nicolas municipal government again stamped its class as it was again adjudged as the most business friendly local government unit for 2013. The award was given to San Nicolas official during the 39 th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held October 24, 2013 at the Manila Hotel. The award is the second for the local government unit under the Municipal Category Level I. San Nicolas Mayor Melanie Grace Valdez and Vice Mayor Alfredo P. Valdez Jr. person

THE PHILIPPINE  Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, said   that its network of member-chambers nationwide will join consultations to support or n ot a proposed law through People's Initiative to abolish the pork barrel system. “The signal for the PCCI chambers to mobilize is when the Supreme Court declares that the power of Congress to create pork barrel fund is constitutional,” said PCCI president Miguel B. Varela in a statement. “Our chambers will then convene voters to discuss whether or not they will sign a People’s initiative to abolish the congressional Priority Development Assistance Fund or the Development Assistance Fund or any other discretionary funds.” “The nationwide chapters of PCCI, as members of development councils, are among the leading influencers in their communities,” said Varela. “Businessmen, as the largest taxpayers, have a right to express their opinion on how their taxes are spent.” The People’

“Allah means  God—unless you’re a Christian in Malaysia,” read Time magazine’s headline. Or Sikh, Hindu or atheist for that matter. A new Kuala Lumpur court decision stipulates only Muslims can invoke the name of “Allah”. And that triggered concern beyond Association of Southeast Asian Nation countries. Four years back, KL courts ruled that the term “Allah” transcended different faiths. Why then the flip-flop? “Islam (is) vulnerable e to conversion efforts by other faiths,” the decision asserts.  Anyway, Allah was "not an integral part...in Christianity". No?  Herald  editor, Fr. Lawrence Andrew, said he’ll appeal. Non-Muslim Malaysians reacted with anger. “Appalling,” snapped Jagir Singh who heads the Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism. “Bahasa Malaysia–speaking Christians used “Allah” even before formation of Malaysia,” recalled Rev. Eu Hong Seng, Sabah and Sarawak churches, where Christians are a majority, protested.

By Grazielle Mae A. Sales PGIN-CMO Cartoon characters, miniature animals and 3D skeletal dinosaurs are among the attractions in the first ever major event in Ilocos Norte dedicated to highlight the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The Origami Festival, hosted by the Ilocano bookstore, Samtoy Books, and which ran from October 17 to 19 here in Laoag City tapped artists all the way from the Manila-based Origami Pilipinas and is now set to showcase both the traditional and functional form of paper art. The workshops at La Tabacalera Lifestyle Center ranged from beginning models for the origami novice, to advanced models that aim to enhance the skills of even experienced ‘folders’. Featured is a variety of different folds for people of all experience levels including animals, geometric forms and moveable origami. Several origami installations which show the innovation of the art are as well exhibited at the Ilocos Norte Capitol auditorium. Origami Pilipinas w

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter ILOCANOS living in Ilocos Norte and the Aloha state of Hawaii are eyeing the revival of sisterhood ties between the two to further boost cooperation, this time, in the field of agriculture and education among others. In 2002, the administration of then Ilocos Norte Governor now Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and former Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle forged a sisterhood agreement  between Ilocos Norte and Hawaii resulting in better health care exchanges, making Filipino nurses most preferred in Hawaii. To keep up with the 2.7 percent unemployment rate, Hawaii kept on hiring health care professionals as about 40,000 new jobs were created under Lingle’s administration.   Through the Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City and the University of Hawaii, serving as focal points, both committed in the exchange of learning scheme between and among qualified faculty and students in Ilocos Norte and Hawaii. This way, the nursing f