The Ilocos Times

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The Dept. of Education chose Apaya Elementary School principal Joel N. Remigio as one of the 12 awardees of the Ulirang Guro in Filipino nationwide search. Laoag City schools division superintendent Dr. Cecilia Aribuabo proudly made the announcement stressing that the Laoag principal was chosen among thousands of teachers in the entire country. The search, spearheaded by the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF), had national artist Virgilio S. Almario as chairperson. Dr. Aribuabo hopes that this award would serve as an inspiration to other local teachers, especially those in her division, to follow Mr. Remigio’s footsteps. She added that the fact that Mr. Remigio is the sole awardee from Region I makes the city division especially proud of this award. Mr. Remigio, for his part, thanked the city division as well as the DepEd regional office for the trust and confidence given to him to represent the entire region

PHILIPPINE Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) breeders encourage farmers to plant early maturing and drought-tolerant rice varieties in preparation for the likely coming of El Niño this cropping season. El Niño is expected to hit the country the last quarter of 2014 and will last until the first quarter of 2015, based on the recent advisory by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). PAGASA predicted changes in the normal rainfall pattern generally resulting in varying dryness in most parts of the country. To maximize use of rainfall, PhilRice recommends the use of early-maturing varieties this 2014 wet season. “Early maturing varieties can be harvested before the drought comes so farmers can avoid it during the production period,” said Dr. Nenita V. Desamero, PhilRice breeder. For irrigated lowland PSB Rc10 (Pagsanjan) is highly recommended. Farmers may also plant NSIC Rc134 (Tubigan 4) and PSB Rc160 (Tubigan 14).

By Yvonne Almiranez Senate PRIB The Senate adopted a resolution commending the Filipino peacekeepers stationed at the Golan Heights for exhibiting bravery and resolve during a tense standoff against Syrian rebels. Senate Resolutions 876, taking in consideration Senate Resolutions 877, 881 and 899, introduced by Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Teofisto “TG” Guingona III and Antonio “Sonny Trillanes IV lauded the “extraordinary valor” shown by the Filipino peacekeepers.” According to the resolutions, the Filipino peacekeepers, together with the United Nations peacekeeping force, have been stationed in Golan Heights since 1974 to monitor a ceasefire between Israel and Syria. Of the 331-strong Filipino contingent serving as part of the United Nations Disengagement Force in the Golan Heights, 75 were encamped at the region’s Positions 68 and 69.     On August 28, 2014, Syrian rebels surrounded the two encampments and demanded that the Fil

Young Ilocano artists enlivened the centennial arena stage as they battled and showcased their skills and talents in the Makoy Literary and Art Contest on September 12, 2014. The competition held annually is part of the week-long celebration of the 97 th birth anniversary of Ilocos Norte’s favorite son Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, fondly known in Ilocos as “Apo Makoy”. Spearheaded by the Provincial Education Office and Sirib Youth Office, various contests included ‘Kalesart’ exhibit, Ferdie and Imelda sing-a-like and look-alike contest, creative storytelling, quiz bee, and group singing contest. The ‘Kalesart’ exhibit featured uniquely-designed   kalesas   with   Apo Makoy   and Ilocos Norte’s famous icons such as the Paoay Church, Bangui Windmills and Burgos Lighthouse. The sing-a-like and look-alike contest was a search for singing partners in their Ferdie and Imelda get-ups performing Ilocano and Tagalog love songs. Elementary pupils creatively retold stories bas

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos meets DILG Sec. Mar Roxas at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol (Lei Adriano) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Laoag City —Touching down at the Laoag International Airport on Sept. 22, Dept. of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas along with Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Rep. Rodolfo Farinas  (1 st district, Ilocos Norte) and party arrived in the province to assure Ilocanos help is on the way to fast track recovery of typhoon victims in the province. In a briefing held at the Ilocos Norte Capitol attended by department heads and various local and national government agencies including Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson, Mr. Roxas said good coordination of both the national and local governments in times of disaster helped a lot in ensuring public safety and preparedness. Responding to Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos’ call for help, a C130 plane of the Philippine Air Force contain

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Burgos , Ilocos Norte—Following the installation of additional 21 wind turbines in this windy town of Ilocos Norte, Energy Development Corp. (EDC), the geothermal power company of the Lopez Group is again exploring the possibility of setting up a solar project here. Burgos Mayor Cresente Garcia said a public hearing was recently conducted among concerned stakeholders for the proposed solar power project at Brgy. Saoit. As of press time, the proposed solar farm is currently being reviewed by the municipal council if it would be feasible to allow the same company to lay down solar panels in a private lot without causing any significant damage to the environment. In support of the national government’s priority agenda to provide clean and affordable energy to Filipinos under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) also known as the “Green Energy Roadmap of the Philippines, the provincial government leads the way in hosting vari

President Obama announced on Saturday that he plans to put off executive action on immigration until after the midterm elections on Tuesday, November 4. “Executive action” means the President will enact immigration rules and regulations by himself without congressional action. So on Wednesday morning, November 5, expect the President to unveil (unleash?) his “executive action”. Many believe that he will grant amnesty to the estimated 12 million illegal aliens in the United States. Of course he will not call it “amnesty”. That word generates strong negative reaction from law abiding citizens. He will probably call it “path to citizenship,” or “deferred action for humanitarian reasons” or something palatable. Why will the President do that? Politics. Imagine 12 million new Democratic voters. The Democrats will control the country. Why is the President postponing his “executive action”? Politics. If he does it before the November midterm elections, the majority of the Amer