The Ilocos Times

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Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda urged the government to consider a long-term transition to a low-carbon economy, noting that investments in clean energy and low-carbon infrastructure will determine the future of our nation and the future generations. Ms. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, stressed that the idea of a low-carbon economy may seem ideal at first but if we look at the worsening effects of conventional energy sources such as fossil fuels to our health and environment, it should not be hard to understand the need to adopt the said concept. Citing a study from the World Health Organization, Ms. Legarda said air pollution has caused seven million premature deaths worldwide in 2012. Moreover, she stressed that the traffic congestion in Metro Manila alone is costing us an equivalent of four percent of our GDP. “We can start with building our cities in a smart way. Better connected, more compact cities based on mass public transport are

(Speech of Senate President Franklin M. Drilon on the 12 th ASEAN Law Association General Assembly Delegates’ Luncheon in honor of ASEAN Chief Justices and Heads of Delegation at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on February 27, 2015) I am deeply honored to be in the presence of esteemed justices, judges and lawyers in the ASEAN region. Whenever I am in a room full of lawyers, I am reminded of a question that was asked of me some time ago. The question goes, “What do you call one thousand lawyers tied together in the middle of an ocean?” The answer, “A good start.” Levity aside, I am convinced that being in this room, in the presence of lawyers who are united in the ideal of ASEAN integration is, just like that old lawyer joke, a good start. In the Philippines, the legal profession plays an important role in our nation’s growth. Lawyers are at the forefront of governance and business. It is not surprising that many Filipinos dream of becoming a lawyer. There are about 66 Thous

IFAD, WFP and FAO celebrate women’s contribution to food and nutrition security   Research suggests increasing women's access to agricultural resources would significantly improve food security worldwide. Rome —Marking International Women’s Day 2015 on March 8 th , leaders from the United Nations’ three Rome-based food agencies gathered to remind the world that women farmers play a central role in achieving food and nutrition security. At the Rome event, leaders from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) shared testimonials of their innovative interventions that have empowered rural women, and in doing so have contributed to food security and nutrition. They also highlighted that promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment can significantly strengthen efforts to reduce rural poverty. This year’s event also marks the 20 th  anniversary of the landmark Fourth W

  EMPOWERED WOMEN: Senators Pia Cayetano (sixth from left) and Cynthia Villar (fifth from left) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of an exhibit entitled  'Empowered Women: Raising the Bar,' at the Philippine Senate, Monday afternoon. The exhibit featured outstanding women known in the fields of sports, arts, entertainment, among others. Also in photo are (from left to right)  Ann and Camille Meloto, Rachelle Gerodias, Olivia Bong Coo, Daphne Oseña Paez, Liza Macuja Elizalde and Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes.  (PRIB Photo by Albert Calvelo) The Senate adopted a resolution on March 16 recognizing women for their valuable contributions to society in celebration of Women’s month this March and cited 14 women achievers and an all-woman mountaineering team. Voting Resolution 1237, introduced by Senator Pia S. Cayetano, seeks to honor the economic, political and social achievements of Filipina women while calling for greater gender equality in the society. “Women's M

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Laoag City —A 4.9 megawatt solar project of the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) in Burgos town, about 49 kilometers from Laoag City is ready for testing and commissioning anytime but members of the Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan refused to endorse it after EDC failed to seek the provincial government’s endorsement prior to its construction. Under   Provincial   Ordinance   No. 010-2014, project proponents and investors in Ilocos Norte are now required to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Ilocos Norte government, incorporating their specific plans and projects pertaining to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This came out following the investment boom in the province yet there has been minimal returns felt by its host communities. In accordance with Republic Act No. 9513, also known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, it states that all energy explorations, development, utilization and renewable energy systems or

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Laoag City —The Ilocos Norte National High School (INNHS) can now keep pace with the increasing number of enrollees each year as two classrooms were added to their school building. The said classrooms were formally inaugurated on March 10 by local officials and students led by Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo M. Barba and Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas. The new classrooms are the INNHS’ extension building along the Sirib Mile. The construction of the classrooms was made possible through the counter-parting scheme between the Ilocos Norte government and the Dept. of Education (DepEd). The same scheme is also being used to build more classrooms in the province to ease the shortage of classrooms. With about P50 million allocated for classroom construction, at least 44 new classrooms in Paoay Lake National High School and in Paoay Central Elementary School will be c