The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—The Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the province stopped an alleged treasure hunting activity along Culili Point at Brgy. Masintoc in this town. Aside from the activity’s stoppage, the DENR has also filed criminal and administrative charges against 20 people, whom they said were involved in the said activity. Based on DENR’s initial investigation, Oliver Cadang, development management officer under the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the alleged treasure hunters dug tunnels and has damaged a geological monument in the said area. Mr. Cadang, who led the team that stopped the activity, said they confiscated equipment and other machineries and tools at the site. Assisted by the Paoay police, the team found four dug holes measuring 17 meters deep and some tunnels constructed as passageway for diggers. The dig area is on top of a mountain-like corral rock fo

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Following the mass oath-taking of the different government-led organizations here, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos challenged its new set of officers to come up with significant projects in their respective towns and cities as the province gears up for its bi-centennial anniversary on February 2, 2018. These projects that are worthy of significance could range from improvement of irrigation system, community livelihood, infrastructure and school development among others which were once a priority program of then former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Held at the Ilocos Norte Capitol Session Hall, the governor led the oath-taking of the newly-elected officers of the local Philippine Councilors League, National Movement for Young Legislators, Ilocos Norte ABC Federation, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, and the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines-Ilocos Norte Chapter. “This term will

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A special task force was formed to conduct a deeper investigation on the killing of another police officer   on September 19 , making him the second police victim attacked by motorcycle-riding men last month. Police Officer 1 Perfecto Mike Joaquin Jr., 43, was shot   on by still unidentified assailants while he was about to park his motorcycle in front of his house at Brgy. San Pablo in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.  Barely two weeks ago, 40-year old PO3 Fernando Sacatrapos of Barangay 15 Santa Rita in nearby Paoay town was also gunned down in broad daylight while driving to work. Alarmed by the series of attacks against law enforcers, a special task force group was formed immediately   on through General Order No. 122 signed by P/Chief Insp. Jaime Quiocho Jr. of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office based in Camp Capt. Valentin S. Juan here.  Based on initial police report, PO2 Gerome Ruiz said they are looking a

By Iryn D. Cubangbang and Kim Dyan Calderon DSWD Almeda Quinluman, one of the Bajaus who attended the consultation dialogue spearheaded by DSWD Field Office 1. (DSWD) The Dept . of Social Work and Development (DSWD), through the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) sub-committee on social protection, is considering various situations of Bajau families wandering in the cities of Region 1 for identification of proper and longer-term assistance. Initially, Bajau communities in the City of San Fernando were reached out to establish linkage and benchmark on their well-being.  A consultation dialogue and focus group discussion with some Bajau families was held with representatives from the Cities of Laoag, Batac, Vigan, Candon, San Fernando, Alaminos, San Carlos, and Dagupan. Partner agencies were also present such as DILG, PNP RO1, CHR-1, NEDA-1, and NCIP. This effort will collect responsive activities done by these concerned cities and agencies to improve the

By Alfredo C. Garvida, Jr. This writer expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago who passed away last Sept. 29, 2016. She was a bigger than life political leader of extraordinary intellect: known for her biting and fearless rhetoric, sense of humor, awe-striking command of the dictionary, transcending performances in public service, be it in the judiciary or the legislature, legal prowess and deep-seated understanding of her nation's socio-political truths. We will surely miss her presence in the social and political arenas, especially on occasions such as where we are in these days. Definitely, the fierce and fearless talking intellectual Miriam would not waste a second before injecting her strong views on what is transpiring in our political field now, were she in good health, and perhaps her intercession's impact could steer certain people in government to be not so radical and out of line in their style of governance.

By Dominic Dela Cruz Staff reporter Batac City —Education officials in this city are scheduled to undergo their first international benchmarking activity in Singapore from October 6-9, 2016. The delegation, numbering 30, includes education superintendent Vilma Eda along with education program supervisors, principals, school heads and teachers. Ms. Eda explained that the benchmarking is annual requisite for all education division offices in the country. She added that the said activity will determine their priorities and flagship programs. She said that since their first three benchmarking activity were held local, they decided to hold their fourth in Singapore. She pointed out that Singapore was chosen as it has one of the highest academic standards in the world. She further said that Singapore also uses information and communication technology (ICT) in their educational system. In addition, Ms. Eda said the benchmarking aims to gain relevant strategies in the op