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Batac mulls BSP proposed expansion

By Domini B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Batac City —City mayor Albert D. Chua confirmed that Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Batac officials visited him to present their proposed expansion. Mr. Chua said the proposal states that a BSP branch should have at least 5,000 square meters. Currently the BSP office here sits at 2,200-square meter office. The neophyte mayor said the proposal will be discussed at the Sangguniang Panlungsod for councilors to have their comments and suggestions on the proposal. He added that the lot expansion could be through donation, deed of usufruct or outright purchase. Mr. Chua disclosed that there is an empty lot behind the BSP office. He added that the only discussion may be on the agreement between the Batac government—through a council resolution or ordinance—and the BSP. Earlier, BSP Batac head Buenafe Alinio said that the BSP Monetary Board tackled the possible relocation of BSP Batac to Vigan City in Ilocos Sur. Ms. Alinio ex

Young farmer-engineer grows hydroponics lettuce in Batac City

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter BATAC CITY—Lettuce is known as a cool-season plant that grows well in a cold climate like Baguio in the Philippines. Who would think that growing this high value crop is quite easy and sustainable for a young farmer engineer who left a promising career in an established firm and followed his dad’s footsteps that is farming.  For almost a year now, the Romaine Organics which specializes in organic farming, gourmet and hydroponics continue to inspire local farmers here to go beyond traditional and become techno-savvy. John Lei Ganiron, 27, a graduate of Electronics and Communications Engineering at the Mariano Marcos State University is a pioneer in soil-less farming or the so-called hydroponics in Batac City. In just a span of two weeks, his hydroponics lettuce grown on a 15-square meter green house, which he set up beside their Batac residence is now ready for harvest. Mr. Ganiron said Romaine Organics is using automated hydr

Ilocos Norte seeks to be first PH province offering free college education

  Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos greets students and parents after her SOPA. (Alaric Yanos photo) By Jennifer T. Pambid PGIN-CMO Emphasizing the importance of access to higher education, Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos announced that the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) will seek to provide free college education for Ilocano youth. “ Ang pangarap ko bilang gobernador ay makapagbigay ng libreng college education… Free college is possible, and all poor but deserving students can graduate,” she said during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) On October 28. The implementation of the said program will make Ilocos Norte as the first province in the Philippines to provide free college education. “ Daydi tatangko, ni Apo Presidente Ferdinand Marcos, nangi-libre iti high school, sapay koma ta siyak nga anak na iti mangilibrento met iti kolehiyo !” she added. The governor revealed that PGIN, together with Mariano Marcos

The Ilocos Times November 28-December 4, 2016

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Local biz people, investors welcome coal-free Ilocos Norte

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Top officials and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Ilocos Norte Chapter lauded the provincial government’s effort to keep the province clean, green and free from destructive coal power plants.  Ricardo Tolentino, PCCI president said   the province is on the right track of safeguarding its resources and stay away from investments of coal-powered plants “Declaring Ilocos Norte as coal-free manifests our effort to make use of clean and renewable energy like our wind mills. This is a good development on our part considering the stronger typhoons and floods that come our way due to climate change or extreme weather condition,” Mr. Tolentino said. The more than 50 active members of the PCCI-Ilocos Norte are mostly engaged in construction, trading and local manufacturing among others.  According to Mr. Tolentino, the local business sector has minimal electric consumption hence the declaration of

Batac earns fourth straight SGLG

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Batac City —The local government here has earned its fourth straight Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). Formerly known as Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), the seal is given by the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG). It was launched on January 15, 2014 as Pagkilala sa Katatpatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal. Batac mayor Albert D. Chua and Batac interior and local government officer Janet Duarte personally received the award at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila on October 27, 2016. The SGLG, which originated from the SGH program in 2010, was introduced to provide greater challenge to our local governments to continue good governance practices while providing better services. The SGLG compels the LGU’s “full disclosure policy”, particularly in the areas of budget, revenue and procurement, among others; having no adverse COA findings; as well as meeting the requirements of Anti-Red Tape Act. The SGLG likewise ai

US military delivers counterterrorism equipment to the Philippine Marine Special Operations Group

Manila —Representatives from the United States (US) Embassy in the Philippines’ Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) delivered 24 pallets of new military equipment to the Philippine Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG) at Clark Air Base, Oct. 8.  The equipment, for use in counterterrorism and fast boat operations, included tactical Harris radios, ballistic helmets, and diving gear, among other items.  The military equipment was transferred under a U.S. grant program aimed at assisting security forces conducting counterterrorism operations.  This equipment will help enhance the communications, situational awareness and protection of Philippine security forces actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines.  The Philippine Marines will also receive radio training as a part of the U.S. grant program.  In addition to MARSOG, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force also received six pallets of