The Ilocos Times

Manila —The Center for Food and Agri Business (CFA) of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) held its ‘Year-end Food and Agribusiness’ conference with the theme “Sustainable Philippine Food and Agribusiness: How to shape the future?” on December 5, 2017 at Ortigas Center in Pasig City. Among the speakers for the conference were Dr. Rolando Dy, executive director, Center for Food and Agri Business (CFA) who spoke about the agriculture scenarios in 2017-2018; Rosemarie Gumera, Sugar Regulatory Administration planning manager, spoke about the sugar industry; Philip Moran, Amici Foodservice Ventures, Inc chief operating officer and general manager spoke about the food service industry; Phillip Ong, Santeh Feeds Corporation president discussed the aquaculture industry; and Edwin Mapanao, Univet chief marketing officer, talked the animal health and nutrition industry. Former Piddig mayor now consultant Engr. Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen, who expounded on his municipality’s be

By Dominic Dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas signed the approved annual budget for the city government of Laoag. The 2018 budget totals of PHP778,726,526.44, an increase of PHP31.5 million compared to this year’s budget. This year’s budget is PHP747,185,530.33. Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved the annual budget during a regular session on November 27, 2017. The Ilocos Times learned that the council referred the budget to the body as a committee of the whole. It took them one month to study and deliberate on the budget. Prior to this, the city’s local finance committee also deliberated and held consultations for the budget. Ms. Fariñas led the consultations with all department heads verifying and defending their respective budgets. The lady mayor said the budget was prepared after a “thorough deliberation with all the concerned offices to make it an effective tool for allocating equitably the limited reso

PRC representatives serving initial registrants. ( Alaric A. Yanos) By Gerelita Joy Mari N. Dela Cruz PGIN-CMO Laoag City —The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) thru the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in partnership with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), delivered professional licensing and application services to almost 2000 professionals and aspiring professionals on this year’s last mobile outreach service for 2017. Agriculturists, engineers, estate brokers, midwives, nurses, and teachers, availed PRC’s assistance. Services include professional ID Card (PIC), renewal and license registration, issuance of good standing certification, release of available PIC and certificate of registration, and application for various examinations such as the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT). PESO manager Ann Marie Lizette Bitancor, assured continuous Mobile PRC Programs for the upcoming year saying, “ Tuloy-tuloy po ito

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Narvacan , Ilocos Sur—Over 1,500 participants attended a federalism summit held in an open court of this town’s municipal hall. Highlighting the advantages of a federal form of government which gives more power to the provinces outside Metro Manila through the so-called “bottoms-up decision making and no-nonsense leadership”, the local government unit of Narvacan led by their mayor Zuriel Zaragoza hosted the summit in support of President Duterte’s advocacy to implement real change. Mr. Zaragoza said decentralization and devolution of powers and authority from the national government to the local government units is better to enable local government units to become self-reliant, thus making them an effective partner in the attainment of national goals and in nation building. He reiterated this we can only achieve this through timely transition from the present form of government to a federal one. Citing the top four agend

By Dominic Dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The cities of Laoag and Batac in the province of Ilocos Norte both regained their Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards for CY 2017. The SGLG recognition came from the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) program that began in 2010. The national government introduced this to provide greater challenge to all local governments to continue good governance practices while providing better services. Due to a successful run of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) now awards the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) or Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal. The DILG launched this in 2014. The SGLG symbolizes integrity and good performance through continuing governance reform and sustained local development. It is a progressive assessment system adopted by the DILG to give distinction to remarkable local government performance across several areas.

It may turn out good; it may also become a disaster. The only thing certain for now is it would still take time for a federal Philippines to emerge. As in the many fora the Department of Interior and Local Government conducted, the questions far outnumber the answers. And the questions continue multiplying. Yet the most basic question really is: are we ready for federalism? Are we, as a people and as an electorate politically mature enough for this? Federalism may turn out to be good for the Philippines. It will render “Imperial Manila” useless, and will task each state—or regional—government to chart their own course. Public services may also become better, faster and more efficient. As it is, it will also bring governance truly closer to the people. But are we really ready for it? Is the Filipino electorate mature enough for it? And are our politicians prepared to become real public servants instead of what most of them are today? For if we are not, we will simp

Ilocos Norte governor Imee R. Marcos meets with Ilocos Norte Muslim leaders. (Alaric Yanos photo) By Edison Justin Deus and Ma. Christian A. Ramos PGIN-CMO Laoag City —For a third time in a row, Superbrands Marketing International, Inc. (SMI) bestowed the “Most Outstanding Governor” award on Ilocos Norte’s Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos for her vision of a livable sustainable, and resilient home province. SMI held the awards program on November 28, 2017 in Makati City. “ Talaga namang tuwang-tuwa ako, at hindi ko inaakalang magiging three-time awardee ako . So, first time, tuwang-tuwa ako . Second, big surprise. Ngayon, talagang nasindak ako . Hall of fame na raw ang pangalan , so I’m very thrilled,” Ms. Marcos said. SMI is a global branding and marketing organization which recognizes politicians, professionals, companies, and executives who have significantly contributed to the society. Recipients of the said award include governors who enable inclusive g