The Ilocos Times

The USCIS should print at the beginning of each immigration form a checklist that must be complied with by petitioners to avoid the petition being rejected, returned, or the petitioner being asked to submit additional evidence. Here are the most common errors in filing immigration petitions. 1. Failure to sign the form. The Petitioner or preparer should place a tab or sticker “Sign Here” next to the line for signature. 2. Failure to remit to USCIS the filing fee or to remit the correct filing fee. Some petitions (such as Form I-90, Form I-131, and Form N-400) require a biometrics service fee, which must be added to the basic filing fee. 3. Failure to respond to every question or fill up every item. If the question is not applicable to petitioner or beneficiary, the petitioner should write “Not Applicable” or “N/A”. If the question calls for a specific answer like a number (How many times has the beneficiary been married?), the correct response is a number, like 1, 2, etc.

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Diocese of Laoag and the residents of Piddig town look forward to the full restoration of the 207-year-old St. Anne parish church in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, about 30 kilometers from this city. Father Carlito “Joey” Ranjo Jr., Diocese of Laoag spokesperson said it took about two years for restoration experts to study the church structure and materials used to determine the right approach to fully restore the church. After the conduct of several digging operations in the church wall and some parts of the church compound, Mr. Ranjo clarified these were all part of the process contrary to allegations that the excavation was due to “treasure hunting”. “We hope the church restoration with start this January as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines already approved an initial funding of PHP50 million,” said Mr. Ranjo. In September 2014, Laoag diocese closed the St. Anne parish due to structural problems

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A female short finned pilot whale died after responders failed to stabilize the animal’s condition last month, a report said. In a December 7, 2017 report furnished to regional director Nestor Domenden of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources based in San Fernando City, La Union, Ilocos Norte provincial agriculturist Norma Lagmay said the stranded animal managed to swim at about 11:20am Tuesday, December 6, 2017, after fisherfolk rescued her between the boundary of Brgys. Salugan and Victoria in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. Unfortunately, she got re-stranded again and died on Wednesday morning, December 7, 2017. In a necropsy conducted by Dr. Jeneveve Suliva of the Provincial Veterinary Office, it showed there was “hemorrhagic lining of the stomach and small intestines as well as the womb. The stomach and urinary bladder are empty. Parasites were seen in the skin as well as in the intestines, and muscles at the base of

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Batac CITY—The Dept. of Energy (DOE) cited Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) here among the top 10 most energy-efficient in the whole country. The only university in this year’s Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Award, MMSU saved about PHP3.1 million in energy bills, equivalent to 412,243 kilowatt hours in 2016. Of the 213 private and public institutions recognized this year, MMSU ranks 6 th in the Top 10 most energy-efficient government agencies nationwide, Engr. Rigor Gabur, Chief of the Electrical and Electronics Division of MMSU said. In recognition of the university’s energy saving initiatives, MMSU president Shirley C. Agrupis, along with Engr. Romeo R. Duldulao, Physical Plant and General Services Division director and Mr. Gabur, chief of MMSU’s Electrical and Electronics Services received the award in Pasay City on December 7, 2017. Mr. Gabur said MMSU is continuously implementing energy saving measures. DO

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Da Vinci Crisostomo assisted by Nueva Era mayor Caroline Garvida and vice mayor Aldrin Garvida Mr. & Miss Nueva Era 2018 Glendelwin Salmasan and Jinky Garcia at the Nueva Era People's Center on January 11, 2018. The winners will represent Nueva Era in the coming search for Miss Ilocos Norte Cultural Communities (INCC) this year. Nueva Era will host the event. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A dragon fruit producer and processor in the province went on a technological mission in Bangkok, Thailand to share its best practices and learn from others. Bringing in the latest innovations from the REFMAD Farm’s dragon fruit processed products such as energy tea, coffee, powdered dragon fruit juice, wine, cookies and pastries among others, Edita Dacuycuy, owner of the largest dragon fruit plantation at Brgy. Paayas in Burgos, Ilocos Norte joined the Department of Trade and Industry’s processed fruits and nuts cluster to represent the Philippines in the said mission to Thailand on December 11-16, 2017. Ms. Dacuycuy said REFMAD Farms is grateful to join the techno mission as it gives micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) the opportunity to further improve their products particularly on the latest technologies and packaging trends as well as the best practices of other countries in fruit post-harvest handling and

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte—The Gawad Amerika Foundation (GAF) again recognized a resort in this town as its “2017 Most Outstanding Tourist Destination in the Philippines.” GAF is an organization of Filipinos based in the US and supported by various American non-profit groups. Known for advocating eco-tourism by being a constant host to international beauty pageants for a cause, the seven-hectare Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center (HBRCC) property nestled at the foot of a mountain overlooking the blue lagoon and powdery white sand of Maira-ira Cove in Balaoi village, Pagudpud town continues to reap local and international awards as a major tourist destination in this northern gateway of Luzon. Retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., owner of the Hannah’s resort received the award recently from GAF held in Hollywood, California. After receiving the award, Mr. Nolasco said he is grateful for the prestig