The Ilocos Times

(From left) Bosung Powertec Co. president Lim Jae Hwang, INEC general manager Engr. Felino Herbert P. Agdigos, NEA administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong, KEPCO president Go, Jae Han, INEC board president Reynaldo M. Lazo show the terms of references they signed for the INEC project.  (INEC photo) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Dingras , Ilocos Norte—The Korean government through the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) officially awarded a grant for a distribution voltage upgrading project to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC). KIAT formalized the grant in a signing ceremony for the “Terms of Reference” between the Philippines and Korea on January 22, 2018 at INEC’s Dingras main office. National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong, representing the Philippines being the supervisory agency of the project, signed the document with KIAT Vice President Park Sang-Yi, representing Korea. A

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Batac CITY—Rare collections of bonsai plants, high-quality furniture products, creative crafts and souvenir items including processed food products among others are on display on January 18, 2018 at the Garden show and trade fair held at the open grounds of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Batac City campus. With a theme, “Transforming Concepts into Products,” the month-long exhibit participated by public and private stakeholders of MMSU is one of the highlights of the university as it commemorates its 40 th foundation anniversary. As a premiere university in the country, MMSU president Shirley Agrupis took the lead in empowering the lives of Ilocanos through research innovations and knowledge-driven global economy. Over the years, residents of Ilocos Norte are grateful for having the university as it opened doors of opportunities for them not only in achieving quality education but also on research and exte

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is partnering with the Provincial Library under the Ilocos Norte government to share more information with Ilocanos on money matters. The BSP program known as Knowledge Resource Network (KRN) aims to enhance the public’s understanding of economic and financial concepts and issues. By reaching out to the LGU libraries, more stakeholders will be able to appreciate more what is economic development and how it can bring in opportunities to local communities. To formalize this undertaking, members of the Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously approved Draft Resolution No. 2017-11-121 on January 15, 2018, authorizing Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos to enter a memorandum of understanding with the BSP for the implementation of the KRN. Senior SP member Matthew Joseph Manotoc said BSP publications such as books, reports, guides, manuals, primers and brochure

PrimeWater Ilocos Norte employee repairing the leaking meter set up. By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter The dedicated partnership of PrimeWater Ilocos Norte and the Ilocos Norte Water District (INWD) launched its first ever Grand Walk the Line (GWTL) activity on December 29, 2017. This activity is an intensified street-by-street leak detection program aimed to combat non-revenue water (NRW). Around 25 employees from both PrimeWater Ilocos Norte and the INWD walked along the water main lines to check for any irregularities relating to water services: from leaks to illegal connections, which form part of the partnership’s NRW. The partners held the GWTL activity on a designated “Supply Zone 5”, which covers the southern part of Laoag: Brgys. Nangalisan A & B, Buttong, Darayday, Raraburan, Tangid, Nalbo, Bengcag, Cabungaan A & B, Araniw, Zamboanga, Gabu Norte & Sur, Cavit, Mangato, Balatong and Balacad. They found a total of five leaks, one illegal con

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Following the upgrading of facilities at the Laoag International Airport (LIA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has granted the released of about PHP128 million for its expansion and improvement. Provincial legal officer, Atty. Herme Labayog confirmed this as he said the Ilocos Norte government represented by Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” Marcos and the DOTr represented by Undersecretary for legal Affairs and Procurement, Atty. Reinier Paul Yebra already signed a four-page memorandum of agreement. After the MOA signing, Mr. Labayog reported that they expect the release of at least 15 % of the total amount at the soonest possible time to kick-off the Laoag expansion project. As cited in the MOA, the DOTr shall fund the acquisition of affected lots and the improvements found in the area including administrative costs, disturbance compensation, assistance to displaced people, transfer and registration of land titles,

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Pagudpud , Ilocos Norte–The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) intensified the monitoring of stray dogs in this town to control rabies. Dr. Loida Valenzuela, PVO chief said one patient here diagnosed with rabies recently alerted them. According to Ms. Valenzuela, Ilocos Norte is eyeing a “rabies-free province” declaration; however, with this recent case, the declaration will likely not come yet. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Rabies Control Council (PRCC), in partnership with the PVO and international organization Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), has eradicated rabies cases for the past three years. Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and warm-blooded animals, with dogs being the most commonly involved. Early signs include fever and tingling at the bite site, usually followed by violent excitability, a fear of water, paralysis in s

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Solsona , Ilocos Norte—Students and visitors entering the Solsona National High School will have a renewed spirit the moment they are out of the school campus in Brgy. Manalpac in this town. Nestled at the foot of the mountain overlooking a green corn fields, the SNHS offers a breath a fresh air with its clean environment, well-kept rooms akin to a 21 st century school with wide and flat screen television sets, cheerful students, and a model of recycled plastic and tin materials converted into pocket vegetable gardens and ornamental plants. As an alumna of this school, Rose Baja says her face always lit up every time she visits her school with so many improvements now since she graduated 30 years ago. Ms. Baja said she takes pride of her alma mater for nurturing its students and for caring the planet. Inside the enormous compound of the school are beautiful landscapes of potted and hanging plants that adorn the path