The Ilocos Times

New Year's Gift. Aiming to enhance the local police’ existing response procedures on peace and order, the Laoag City Government turns over to the Laoag City Police two units of brand new patrol cars during a flag-raising ceremony. Rev. Fr. Ambrose Emeric C. Monroy leads the blessing of the patrol cars and a brand-new ambulance for the Dept. of Public Safety. Laoag mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas and Laoag deputy chief of police, P/Chief Insp.   Bernardo I. Cerezo assist the priest. For its effective patrol and monitoring, the LGU allots regular and ample supply of gas for patrol vehicles, aside from the maintenance of these vehicles. Earlier, the Laoag government also provided additional hand-held radios to this city police to further arm them in terms of communication facilities. (PNP Laoag photo)

On this site shall rise a bike and surf zipline in sitio Bucana, Barangay Parparoroc, Vintar, Ilocos Norte. (File photo) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Vintar , Ilocos Norte—A zip bike and surf zipline will soon operate in this town. Overlooking the vast Bislak River near the 16 by 50-square meter Vintar dam at Sitio Bucana, Brgy. Parparoroc, town officials here and representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) broke ground on January 18 the proposed site. They expect construction to start in March this year. Vintar mayor Larissa C. Foronda said it took about three years for the municipality to conceptualize the project as she shared her excitement that it is now turning into a reality. “It took us more than three years to start this project and we grateful for the DENR and those who helped in the processing of a special patent that shows the lot where the project will be erected is owned by the municipality,” Ms. Fo

Manila —2nd Lt. Catherine Mae Gonzales recently became the first female aviator from the Philippine Air Force selected for the Aviation Leadership Program (ALP), a United States Air Force scholarship program which provides undergraduate pilot training to select officers from other nations’ air forces. Ms. Gonzales, who was among the top ten members of her graduating class at the Philippine Military Academy, will attend the program from February 2018 to May 2019.   During the program, she will receive 164 hours of flight training in the T-6A Texan II aircraft, as well as 239 hours of flight operations ground training.   Gonzales says she is excited to learn how to fly a new aircraft, as well as to experience American culture. Ms. Gonzales’ inspiration to become a pilot stems from witnessing the important role aviation assets played during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege, which took place in her hometown. “Since then, I started to dream of becoming a pilot,” Ms. Gonzales said.

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—A brand new pay loader, mini-back hoe and a tractor were the new equipment the municipal government here recently acquired. Paoay mayor Jessie Galano said they acquired those through a soft loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) in support of the agri-modernization program of the government. According to Mr. Galano, the municipal government acquired the pay loader and mini-back hoe for a total of PHP13.4 million, while they obtained the tractor obtained from the Department of Agriculture. The mayor said this is a dream come true for the zanjera groups here as they had been longing for serviceable heavy equipment. “There had been other suggestions on what to purchase on our existing loan with the LBP but our farmers need the new farm equipment most,” Mr. Galano said citing the town’s old pay loader is damaged and they have yet to repair it. Attended by

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Laoag City —For bringing honor to the province and inspiring their fellow youth to harness their world-class talents and skills, the Ilocos Norte provincial government recognized at least 326 young Ilocanos in front of the Provincial Capitol building on Friday evening, February 16, 2018. The annual event is still a part of the continuing bicentennial anniversary celebration of the province where outstanding residents of Ilocos Norte received a commendation courtesy of the Ilocos Norte government. Citing active youth participation as a vital component for inclusive growth and sustainable development, senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc who led the awarding ceremony, said “It is high time to recognize Ilocos Norte youth who standout” in their respective fields of endeavor. As youth leaders and achievers, Mr. Manotoc urged the Ilokano youth to continue inspiring others for the future. According

Piddig mayor Georgina Guillen with treasurer Ofelia Ventura and accountant Victor Pascual receives the check from DSWD representative Elizabeth Aquino. (Berong Ver)   By Bernard Ver Contributor PIDDIG, Ilocos Norte—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 turned over PHP1 million fund from Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to the municipal government here. The DSWD through its Protective Services Program places emphasis in ensuring that the government provides indigent and vulnerable individuals with the necessary assistance thru AICS to help them cope during crisis situations. Under AICS, the DSWD provides educational, medical, burial and of transportation assistance to persons/families in crisis situations, specifically those belonging to the informal sector, indigenous group and other marginalized, vulnerable, and differently-able individuals. "Maagap at tuloy-tulo