The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Officials and employees of the Ilocos Norte government welcomed about 6,000 primary school children from the entire province of Ilocos Norte during the “Open Capitol” held February 14, 2018. With the selection of junior officials representing the incumbent leaders of the province from governor, vice governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and mayors of the 21 towns and two cities of the province, the participants toured the different departments of the Provincial Capitol building where each department came up with their own exhibit presenting what it was like to live in the province over the past 200 years. A quick tour at the bicentennial edition of the ‘Open Capitol’ presents old photographs, letters, type writers and other old office equipment, traditional farming equipment, old kitchen utensils and many others. Other national government line agencies such as the Philippine Rice Res

An ordinary farm boy whose first love is writing fiction and non-fiction from Tapao, Sinait in Ilocos Sur and with his strong inclination and interest in a “tagnawa system” is among this year’s President Elpidio Rivera Quirino (PERQ) awardees. Amado I. Yoro, The Ilocos Times ’ columnist based in Hawaii, USA, is a community service organizer. He first organized the Tapao Youngsters Organization and served as founding president. A grandson of a 1926 Sakada who worked at the sugar plantation as an oiler helper. He is a son of an immigrant and a watercress worker. Amado came to Hawaii on July 30, 1971 as an immigrant. He first worked as utility field worker at Oahu Sugar Company with a US$2.10 per hour salary.   A simple beginning in Amado’s more than 46years in Hawaii, he is involved with the Lions Club International and Gumil Hawaii and other organizations and served in various capacities and activities—community organizing, volunteer works

Indonesian embassy minister counsellor for social and cultural affairs Trini Gunarti ( center ) and Laoag mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas ( right ) exchange tokens during Ms. Gunarti's visit to Laoag while another Indonesian visitor assists them. The exchange of tokens occurred during the ABC Night of the Pamulinawen Festival on February 25, 2018 wherein the Indonesian visitors served as special guests. (Danny Sabio)