The Ilocos Times

  Laoag councilors, led by ex-officio member and transportation committee chair Mikee Fariñas holds a public hearing on the proposed fare increase. By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —Tricycle drivers in this city is asking for a PHP4 basic fare hike, which will hike rates here to PHP15 from the current PHP11 basic fare. Aside from the PHP4 fare increase, they are also asking to increase the rate after the first kilometer to PHP2 per kilometer. The current rate is pegged at PHP1 per kilometer after the first kilometer. Ex-0fficio council member Mary Michelle Louise “Mikee” V. Fariñas, the council’s transportation committee chairperson, however said the council will still study the matter. She also warned tricycle drivers and operators to refrain from charging PHP15 as basic fare. She stressed that the ordinance that raised tricycle fares to PHP11 remains unamended. Ms. Fariñas added that ordinance

Vira Vira Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association, Incorporated (RWSAI) is presently serving more than 6,000 residents of Brgys. Subec, Saguigui, Baduang, Burayoc and Saud in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Vira Vira Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association, Incorporated (RWSAI) is looking into the possibility of expanding its area of operations in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Jojo V. Constantino, Vira Vira general manager, said they are presently supplying potable water in Brgys. Subec, Saguigui, Baduang, Burayoc and Saud, all in Pagudpud. “We would like also to extend our services to Brgys. Caparispisan and Poblacion Dos,” said Mr. Constantino. In the late 80’s, Vira Vira was established through the assistance of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the water and sanitation program of the World Bank. The local government unit and barangay residents also gave their equity for the startup operations of the water system. Alex L. Malapit, Vira Vira R

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Owing to the intensified drive against prohibited drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Ilocos Norte reported that drug supply in the province has significantly dropped. PDEA agent Lanibelle Ancheta made the announcement as she provided anti-drug activities and updates on the drug clearing operations here. In 2016, Ms. Ancheta reported they seized a total of 51,4823 grams of shabu.   She added that the total seized volume of 10.0075 grams in 2017 is significantly lower, which, she said, means the supply has dropped by more than 100 hundred percent. From January up to present, the PDEA Ilocos Norte reported seizing at least 5.7036 grams. According to Ms. Ancheta, one of PDEA’s greatest achievement include the January 26, 2018 arrest of Marvin Crisostomo, a former Piddig councilor and a staff member of Piddig vice mayor Generoso Aquino. To date, the PDEA has d