The Ilocos Times

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Dingras , Ilocos Norte—The local government here continues to improve Madongan Dam as a tourist attraction. This summer, however, local officials admit that the summer season has caused a shortage of water in the dam. Despite this, Dingras mayor Erdio Valenzuela said picnickers continue to flock to the dam as it maintained its “natural beauty with its water curtain”. “So far adda met payla danum na ta adu met pay dagitay map-mapmapan a turista though we admit a talaga nga adda pinagkisang iti danumen gagangay ta dagitoy a gundaway ket nakittid ti ayos iti karayanen ”, the mayor said. Mr. Valenzuela said they have coordinated with the police and the Brgy. San Marcelino council to keep the area safe, especially this summer. The Ilocos Norte provincial government has provided tourist ambassadors and aids, as well as first aid nurses last year. Brgy. San Marcelino operates and maintains the dam located at Sitio Nalasin

NUEVA  Era mayor Caroline Garvida and Nueva Era vice mayor Atty. Aldrin Garvida lead the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with officials of the other three tribal communities Carasi, Dumalneg and Adams. The MOA formalizes the Ilocos Norte Cultural Communities (INCC) with the four towns as primary members. ( Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Nueva Era , Ilocos Norte—Four Ilocos Norte municipalities formally formed the Ilocos Norte Cultural Communities (INCC) after their representatives signed a memorandum of agreement. The MOA signing coincided with the 18 th INCC Festival held April 26, 2018 in this town. Nueva Era mayor Caroline A. Garvida identified the signees as the towns of Nueva Era, Adams, Carasi and Dumalneg. The four towns formed INCC based on Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous People’s Right Act (IPRA) of 1997. The said law provides that the state shall recognize, protect and promote the rights of the Indigenous Cult

San Nicolas , Ilocos Norte—After seven years of annual mobile e-passporting services with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), partnering with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), a consular office finally opened on May 6, 2018 in a mall in this town. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano reassured that “DFA is committed to make its passport and other consular services more accessible to our people. “The opening of these two consular offices [Ilocos Norte and Isabela] is a firm example of that commitment,” he added. With an estimated 60% of families in Ilocos Norte receiving remittances from relatives working abroad, quick and accessible passporting has been a constant need. ( PGIN-CMO )

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced that the search is on for outstanding Community Based Forest Management model people’s organization in the country. Forester Isabelita Austria said the nationwide search aims to recognize the best practices of the different people’s organization in the country particularly in safeguarding natural resources and at the same time, boost the livelihood of local communities. According to Ms. Austria, the mechanics of the program highlights the elements of sustainable forest management such as: resources security, social, economic and cultural aspects, biodiversity conservation and soil and water conservation. The search will kick-off at the municipal level then the selected winners will compete for provincial, regional and national levels. “Starting this April, nominees are now accepted ready for the awarding of national winners by November which

As the debate rages on the proposed tricycle fare rates increase, the riding public now wants more involvement—both in the deliberations and public hearings. An open letter has made its rounds at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It chastises the proposed PHP15 and PHP2 per kilometer after the first kilometer. It also drives home the point the city’s public transportation system state as broken. From overcharging to refused conveyance; over-speeding and cramped tricycle designs; up to tricycle franchise issues; and down to the inefficient, inexact and basically inexistent distance rate; the open letter points out all that is wrong with the city’s public transportation system. And how our local officials are essentially winging it when it comes to managing public transportation. The letter also points out that when the city government raised basic fare rate to PHP11 from PHP8 in 2011, gasoline prices then averaged PHP59.39 per liter. During the first quarter of this year, gasol

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Some century-old acacia trees located along the national highway in Ilocos Norte’s second district are not likely to be cut yet even if there is an on-going road clearing operation within the right of way. According to 2 nd district engineer Mathias Malenab, there are trees along the right of way which they should cut but due to a very tedious process of securing permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it may take a longer time before they grant an application for tree cutting permit. Last year, he said the DPWH conducted an inventory of trees along the national highway and submitted it to the regional office. However, up to this time, the DENR has yet to act on it.   “Please bear with us. We painted them [trees] for visibility purposes. Kung minsan, ayaw tanggalin because they are part of the landscape kaya hindi rin namin tinantanggal. Nakapanghihinayang naman na tanggalin dahil 100 years

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Burgos , Ilocos Norte—In time for the April 22 celebration of Earth Day, officials and residents of Barangay Poblacion in this town launched a campaign to save Pusuak Spring, located about 300 meters from the town proper. “Pusuak" is an Ilokano word which means a natural water fountain. Over the years, the Pusuak Spring has served as the lifeline for its residents, supplying clean and potable water to local residents. Amidst prolonged drought caused by climate change in this northern part of Luzon, locals said the natural spring never runs out of water. During the summer season, a number of residents gather in the area to wash clothes, swim or have a family picnic. In fact, the spring is the main source of an on-going Department of Public Works and Highways water system project worth PHP14 million. With a swimming area measuring 25 meters by 12 meters, Brgy. Poblacion chairperson Joegie Jimenez said the