The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Several farmer-leaders from various parts of the province gathered together for a two-day training to get to know more about modern biotechnology. Organized by the Asian Farmer's Regional Network (ASFARNET) Philippine chapter, an organization of farmers and interested stakeholders promoting the interests of the farmers through technology, knowledge, communication and exchange activities, the farmers IEC (information, education and communication) training-workshop held at a Laoag hotel on May 3-4, provided participants relevant information about biotechnology and serves as an option for farmers to grow their income. For an organic farmer like Romeo Ganiron of Brgy. Ben-agan in Batac City, he said the training is essential for them to become aware of the latest trends and developments in agriculture and to be able to come up with wise decision later. “Biotechnology is something we are also concern about. But we need

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The bicentennial “Tienda ni Gob” trade fair attracted more than 50 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and local government units. Organized by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Ilocos Norte provincial government, the trade fair aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and to uplift the living conditions of the Ilocanos. The weeklong event was part of the continuing celebration of the 200 th founding anniversary of the province. A motorcade kicked off the opening of the province’s biggest and grandest summer trade fair that began on May 16 and ended on May 22, 2018 at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, this city. “The trade fair [showcased] the various products and services of the Ilocanos that have created an impact on the advancement of Ilocos Norte as a province,” said Maricor Racela, DTI-Ilocos Norte event coordinator. Home-grown entrepreneurs like Agnes Asuncion of Currimao, Ilocos Norte

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Following the suspension of quarry activities at the Bolo River in northern Ilocos Norte, government officials in the province formed a special task force to implement round the clock inspection, patrolling and compliance monitoring of all activities at the river. In a three-page Joint Special Order No. 1 series of 2018 signed by Victor Dabalos, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ilocos Norte officer-in-charge, Ilocos Norte police provincial director Cesar Pasiwen and Erme Labayog in his capacity as chairperson of the Provincial Quarry Council (PQC). The order states that “there is a need to rehabilitate the Bolo River system caused by unsystematic quarrying activities particularly at the low-stream part which is considered as highly critical water source. Serving as the blood line of local communities, the Bolo River system traces its headwater from the virgin forests of Calanasan in Apayao provin

The 2017 La Milagrosa Fluvial Procession (Alaric Yanos and Reu Dawner Flores) Badoc, Ilocos Norte —Ilocos Norte’s provincial patroness, La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc, is set for her pontifical coronation on May 31, 2018, highlighting the annual La Milagrosa provincial fiesta and further boosting the ongoing bicentennial celebration of the province. The second fluvial procession featuring several bancas along the coast of the La Milagrosa Chapel and cove at Brgy. La Virgen Milagrosa, this town at 4:00p.m. on May 26, 2018 will precede the coronation. “This is not just a celebration and parade, but also an act of thanksgiving to the Almighty accompanied with devout prayer,” shared Jade Ceasar Raquel, Badoc tourism officer. The procession ends with a reenactment of how La Milagrosa came to be the provincial patroness: old storied narrate that she to have arrived floating in a box along with the image of Sto. Cristo Milagroso between the shores of Brgy. Paguetpet in Bado

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Santiago , Ilocos Sur—Some residents living in a poor village in Dan-ar, Santiago, Ilocos Sur had always wanted to break away from poverty—until an opportunity knocks on their door sooner than expected. Under the Sustainable Livelihood Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office, the 23 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of Dan-ar organized themselves into an organization as they underwent a skills training on chicken egg production. Carpenters, farmers and housewives populate the association. One year later, the egg farming facility of Dan-ar Poultry Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) is now supplying quality eggs for the whole village consumption. Every day, the poultry can produce 4-10 trays of eggs. They sell them at PHP140.00 to PHP170.00 per tray depending on the eggs’ size. Makers of miki [rice noodles], which is a favorite Ilocano snack, school canteen mangers and store owner

  Laoag mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas administers the oath of office to the city's new SK officials.(Doms dela Cruz) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Dept. of Interior and Local Government conducted mandatory training for the newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials on May 17, 2018 in the province. The Mariano Marcos State University and the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office under the Ilocos Norte government helped the DILG with the training. The training aims to equip the new set of youth leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties. According to INYDO executive director Weenter Ventura the training ran until May 25. He said they hope to organize the SK Federation of Ilocos Norte before May 27, 2018. “The training modules [covered] topics on decentralization and governance, SK history and salient features of RE 10742, how to conduct meetings and craft resolutions, how to do planning and budgeting

It was just over a week ago, when we sat down and talked about the present and the future. Though the present felt gloomy, the future holds the promise of not only brighter days, but more so, happier times. Today the present is darker and the future lost its shine. Pepito Alvaro Salenda, better known as Pete, is gone. And the world has lost one of its brightest lights. He was my mentor who watched me turn into what I am now. Through the recklessness of youth and the perils of conceit, he persevered and persisted to guide me into becoming the very best version of what I can be; and whether it sufficed for him or not, he did not say—he was just genuinely happy that he had weaned me away from my self-destructive ways. And for this, I will forever be grateful. Yet, it will never really be the same again. Pete’s selflessness knows no bounds—probably to the detriment of himself and his family. He was just the person who could not—would not—say no if he believes