The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Hundreds of local police and representatives both from public and private organizations in the entire province of Ilocos Norte and neighboring provinces gathered at the Camp Valentin S. Juan, Laoag City on early morning of June 23, 2018 as they ran along the major streets here promoting peace and wellness. Now on its fourth year, the “Run for Peace 2018” continues to attract a community of peace and wellness advocates mostly from Laoag and the different towns of Ilocos Norte. Aside from keeping you fit and feeling younger every time you run the distance, a Laoag-based lady marathoner Fanny Miguel, 27 said, “It gives you a different feeling and a sense of accomplishment. It is also more fun when run with friends and running buddies.” Placing third under the female category for 5K finishers, Ms. Miguel added, “it is just a bonus when you receive a medal.” Organized by the First Ilocos Norte Mobile Force Co

Engr. Cyrus Peter Miguel Lim of Brgy. 2, Laoag City topped the recently concluded ECE ECT Examination. Cyrus is a fresh graduate of Mapua University. He is the proud son of Engr. Cesar Lim and Marissa Estella Miguel Lim, RN.  (Doms dela Cruz )

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Burgos , Ilocos Norte—Local models in their creative attire sashayed along the runway before a crowd of spectators on the afternoon of June 22, 2018 in this town. Organized by the Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee in collaboration with the Barangay Council of Poblacion here the eco fashion show presented the creativity and resourcefulness of young talents in designing dresses made of recyclable materials. Instead of discarding them, the participants used their imagination to design artsy pieces without breaking the budget. As agreed upon before the event, all participants did not spend money on this project, so designers collected scraps of fabric and other materials. Initiated by Brgy. Poblacion chairperson Joegie Jimenez, he said the event is one of the highlights of the Philippine Environment Month celebration to instill public awareness about the impact of fashion on economic, social, and envir

REVEREND  Metchell Valdepeña blesses the two patrol cars the city government gave to the Laoag City police to enhance the existing response procedures on peace and order. Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas, city administrator Jami Fariñas, P/Supt. Dominic Guerrero, Laoag police chief, and several city officials witness the blessing on July 1, 2018. The city government also donates fuel for patrol vehicles as well as for their maintenance. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A US-based humanitarian organization has been reaching out to school children in the province, giving more books and self-learning materials to nurture them.   Upon the initiative of Laoag City councilor Roque Benjamin Ablan, Children International donated more than 50,000 books and workbooks suited for Filipino children from Kinder to Grade 12. According to Mr. Ablan, the books include subjects on mathematics, algebra, geometry, English, science, biology, chemistry, physics, life science and social studies among others. The neophyte councilor said he tried to solicit the books from them and they gladly approved it when he assured he will shoulder the cost of shipping from Manila to Laoag. To date, they already distributed a total of 47,282 books to the different schools in the province while there are still 12,718 remaining books for the Ilocos Norte National High School and eight elementary schools in L

New Laoag City Vice Mayor Franklin Respicio (second from left) during a public hearing (Dom dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The most senior member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod has succeeded the late Laoag vice mayor Michael V. Fariñas. Erstwhile majority floor leader councilor Franklin Dante A. Respicio assumed the vacated office through the law of succession. Mr. Respicio took his oath of office before Regional Trial Court Branch 12 Judge Nida D. Alejandro at around 8:30 am on June 18, 2018. After his formal assumption to the office, he said that there will be some changes at the council especially since he will vacate his committee chairmanships, vice chairmanships and memberships. As chairman of the committee on Laws, Rules and Privileges; Education and Ethics, he said that the council is presently studying who will take over these committees. He added that they also need to consider of the assumption to office of

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A once empty warehouse of the National Food Authority here now brims with sacks of rice imported from Thailand. NFA provincial manager Eleanor Andres said they unloaded an initial 250 bags of rice on July 1, 2018 at the Laoag warehouse. From the Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union, the NFA official expects a total of 280,000 bags for Region 1. Ms. Andres said at least 32,000 bags has been slated for Ilocos Norte, which she expects to arrive in the province until December this year. “We hope to complete the delivery before a calamity strikes. By then, we will be ready for relief operations, which [we will prioritize] in the NFA rice distribution,” said Andres. Upon arrival of the first shipment in Laoag, the NFA Laoag manager said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the cities of Batac and Laoag were the first to withdraw a part of the newly arrived NFA rice. Though there is no rice