The Ilocos Times

Farmers in the upland can raise their harvest through bacteria that Philippine Rice Research Institute found to increase plant growth rate and yield. Researchers, led by scientist Jayvee A. Cruz of PhilRice, discovered that actinomycete (Streptomyces mutabilis), a plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), showed promising results. Based on Mr. Cruz’s study, actinomycete, an aerobic bacterium suitable under upland conditions, can increase root dry weight, number of tillers, and root depth of upland rice.   It can also promote growth even under moisture stress. “The country’s production of upland rice remains low, at approximately 2 t/ha only. By applying half fertilizer treatment combined with PGPB treatment, farmers can get additional yield of 0.5 t/ha,” Mr. Cruz said. Mr. Cruz also said that it needs a lesser amount of chemical fertilizer for soil treatment, which can address environmental concerns and rising cost of fertilizers. The 32-year-old scientist, however

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag CITY— The Sangguniang Panlungsod here started approving the reclassification of lots in the city from residential to commercial on its third and final reading. During a regular session, the city council approved the reclassification of land use zoning of parcels of land along the western side of the Laoag-Suba Road of Barangay 40 Balatong this city starting the southern end of the Mangato Bridge leading to Barangay 38-A Mangato East from residential to commercial. Likewise, the council also approved same measure along the southern portion of P. Paterno Street from the intersection of Tomas Pasion St. in the south west to Katipunan St. in the north east. Laoag Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Atty. Franklin Dante A. Respicio said the reclassification aims to invite investors to come to the city and explore possible investment. Records show, according to Mr. Respicio, that the reclassified lots are target areas

BATAC  mayor Albert D. Chua personally meets the city government scholars as he signs the signs the scholarship contracts of the additional 198 new scholars on August 4, 2018 as part of Batac’s Expanded High School Scholarship Program. The program aims to reach out to more Batac students in need of educational assistance. At present, there are 528 high school scholars in the city of Batac. (Batac City government photo)

Kas man dagiti karayan ken Agus ti biag a surotenda Ti maysa a panagbiahe Adda dagiti tugot a nasayaat a desdes Iti daladal dagiti agmarmaro Dagiti mangmangged Uray dagiti mannurat Ken disipulo da Lam-ang ken Bucaneg Ta kailalaanda dagiti balikas Iti ungto dagiti dila Ken pluma a naitugkel Sitatakderda iti maysa a paganninawan. Iti pluma ni Ilokano iti kasaluyotan A maiburandis a maimula dagiti bukel Iti tanap, iti bantay Iti sinilong ken kinelleng Awitenda ti krus Dagiti kantaanda a dalan Iti nailaga a samiweng iti sardam Uray dagiti tengnga’t rabii A panagpanunot ken ti agbariw-as A mangtukno ti langit Iti uniberso ti pangsangal Maputar latta dagiti balikas Ti ayat Ti lailo A mangimaldit iti estoria Ken pakasaritaan Ni Ilokano ken samtoy. Hulio 18, 2018 Amado I. Yoro

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The spacious air-conditioned auditorium of the Laoag City Hall opened its doors on July 17, 2019 for people with different disabilities as they filled every corner with art. Initiated by the Autism Society Philippines-Laoag Chapter in partnership with the City Government of Laoag and the Ilocos Norte National High School-Special Program in the Arts, more than a hundred persons with different disabilities expressed their thoughts in the world of art. From a blank page of coupon bond, participants blended different colors and turned these into unique creations. Their face lit up as they accomplished one thing. Some of the captivating display on the wall are shades of colorful sunset, trees, rivers, animals and some abstract paintings. In seeing the ability rather than the disability, Genevieve Arcangel, ASP-Laoag City Chapter president said “awareness and acceptance of these children with autism should start from

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Three Ilocos Norte athletes are in line for the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. According to Ilocos Norte sports consultant Faivo Bartolome the three shortlisted Ilocano athletes that may qualify for the honors under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) are Jesson Cid, Eric Ang and Victorino Barba. Raised in Dingras town, Mr. Cid is widely recognized as Southeast Asia ’ s best all-around athlete. At age 13, he began playing competitive basketball until sports officials persuaded him to try high jump. He later became the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) “iron man”. The UAAP even changed its rules to limit the number of events an athlete could compete in because of Mr. Cid, who excelled in a variety of athletic events. Trap shooter Eric Ang from Laoag City and is an Olympian.   He earned his ticket to the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a wildcard entry and placed 24 th out of 94 of the world ’ s be

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The complaint letter against Laoag City schools division superintendent Dr. Joel B. Lopez has reached the Dept. of Education’s Region I office. The complaint details alleged corruption and abuse of authority against Mr. Lopez. The letter, which the unknown writer/s also furnished The Ilocos Times , has also reportedly reached Education Sec. Leonor M. Briones. The letter has a date of April 27, 2018. The letter alleges that Mr. Lopez “demands and accepts amount of money in return for favors, like appointments for promotions”. It also stated that Mr. Lopez allegedly “demands percentage from winning bidders/contractors and labelling the amount for ‘the bereaved family’ as cover up.” The letter writer/s, which went by the name “Concerned Ilocanos”, also accuses Mr. Lopez of “selective hiring”, as he allegedly favors applicants that also belong to his religious affiliation. On top of these, it also claimed