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Batac hikes trike fare to P14

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Batac CITY —Using the oil price hike as well as the soaring prices of motorcycle spare parts as reasons, commuters in Batac City need to brace for additional expense as PHP3 pesos has been added from the current Php11 basic tricycle fare. On January 7, 2019, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved an ordinance prescribing the new fare rates for tricycle-for-hire in the city. Early on, the Batac Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (BATODA) asked for PHP14 fare increase for the first 1.5 kilometers and an additional PHP1 for every succeeding kilometer. Student fare is pegged at PHP12.50 for the first 1.5 kilometers plus PHP1 for every succeeding kilometer. As prescribed by law, both senior citizens and persons with disabilities shall continue to enjoy a 20% discount from the regular fare provided they present their authorized identification cards. According to Batac City Mayor Albert Chua, the trike increas

New majority rejects 2019 LC proposed budget

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The new majority in the Sangguniang Panlungsod here has disapproved the proposed Laoag City 2019 budget during a special session on January 3, 2019 with a vote of 7-5. “Nakakaskas-ang ngarud appo ta naayaban dagitoy maseknan a department heads ken personalities a kayat a pagdamagan dagiti kameng iti konseho ngem saan met a na maximize iti presence da”, Laoag vice Mayor and presiding officer Franklin Dante Respicio said. Prior to the voting, city accountant Edgar Pascual, city budget officer Angeline Castro, city social welfare and development officer Aurora Corpuz and the Laoag City General Hospital accountant Karen Joy Acosta were invited for further inquiry regarding the income and expenditures of said hospital. Mr. Respicio said that they should have continued the conduct of the session until the next day without adjournment so that they would have had a continuous discussion until all the concerns wou

Piddig barangay spawns flower farm

By Bernard Ver Contributor Piddig , Ilocos Norte—It feels and looks like a flower farm in Baguio; but the farm is located in the heart of this town. Located at Brgy. 15 Maruaya in this town, 22 kilometers from Laoag City, it is one of the coolest places in town. As such, the area is perfect for coffee, flower, and vegetable farms. The place is geographically located northeast of the town’s municipal hall. Dr. Cris Figuracion, one of the developers said that the flower farm opened to the public in time for the blooming season in the middle of December last year.   Mr. Figuracion added that the farm is administered by Piddig consultant Engr. Eddie Guillen. The farm has different varieties of flowers to include the popular Sunflower that is usually only seen in the mountains of Cordillera. Meanwhile, the municipal tourism council spearheaded by Piddig Mayor Georgina Salazar-Guillen says that “It is a perfect season of flowers that bloom in the cold mon

Mr. Laoag is Mister Model Worldwide 2018

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Mister of Filipinas Ocean 2017 Prior to his international title, the 22-year-old Laoagueño was crowned as Mister of Filipinas Ocean 2017 on September 30, 2017 at Esplanade Mall of Asia in Pasay City making him the country’s representative to the Mister Model Worldwide search. The said search, however, was postponed twice, and Mr. Pasion had to wait for it to finally begin. Thankful In a press interview, Mr. Pasion said he was so thankful for this unexpected award since he said he is a “neophyte” in the field of pageants. The Mr. Laoag 2017 was his first foray into the field. After which, he competed in the national Misters of Filipinas then finally to the Mister Model Worldwide. “ Hanggang ngayon parang di ko pa po in expect itong title kasi ang hirap po talaga makamit tapos ang hirap pang mag -adjust sa country nila sobrang lamig at hindi ko alam paano kainin ang foods nila ,” Mr. Pasion said smiling.

Ilocos Norte English language teachers to train students in China

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The People’s Republic of China is bent on improving its English proficiency level as it continues to invite English-trained professionals from the Philippines to share its expertise in China. Through the newly-created Chinese Desk under the Office of the Ilocos Norte Governor, Mr. Kenny Lim has bared plans to bring interested English trainers from the province to teach Chinese learners in China. Edwin Cariño, head of the Sustainable Development Center of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte confirmed this in preparation for the establishment of a language training center specializing in English education. “This is another good news to all Ilocanos especially those who are seeking for employment opportunities abroad,” said Mr. Cariño as he cited Chinese nationals engaged in hotel and restaurant service need to improve their English language communication skills. According to the 2017 English Proficiency Index

Laoag native wins Mister Model Worldwide 2018 Grand Winner

By Bernard Ver Contributor Laoag City —A few days before Christmas, another Filipino bagged an international crown next to Miss Universe Catriona Gray, as Carlo Pasion of this city became the Mister Model Worldwide 2018 Grand Winner. The Grand Night commenced at the City Park Resort in New Delhi, India where 16 candidates all over the world compered for the grand prize on December 22, 2018. Carlo was then Misters of Filipinas' Mister Ocean 2018. He is also a batchmate of Ion Perez who also got the title of Mister Universe 2018. Apart from winning the title, Mr. Pasion also won the Best Fashion Model special award at the said international modeling competition for men. Thailand’s Yutthakon Buddeesee took first runner-up; India’s Suraj Dahiya, the second runner-up; Bolivia’s Hugo Leigue Mendez, third runner-up; and Nigeria’s Ogburie Ebuka Pascal, fourth runner-up. The special awards winners are: Mister Photogenic – Ethiopia; Best National Costume –

West Riverside outreach

More than 300 residents of West Riverside, Laoag City received rice and grocery items during an outreach program held recently by the Bad Circle Runners (BCR). Aside from gift-giving, the group also conducted various games for the children in the said place. The activity was spearheaded by BCR president Aceyork P. Guerrero. (Jamine Micah Guerrero Rosal)