The Ilocos Times

Michael Ma of the China Philippines United Enterprises leads a Chinese delegate who paid a courtesy call to Laoag Mayor Michael Marcos-Keon. Other delegates are Wu Gang, chairperson of Jiu Zhu New Energy Automobile Group and Ruide Water Resources Technology Development Co. Ltd.; Wang Da, chairperson of Qingdao Beverage Group Co., Ltd. and Quingdai Laoshan Mineral Water Co., Ltd.; Tang Changsun, general manager of Qingdao Qingyin International Trade Co. Ltd; and Zhai Chengkai, dean of Ruide Water Research Institute and Professor and Doctoral Supervisor of Southeast University. (Doms dela Cruz)

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become familiar with the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) and go to the PCC if they believe there are violations of the law's provisions. PCC Commissioner Johannes Benjamin R. Bernabe in an October 23 forum on competition policy highlighted the importance for MSMES to be aware of what exploitative business practices can constitute the so-called "abuse of market dominance." “ K ung yung mga nakaka -deal ng mga MSMEs na maaaring malalaking kumpanya, kung kayo naman po yung supplier or intermediate user na maaaring naiipit ng malaking players sa mercado, ito naman iyong sinasabing relevant provision na kayo ang maaaring magsumbong sa PCC [If the MSMEs are dealing with big companies in the market as supplier or intermediate user and find themselves at a disadvantage, this may be the relevant provision that you can raise with the PCC]," said Mr. Bernab

  PH Men’s Olympic Trap Shooting Team, Eric Ang, Hagen Alexander J. Topacio and Carlos Carag win the gold in team event. (Contributed photo) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Ilokanos here rejoiced as they took pride of the lone Laoag City trap shooter Eric Ang for the winning gold medal for the trap shooting team event in the 30 th Southeast Asian Games. Mr. Ang, with Hagen Alexander Topacio and Carlos Carag represented the Philippines in Men’s Olympic Trap Team as they dislodged the Malaysians in team play with a total of 338 points. The Malaysians scored 330 points while Thailand placed third with 321 points. With this, a resolution sponsored by Sangguniang Panlungsod member Roger John Fariñas was passed to recognized Mr. Ang’s latest victory. “We, your fellow Laoagueños are so proud of you!,” said a congratulatory message to Mr. Ang which was posted in the official social network page of the Laoag City government just after the Filipino tra

  By Engr. Rachelle Anne K. Remigio Contributor Laoag City —The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-Ilocos Norte Laoag City Chapter kicked-off the annual celebration of the Civil Engineering month on November 17, 2019 with the theme “PICE, Building Tomorrow, Today”. A thanksgiving mass was conducted at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Mangato, this city followed by a Motorcade. The yearly anticipated CE Month Basketball Tournament was launched at Mangato-B Multi-Purpose Hall. Seven teams: Associates, Builders, Highways, PICE Mixers, PICE DWCL, PICE MMSU, and PICE NWU will be competing against each other until the December 14, 2019 finale. On the other hand, PICE-INLACC awarded financial assistance to PICE Student Chapters who will attend the 22 nd National Civil Engineering Students Conference in Baguio City on November 19-20, 2019. PICE-INLACC also organized more events for the month-long celebration. PICE-INLACC officers will pay a courtesy

The Department of Agriculture accelerates the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) by releasing the P10 billion allotment to implementing agencies. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said 32 percent, or PHP3.2 billion, is being used for RCEF program activities such as procurement of high-quality inbred seeds, bidding of farm machines, granting of loans, and training of rice specialists. “[RCEF activities] are timely as [it’s generally the start of rice cropping season]. Now, the program is rolling out and [recently launched] in Roxas, Isabela. [We’re starting to make] the farmers productive, competitive, and progressive through the program,” Dar said in a press conference, Tuesday, at the Agricultural Training Institute in Quezon City. Under seed component, Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, deputy executive director for special concerns of Philippine Rice Research Institute, said about 2 million bags of seeds are procured as of Oct. 18 while more than 2,000 bags of certified

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Batac City —In a bid to teach schoolchildren here this city’s history, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has requested the Department of Education (DepEd) thru schools division superintendent Dr. Joel Lopez to integrate the city’s history as part of their curriculum in all levels. Batac has been known to as “The Home of Great Leaders”, as many significant historical figures in the history of the Philippines were born or raised here. Batac, as a town, was founded by the Augustinians in 1587 and is considered to be one of the oldest towns of the old Ilocos. From its classification as fourth class municipality in July 1987 to a first-class municipality in November 2005, Batac proved its strong development, leading it to achieve its dream of cityhood. Batac councilor Kichel Jomarie Pungtilan, who sponsored the measure, said teaching the history of Batac in schools will give students an idea about the works, contributions and heroism o

The induction of the newly elected Philippine Councilors League (PCL) 2019 Regional Council Officers was recently held wherein Laoag councilor Handy T. Lao was elected as regional secretary general (3 rd  from right) and Ilocos Norte councilors Jonathan Toralba, Zaida Hershey Mandac and Mel Lawrence Coloma were elected as regional council directors. Regional chairperson is Ramon C. Ortega, vice chairperson Carol Sison, treasurer Tanya Roberta De Guzman, auditor Orlando Cabang, PIO Michael Fernandez, and council directors Restituto Dandasan, Aileen Acal, Antonio Perez, Ramon Bautista Jr. Dennis Canto and Maria Rosario Eufrosina Nisce. (Doms dela Cruz)