The Ilocos Times

Laoag City —“When we discuss tourism, it's not the economy and visitors but more so the families and livelihoods that rely on this powerhouse of an industry. Let us make sure that we prioritize the people behind this dear industry and make sure that they are the ones that benefit the most from this reopening." Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc urged during the launching of the “Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor” at the Baguio Convention Center on September 22, 2020. National and regional tourism chiefs, Region I local chief executives, heads of tourism councils, and presidents of tourism organizations spearheaded the "Ridge and Reef" launch, alongside presenting available itineraries and local products. Meanwhile, the Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, reiterated that the previous memorandum of agreement signing aimed to foster the establishment of green lanes for tourists and promote safe travel and seamless interconnectivity of land voyage,

  Laoag City —The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), has started the distribution of cash assistance to public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers who were displaced during the suspension of public transportation services under the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on August 27, 2020. The provincial government provided PHP1,275 to 297 recipients out of 995 PUJ drivers in exchange for clearing drainages, unclogging canal systems, and cleaning the surroundings in their respective municipalities. “ Itong cash-for-work program namin ay in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office at Environment and Natural Resources Office. Ang first batch ng recipients natin ay ang mga naunang nakapagpasa ng mga dokumento. Nauna na ang mga Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations na may ruta dito sa Laoag City, Pasuquin, Bacarra at San Nicolas,” Lauren Eman Bayangos, MINC personnel, said. Eddie Aquin

  By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco  (Contributor)  “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” This is one of the quotes about life that Melody Allado from Paoay, Ilocos Norte held on to as the opportunity to study in the People's Republic of China came knocking at her door in the year 2016. She was a high school student back then, but a great destiny is already ahead of her. The Chinese Consulate in Laoag, an embassy of China located in Laoag City, set up an academic scholarship to support local students to study in China. Through the help of the local government, the embassy scouted for outstanding candidates who are fit to study in one of the largest countries. Through the help of her friends and her Mandarin teacher at Paoay National High School, Melody went beyond her comfort zones and willing to let go of a planned life for a life that is something bigger than her. “With the encouragement of my good frien

By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —The city’s Commission on Election (Comelec) office is now open for voter’s registration starting on September 1, 2020 onwards. The elections office is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. City elections officer Atty. Julius Balbas announced that the filing of applications for registration start on Tuesdays thru Saturdays without satellite voter’s registration. He added that applicants must be 18 years old on or before May 2022 election period. He also stated that the elections office will also accept transfer and corrections of records application. Transferees should bring with them their identification cards or certification from their present barangay where they are staying; while new applicants should bring with them birth certificates and valid IDs. The elections officer also advised applicants to bring with them their application form, which they can download at www.comelec.gov.ph ; applicants, however should be fill out t

  By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH) officials strongly denied allegations that the hospital is on the “verge of bankruptcy”. In a press conference held October 1, 2o20 at the LCGH, chief of clinics Dr. Mary Ann Yasay-Luis and hospital administrator Dr. Elizer Asuncion presented the accounts payable of the hospital since June 2011 to June 2019, in the amount of PHP78 million. The debt is to hospital suppliers. The longtime LCGH administrator said the new administration “unluckily inherited” these payables. He added “it’s not easy to manage the hospital without fund available on its day-to-day operation, however, the operation of the hospital must continue to operate in order to serve the people who are in need of medical assistance”. Mr. Asuncion also pointed out that when the new city administration assumed the reins of power, LCGH was already living akin to “ isang kahig, isang tuka ” existence. Due to the PHP78 millio

Laoag City --The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the initiative of Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, will launch its "Speak up, I'm here" mental health movement to help address the increasing number of psychological-related incidents in the province. The movement is created due to consecutive suicide-related cases reported in these past months. According to the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, there is a 32% increase in suicide incidents compared to their August 2019 data. "Speak up, I'm here" aims to expand the service delivery network to address mental health issues, encourage positive psychological practices, try to prevent suicide and improve mental health situations, and decrease mental health-related incidents. On October 1, 2020, the implementing offices, the Communications and Media Office, the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office, Gender and Development Office, and the Provincial Public Employment Service Office

  Chinese consul and head of post Zhou Youbin, and MMSU President Shirley Agrupis lead the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Chinese corner at the ground floor of the MMSU main library. Said corner features various book titles, a television set, DVD player, teaching materials, and photo exhibits to be used by university faculty and students. ( Lei Adriano)   By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter CITY of Batac —A Chinese corner, measuring around 7 by 13 meters is now open at the first floor of the main library building of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University in this city. The corner features various book titles, a television set, DVD player, teaching materials, and photo exhibits for use by university faculty and students. Leading the unveiling ceremony on Sept. 3, 2020 are Chinese consul and head of post Zhou Youbin and MMSU President Shirley Agrupis. In her speech, Dr. Agrupis said the reopening of the Chinese corner is another miles