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PGIN unveils 41 i-hub centers

April 24, 2016, 1:41 am
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—At least 41 information hubs (i-hubs) in the province are now ready to embark on a new level of technology-infused education program to empower more Ilocanos living in rural communities.

In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology (DOST-ICT) office, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte under the administration of Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos launched on April 7 the Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) project which aims to establish centers in rural and underserved areas to have better access to ICT services, learning resources and opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

The Tech4ED platform is being offered by the DOST-ICT to provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of their level of education and economic status.

Targeting mostly out-of-school youths, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and any individual who is interested to expand his knowledge and skills for economic development, Zendy Sollano of the DOST-ICT for Tech4Ed program said Ilocos Norte is more than ready for the establishment of the centers with its in place infrastructure.

“Ilocos Norte i-hubs have excellent equipment and this makes your province ready. Hopefully, the people will know that there is such as center where they could go to,” she said following the Tech4ED launching program held at the pioneering i-hub center and provincial library based at the second floor of the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

For example, out of school youths who are interested to study ALS (Alternative Learning System) can go to the center and avail of its digital version equipped with video and audio.

Compared to attending traditional teacher-student classroom discussion, a learner can learn at his own phase via interactive learning format with the aid of a computer with internet connectivity.

Key services under Tech4ED are eGovServ for government transactions such as applications for birth certificate, driver’s license and clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), among others; eEduSkills for learning on demand, including the Alternative Learning System and courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and eAssist, which aims to enhance digital and financial literacy.


Meanwhile, a two-day training was conducted on April 6 to 7, 2016 for local ICT coordinators of municipal and school i-hubs which include librarians from the Mariano Marcos State University.
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Comelec designates LC common poster areas

April 24, 2016, 1:48 am
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By Dominic B. Dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—The city election officer here announced the common poster areas in Laoag for the May 9 general elections.

Atty. Julius Harvey Balbas said the designated common poster areas in the city are on barangay halls, dap-ayans, multi-purpose halls, Day-Care Centers and public basketball courts.

However, he added that posters may also be mounted on the south of Pentecostal Church at Barangay 5, in front of Shamrock Elementary School, Sacred Heart Chapel, Gabaldon Elementary School and the Barangay Office Council at Barangay 9, north of Barit Elementary School, Pila Elementary School and Casili Elementary School.  

The campaign period for local candidates started on March 25 and will end on May 7, 2016.

Mr. Balbas said the city election office is coordinating with the police in the implementation of “Operation Baklas.” The said operation removes posters not in common poster areas.

He added though that they would allow campaign materials within private properties provided it has the consent of owners.

Republic Act No.9006, or the Fair Election Act, provides in Section 9 that, “The COMELEC may authorize political parties and party-list groups to erect common poster areas for their candidates in not more than ten (10) public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers and the like, wherein candidates can post, display or exhibit election propaganda: Provided, That the size of the poster areas shall not exceed twelve (12) by sixteen (16) feet or its equivalent.

Independent candidates with no political parties may likewise be authorized to erect common poster areas in no more than ten (10) public places, the size of which shall not exceed four (4) by six (6) feet or its equivalent.”

The posting of campaign materials in public places outside of the designated common poster areas such as streets, bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines, main thoroughfares and the like is prohibited. Persons posting the same shall be held liable together with the candidates and other persons who caused the posting.


Usually, the Comelec authorizes the creation of Task Force to Tear Down and Remove Unlawful Election Material with the duties and functions to tear down and remove campaign propaganda materials posted in public places outside the common poster areas, illegal campaign materials wherever posted or displayed, monitor and watch out for persons posting or distributing unlawful election paraphernalia. The Task Force members are authorized to apprehend violators caught in the act, and file the appropriate charges against the said violators.
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Ilocos Norte’s agriculture program prioritizes climate change mitigation

April 24, 2016, 1:52 am
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Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos during the second Water Summit. (Alaric Yanos)
Jennifer T. Pambid
PGIN-CMO

LAOAG CITY—With the expected adverse impact of climate change in Ilocos Norte, the provincial government here is intensifying efforts to address possible agricultural issues, primarily severe drought.

To achieve this, the provincial government is visiting various agricultural communities through its “Paspas Dur-as Biag ti Away!” program. The visit would help the local government identify farmers’ problems and needs.

The agricultural program was launched in November last year and was integrated with the Manang Imee’s Capitol Express.

The program focuses on enhancing agriculture quality by providing support services to Ilocos Norte farmers. It also attempts to improve farming practices in the provinces.

Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos said the program ensures farmers’ association in the province are given agricultural products and equipment. Included are seeds, tractors, water pumps and backpack sprayers, all of which enhance productivity.

Pasuquin Liga ng mga Barangay President Chino Aguinaldo, one of the recipients of water pumps and backpack sprayers, thanked Ms. Marcos for her efforts to help the farmers.

“We thank her for prioritizing the welfare of the farmers. These will be a great help to the farmers in our barangay since the primary source of livelihood here in Pasuquin comes from farming,” he said in Ilocano.

Noting that drought may further threaten numerous communities that rely on farming, Ms. Marcos partnered the provincial government with different institutions. The partnerships are expected to address climate change’s adverse impacts in the province.

The local government has also started developing and improving small farm reservoirs, water impounding projects and diversion dams.

“We have enjoined both public and private sectors to take part in our advocacy in building a sustainable and resilient community. Our Provincial Resiliency Council has intensified its information dissemination regarding disaster preparedness as well as our promotion of environment-friendly practices which includes water conservation and planting high value crops,” Ms. Marcos said.
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PhilRice adapts a simplified virus detection tool for rice

April 24, 2016, 10:41 pm
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Scientists at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have adapted a simplified method to detect viruses in plant and insect vectors using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique.

LAMP assay has been proven useful in detecting viruses in animals and humans, said Dr. Emmanuel Tiongco. His team, composed of Dr. Xuan Hoai Truong, Ms. Ma. Johna Duque, and Dr. Rubigilda Paraguison-Alili (Central Luzon State University), extended the application of this method to rice viruses in the Philippines.

The method enables detection of the rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) in plants even before common symptoms become noticeable.

“Through this application, major rice virus diseases and insect vectors can be diagnosed in a fast, efficient, and accurate method,” Dr. Tiongco said.

Using the method, RTBV can be detected 1 day after infection. The widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detects RTBV 3 days after infection.

Additionally, Dr. Tiongco said that LAMP assay detects the rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV) and the rice dwarf virus (RDV) not only in rice plants but also in their respective brown planthopper and green leafhopper vectors. This way, the impending virus spread is known even before rice crop establishment.

Existing virus detection tools, Dr. Tiongco commented, have difficulties in detecting viruses that are of low titer (strength of a substance’s solution) aside from being arduous and time consuming.

Easy to follow procedures, cheaper equipment required, high level of specificity, and simple result determination by merely looking at the change in color of the test solution are among the advantages of the newly developed method.

Dr. Tiongco and his team have conducted training programs for agricultural technicians, rice researchers, and extension workers about this new method at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in Nueva Ecija and its stations in Isabela, Negros, and Midsayap.


This early virus detection tool, said Dr. Tiongco, is useful for pest control officers. The reliable and prompt results it provides can lead to proactive solutions, and hence, prevent viral disease epidemic. 
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Amputee considers wheelchair from PGIN her most valuable gift

April 24, 2016, 10:45 pm
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Ermelina Asuncion with Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos. (Alaric Yanos)

By Jennifer T. Pambid
PGIN-CMO


“My words are not enough to express my gratitude to Governor Imee Marcos for giving me this most valuable present I have ever received in my entire life,” teary-eyed Ermelina Asuncion said after receiving a wheelchair from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN).


Through the Social Welfare and Development Office, PGIN gives wheelchairs to indigent Ilocanos from different towns and cities who are in need of medical assistance.

Ms. Asuncion sought help from PGIN and requested for a wheelchair during the previous visit of Manang Imee’s Capitol Express in their town. When she finally had her request, she couldn’t contain her happiness.

Ms. Asuncion, 65 years old and a resident of Barangay 6, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, had her one leg amputated few years ago due to diabetes.

She shared that she always had a very hard time doing things alone. According to her, she always struggles pushing a monobloc chair in order to walk.

“Life is so hard for us and I have no choice because my husband and children have to leave me alone for their work,” she said in Ilocano.

Noting that they never had enough money to buy a wheelchair, she thanked the provincial government and Governor Marcos for their unending assistance to disadvantaged people like her.

By having the wheelchair, she will not have to struggle doing house chores anymore, she added.

“This is a very big help as it brings new hope for me to continue appreciating life,” she concluded.

Manang Imee’s Capitol Express, which was launched by PGIN on July 2013 in Banna, Ilocos Norte, is a roving one-stop shop which offers free medical and dental services, consultations on livelihood, employment and scholarships, among others.

It aims to bring the frontline services of the provincial government to the far-flung areas in Ilocos Norte wherein people have limited access to the capitol.
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DOST tabs Ilocos Norte as alternative hub of IT-BPM

April 24, 2016, 10:49 pm
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Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos with her fellow awardees. (Photo courtesy of DOST-ICTO)
By John Michael Mugas
PGIN-CMO

The Department of Science and Technology–Information and Communication Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) together with the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and Leechio Property Consultants (LPC) recognized Ilocos Norte for its outstanding potential to become an alternative hub of Information Technology–Business Process Management (IT-BPM) in the Philippines.

In the awarding ceremony held March 30, 2016 in Makati City, Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos accepted the award for Ilocos Norte’s capital, Laoag City, as one of the ten Emerging Locations for IT–BPM.

Ms. Marcos also received the Best Infrastructure Award for the province’s road quality, hotel availability, presence of international and domestic roads, power infrastructure, and telecommunication infrastructure among others.

This is the second time the province was given the award; the first award was given in 2o12.

Since assuming the province’s top post, Ms. Marcos always highlighted that the modern infrastructure and significant supply of talent are two of the most essential resources of the province that can contribute to the growing success of the country’s IT-BPM industry.

Vowing to make more jobs available in Ilocos Norte, Ms. Marcos is making intensive efforts to attract Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies to invest in the province.

Ms. Marcos has always placed great pride on Ilocos Norte’s wide availability of talented and skilled workforce making the province as an ideal venue for BPO investment.

With this, Accenture and Expert Global Solutions, two of the world’s leading BPO companies, have opened in Ilocos Norte offering a total of 6,500 jobs for Ilocanos.
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Sarrat

April 24, 2016, 10:51 pm
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ONCE THE capital of Ilocos Norte, Sarrat was last thrust to national prominence during the wedding of Irene R. Marcos—daughter of the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Since then, it has reverted back to being a sleepy town.

On April 9, 2016 over at Bombo Radyo Laoag’s “Debate sa Bombo,” Sarrat was put in the spotlight. The two mayoralty candidates—former Sarrat Mayor Corazon R. Abad and former Sarrat Vice Mayor Remigio B. Medrano—slugged it out. Issues were brought out and plans were revealed.

A lot of people did take notice. After all, Sarrat is also the birth place of Ilocos Norte’s most famous and beloved personality—the former President Marcos. And both candidates acknowledged the fact that Sarrat was slowly being outpaced by other towns in Ilocos Norte. San Nicolas, which is also a Laoag neighboring municipality is now almost a city; Piddig which is farther from the provincial capital has grown by leaps and bounds; and Sarrat has remained almost stagnant in terms of development.

That Sarrat should have taken advantage of possible business overflow from Laoag City the way San Nicolas grabbed the opportunity didn’t happen. Neither did the town make the most out of existing opportunities.

Of course, blame could not be laid down solely on the current administration. All the successes the other municipalities now enjoy began a long time ago. All of them have been a slow build—methodical, surgical and very forward-looking. The only flaw that could be attributed to Sarrat’s current state is the inability of its leaders to set long-term goals that they could have slowly—but surely—attained in time. Unfortunately, not one of the previous administrations came up with a solid development plan.

The bridging of the municipality southern and northern portions of the municipality should have given them a lot of opportunities. But travelling through Sarrat to eastern Ilocos Norte was not only boring and tiresome, it has become uncomfortable. Save for a handful of gasoline stations, there are no restaurants, convenience stores or even tourist shops that would have catered to both local and domestic tourists. Travelers would have to wait until the next town to buy whatever they may need.

The mentality—boastfully emphasized by a Sarrat resident—that all they need are all in Laoag is not only awkward but more so self-defeating. It paints their lack of pride on their town and probably their contentment for their town to remain what it is today.

Sarrat is slowly being left behind by other towns in the province. And should both residents and officials let it so, the town would stick out like a sore thumb with all other towns taking advantage of the tourism and agriculture boom in the province.


But just as in all other cases, it is the Sarrateños decision. However, they should also remember that time is no longer on their side. And should they again miss this opportunity, Sarrat would indeed become the forgotten town.
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Miss Ani Festival 2016

April 25, 2016, 6:53 pm
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Search for Miss Ani Festival 2016 winners (from left) 1st Runner-Up Regina Calong; Miss Ani Festival 2016 Princess Erica Badanguio; Movie Actor and Judge Carlos Agassi; Miss ABC 2016 Janverly Balais; Dingras Mayor Erdio Valenzuela; Miss Ecotourism 2016 Ana Thea Bayudan and 2nd Runner-Up Krayechelle Ramos. Coronation night was held on March 20. (Doms dela Cruz)


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Notices for April 11, 2016

April 25, 2016, 6:56 pm
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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late LEONARDO B. DIÑO who died on 21 July 2015 in Laoag City consisting of parcels of land covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-34463, Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-31823 and residential building under Tax Declaration No. 08-064-00851, High Dividend Fund with Confirmation of Participation No. 1500164425, shares of Capital Stocks with the Philippine National Bank under Certificate Nos. 358272, 416787 and 462582 and insurance proceeds at Beneficial Life Insurance under Policy No. 000100536 has been extrajudicially settled by his heirs per extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights executed by Notary Public Atty. KALVIN HENSON C. PASCUAL as per Doc. No. 214; Page No. 43; Bk. No. I; S. of 2015 dated December 08, 2015.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late STANBERG B. RAGONJAN a.k.a. ESTUMBERD B. RAGONJAN who died on 02 December 2015 in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte consisting of deposits with the Philippine National Bank-Laoag Branch under PNBig Savings Private Account No. 5707471400000011, Peso Savings Account No. 0490-951715, Market Rate Savings Deposit Account No. 0495-021352 and Banco de Oro (BDO)- Laoag Branch under Peso Time Deposit Account No. 309606235801 has been extrajudicially settled by his heirs per extrajudicial settlement executed by Notary Public Atty. ADEL CRISTINA Z. DIÑO as per Doc. No. 401; Page No. 81; Bk. No. IX; S. of 2016 dated February 11, 2016.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC


          Calling the attention of the biological parents who left their two-day old child in front of the door house of Mrs. Maria Liza L. Eda sometime April 25, 2005 between 4:00am to 4:30am. The said child was put in a box and wrapped with a white baby cloth. Mrs. Eda pitied the child hence she took the child and immediately informed her husband who was in abroad. Since the couple is childless, they considered and treated the child as their own. Since then up to present the parents of the child did not appear to claim her child back.
          Minor is now 11 years old, under the continuous care and custody of guardian. Said minor is being sought for adoption by the custodian hence the need for the biological mother/parents or other concerned relatives of the minors to appear the soonest time and report or contact DSWD Sub- Office, Provincial Capitol, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Failure to appear would mean disinterested on her part. Hence DSWD will undertake for the issuance of the Certification that minor will be legally available for adoption.
          For further details about the child pls. contact the following persons:
          MARCELO NICOMEDES CASTILLO – REGIONAL DIRECTION
          CLARIVEL BANZUELA          - SWO IV CBSS Unit Head
At DSWD-Field Office I, San Fernando City, La Union with telephone numbers (072)888-41-80;888 25-05; 88821-84 and DSWD Provincial Office telephone number (077) 772 04-64
(SGD.) NOEMIE KATHLEEN T. BALBUENA
Social Welfare Officer II
April 11, 2016*IT

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
FIRST JUDICIAL REGION
BRANCH 19
Bangui, Ilocos Norte

TERESITA CADIENTE-
MACADANGDANG,
Petitioner,
-versus-
HASLE VIDAL MACADANGDANG
Respondent.
CIVIL CASE No. 2623-19

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DECISION

          IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, the petition is hereby GRANTED as judgement is hereby rendered declaring the marriage contracted by petitioner TERESITA CADIENTE-MACADANGDANG to respondend HASLE VIDAL MACADANGDANG solemnized on November 28, 1994 at Burgos , Isabela NULL and VOID pursuant to Article 36 of the Family Code of the Philippines.
          Upon finality of this Decision, copy shall be furnished each to the Office of the Civil Registrar of Burgos, Isabela where the marriage was solemnized and the National Census and Statistics Office, Manila for their appropriate action consisting with this Decision. Let a copy of the dispositive portion of this decision be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least once. The Decree of Absolute Nullity shall be issued upon finality thereof.
          SO ORDERED.
          Given in chambers this 4th day of April 2016 at Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
(SGD) ROSEMARIE V. RAMOS
Presiding Judge
Copy Furnished:
Atty. Maricet Buena T. Galiza-Concepcion
Teresita Cadiente-Macadangdang
Hasle Vidal Macadangdang
Civil Registrar, Burgos, Isabela
National Statistics Office, Manila
Provincial Prosecutor of Ilocos Norte
Solicitor General
April 11, 2016*IT
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R.A. Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)
Republic of the Philippines
Local Civil Registry Office
Province of Ilocos Norte
Municipality of Badoc

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
          In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that TERESITA PALAFOX TORRES has filed with this Office a petition for change of name of first name from FAUSTINA to  TERESITA in the birth certificate of FAUSTINA C. PALAFOX who was born on July 26, 1960 at Badoc, Ilocos Norte and whose parents are FERMIN PALAFOX and LILIA CAJIGAL.
          Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 25, 2016.
(SGD) PABLO M. REYES
Municipal Civil Registrar
April 11-17, 18-24, 2016*IT
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
FIRST JUDICIAL REGION
BRANCH 18, BATAC, ILOCOS NORTE

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE ADOPTION OF MINORS BRANDON JACOB GAMBOL & DEREK AIDEN GAMBOL,

SPS. WILLIAM P. GAMBOL & LOLITA B. GAMBOL,
Petitioners.
Sp. Proc. No. 5536-18
x-------------------------------------------x

ORDER
          This is a verified Petition for the adoption of minors BRANDON JACOB GAMBOL and DEREK AIDEN GAMBOL filed by Spouses WILLIAM P. GAMBOL and LOLITA B. GAMBOL of Brgy. 19 Bungro, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, seeking the Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing, judgment be rendered into the effect that minors BRANDON JACOB GAMBOL and DEREK AIDEN GAMBOL be freed from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance with respect to their biological mother and be, to all legal intents and purposes, the children of the petitioners pursuant to the provisions of RA 8552, otherwise known as the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 and its implementing Rules and Regulations.
          The initial hearing is hereby set on October 3, 2016 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Session Hall of this Court, located at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Batac City and on such date, time and place, all interested parties may appear and may file his/her opposition on the same before such scheduled date of hearing and to show cause why the Petition should not be given due course.
          Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Ilocos Norte once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner and posted on the Bulletin Board inside the Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Batac City.
          Let copies of the Petition and this Order be furnished the court Social Welfare Officer, Regional Trial Court, Office of the Clerk of Court, Batac City, who is directed to conduct the Home and Child Study Report, and the Office of the Solicitor General, Manila.
          SO ORDERED.
          Batac City, March 29, 2016.

(SGD) FRANCISCO R.D. QUILALA
Acting Presiding Judge
Copy Furnished:
Atty. Da Vinci M. Crisostomo, Batac City.
Office of the Solicitor General, Makati City
Prov’l Pros. Ruena B. Abanto, OPP, Batac City
The Social Welfare Officer, RTC-OCC, Batac City
The petitioners
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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DEED OF ADJUDICATION OF ESTATE WITH SALE
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late GLICERIA C. RACPAN consisting of a parcel of land designated as Lot 968B, PSD-012805-027367, being a portion of Lot 968, Cad-398, Batac Cadastre, L.R.C. Rec. No. ___ covered by TCT No. T-19793 containing an area of 960 sq.m. situated at Brgy. Caunayan, Batac, Ilocos Norte has been adjudicated by her heirs and simultaneously sold the northern portion of the above-described parcel of land containing an area of 860 sq.m. to Sps. VIRGILIO MARASIGAN and CAROLINE GRACE MARASIGAN ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public WINDELL D. CHUA as per Doc. No. 100; Page No. 21; Bk. No. XXXVI; S. of 2015.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND ABSOLUTE SALE
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the deceased SPS. CAMILO MELCHOR and VALENTINA MARCOS MELCHOR, AURELIA MELCHOR FRANCISCO, JOSE MELCHOR and his wife ROSARIO MARTIN MELCHOR, consisting of a parcel of land designated as Lot 4583-B of the Laoag, Cadastre covered by TCT No. 17108 containing an area of 3,981 sq.m. situated at Brgy. 48A, Cabungaan, Laoag City has been adjudicated by their heirs extrajudicially and simultaneously sold to ANGEL UTLEG, JR. married to ERMELYN SORIANO UTLEG ratified and acknowledged before Notary  Public JUAN CONRADO A. RESPICIO II as per Doc. No. 166; Page No. 34; Bk. No. CDXIII; S. of 2015.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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DEED OF ADJUDICATION WITH SALE
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late SERAFIN UGOT consisting of a parcel of land designated as Lot No. 24696, Cad-398 under OCT No. P-25869 containing an area of 1,416 sq.m. situated at Brgy. 17, Tabug, Batac, Ilocos Norte has been adjudicated by his heirs and simultaneously sold to Sps. RODEL S. GALANO and EVANGELINE B. GALANO ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public DA VINCI M. CRISOSTOMO as per Doc. No. 195; Page No. 40; Bk. No. CCXCVII; S. of 2015.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH QUITCLAIM
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late ESPERANZA PARBO and EGENIO UMOTOY AKA APOLONIO UMOTOY AKA JACINTO UMOTOY consisting of a parcel of land designated as Lot No. 573 of the Batac Cadastre, Cadastral Case No.  N-1-IV, L.R.C. Cadastral Record No. N-523 covered by OCT No. 0-3444 containing an area of 128.50 sq.m. situated in barrio No. 9, Aglipay, Batac, Ilocos Norte has been the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement with Quitclaim executed by their heirs in favour of LEONCIO P. UMOTOY with an area of 64.25 sq.m. ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public DA VINCI M. CRISOSTOMO as per Doc. No. 354; Page No. 72; Bk. No. CCCIX; S. of 2016.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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EXTRAJUDICIAL ADJUDICATION AND QUITCLAIM
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late PEDRO LAGASCA consisting of two (2) parcels of land designated as Lot Nos. 1 Plan Psu-5916 and 2-B Subdivision of Lot No. 2 Plan Psu-5916 containing an area of 956, 840 sq.m. and 68,724 sq.m. both situated in the Barrio of Davila, Municipality of Pasuquin has been the subject of Extrajudicial Adjudication and Quitclaim executed by his heir and the one-half of the entire estate above-described including the improvements existing thereon ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public FE P. ACOSTA AGUINALDO as per Doc. No. 1729; Page No. 73; Bk. No. LXI; S. of 1997
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF A DECEASED PERSON WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late SPS. RICARTE GUMARAD and JUSTA U. GUMARAD consisting of three (3) parcels of land designated as Lot Nos. 14247-G, CSD-012815-004887 (AR) VLT, 18042-C, CSD-0012815-004889 (AR) VLT and 14258-P covered by TCT Nos. C-2084 and C-2069 and ARP No. 14-007-00436 containing an area of 9,783 sq.m., 4,175 sq.m. and 2,240 sq.m. all situated at Brgy. Caparispisan, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte has been the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate of a Deceased Person with Waiver of Rights executed by his heirs in favour of NELITA GUMARAD MARTINEZ ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public ZAIDE E. RAVELO as per Doc. No. 347; Page No. 18; Bk. No. IX; S. of 2015.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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DEED OF ADJUDICATION AND ABSOLUTE SALE
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late  SANTOS JAIME CUSTODIO consisting of four (4) parcels of land designated as Lot Nos. 7988, 7990, 7993, and 7976 all of Cad-574-D covered by OCT Nos. P-6350, P-6351, P-6352 and P-6441 containing an area of 939 sq.m., 389 sq.m., 1,854 sq.m. and 2,083 sq.m., with improvements thereon all situated at Brgy. Bagbago, Solsona, Ilocos Norte has been adjudicated by his heir and simultaneously sold to MARIANNE P. MORALES-PARAISO married to JOEL PARAISO ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public JOSEPHUS P. NEREZ as per Doc. No. 415; Page No. 42; Bk. No. XII; S. of 2016.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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SELF-ADJUDICATION OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE CO
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late GEORGE M. CO consisting of a parcel of land designated as Lot  No. 24058 under TD. No. 14-0009-00660 containing an area of 4,873 sq.m. situated in Barrio Bomitog (8), Banna, Ilocos Norte and bank deposits RCBC (May Access Card) bearing Card No. 5892704010592357 under Acct. No. 1240009257; BPI EXPRESS TELLER (Magallanes, Pasay City Branch) under a Peso and USD Account with the amont of PHP 58,773.80 and USD 5,282.62 respectively and BPI (Forbes Park, Makati City Branch) bearing Card. No. 5895590299031135 has been adjudicated by his heirs ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public SANDRO MARIE N. OBRA as per Doc. No. 308; Page No. 52; Bk. No. I; S. of 2016.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF DECEASED PERSON WITH QUITCLAIM
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate of late SPS. SANTIAGO ABITONG AND FILOMENA BITONG, SANTIAGO E. ABITONG JR., JEREMIAS E. ABITONG and ORLANDO E. ABITONG consisting of three (3) parcels of land containing an area of 886 sqm., 461 sq.m., and 160 sq.m., designated as Lot 15158-B, Psd 012805-023012, being a portion of Lot 15158, Cad-398, Batac Cadastre situated in the Barrio of Bungon, Mun. Of Batac, Province of Ilocos Norte has been the subject of Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Deceased Person with Quitclaim executed by their heirs ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public VICENTE O. ORAP as per Doc. No. 245; Page No. 50; Bk. No. I; S. of 2016.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF DECEASED PERSON WITH QUITCLAIM
          Notice is hereby given that the intestate of late SPS. SANTIAGO ABITONG AND FILOMENA BITONG, SANTIAGO E. ABITONG JR., JEREMIAS E. ABITONG and ORLANDO E. ABITONG consisting of three (3) parcels of land designated as Lot Nos. 17086, 17087 and 16950 all of Cad 398 Batac Cadastre covered by OCT Nos. P-8224, P-7691 and 398 containing an area of 1,401 sq.m., 1,194 sq.m. and 1,046 sq.m. situated in the Barrio of No. 13, Municipality of Batac, Province of Ilocos Norte has been the subject of Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Deceased Person with Quitclaim executed by their heirs ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public ANTONIO V. TIONG as per Doc. No. 102; Page no. 22; Bk. No. IX; S. of 2016.
April 11, 18, 25, 2016*IT
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RA Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)

Republic of the Philippines
Local Civil Registry
Office Province: ILOCOS NORTE
City/Municipality: VINTAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that MYRNA BITANGA ROSETE has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from RUTH LIZA to MYRNA in the birth certificate of MYRNA BITANGA ROSETE who was born on May 16, 1958 at Vintar, Ilocos Norte and whose parents are WENCESLO BITANGA and ZOSIMA CALZADA.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 18, 2016.

(SGD) MENELEO JOEY J. LEAÑO
Municipal Civil Registrar

April 4-10, 11-17, 2016*IT


---000---


RA Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)

Republic of the Philippines
Local Civil Registry
Office Province: ILOCOS NORTE
City/Municipality: VINTAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that FREDDIE ROTONI PASCUA has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from FRED to FREDDIE in the birth certificate of FREDDIE ROTONI PASCUA who was born on December 29, 1959 at Vintar, Ilocos Norte and whose parents are ALFREDO PASCUA and MELANIA ROTONI.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 18, 2016.

(SGD) MENELEO JOEY J. LEAÑO
Municipal Civil Registrar

April 4-10, 11-17, 2016*IT




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A turning point for a young mom-entrepreneur

April 25, 2016, 6:59 pm
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Nicole Rudio and baby Kai

By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—It took a new mom to realize the huge market potential for babies’ products when she gave birth to a cute baby boy, who is turning one on June. 

Nicole Rudio, 36, started her home-based online business of making personalized and fashionable baby moccasins made of quality faux leather when she decided to resign from work and become a hands-on mom to Kai. 

Nicole used to be call center agent, then a Casino dealer and later on she tried her stint in government service as she headed the Ilocos Norte Public Employment Service Office under the Provincial Government until she became a full-time mom. 

For years, Nicoleand her husband struggled to have a baby and when Kai finally arrived, the couple made it a point that the baby comes first. 

With a basic sewing skills, she learned from high school, the fashionista mom was inspired to make baby “moccs” for Kai which is a fad in the United States.

Learning by trial and error, her skills were enhanced by researching some sewing tips in the internet. An unexplained feeling of excitement and satisfaction filled the air when her first project fitted perfectly to her baby. 

As baby moccs sold in the malls and online market are rare and quite expensive, Nicole said she felt for moms who want the best for their kids yet they can’t buy a quality yet affordable one.  

In between caring for Kai, who happens to be a good boy, even when he is not sleeping, the breastfeeding mom decided to start her small online business with a quality sewing machine she ordered from the United States through her mom. 

From a minimum capital of PHP5,000 to buy raw materials, her clients of “Saka Moccs” (Saka is an Ilokano term which means feet and moccs stands for moccasins) posted in Instagram and Facebook have grown so fast now with at least 40 available personalized designs Nicole herself created. 

Nicole gives credit to Pinterest, a web and a mobile application company that operates a photo sharing website, where she got some design ideas. 

According to her, she felt enthusiastic when her first three pairs of Saka moccs was sold to an online buyer as far as Mindanao. 

Offering an introductory price of PHP199 per pair and which later on increased to PHP300 or about 50 percent; but which is still cheaper than those sold in online marketing sites, her creation was noticed by local and international buyers in Southeast Asia, Japan and the United States. 

While fulfilling her mom-wife duties and sewing as her latest passion, she said, “It’s empowering as a full-time mom because you make money while at home. You also interact with fellow moms and learn from them,” she said in an on the spot interview as this writer also ordered a new pair for her five-month old niece based in Hawaii. 

Describing Kai as her greatest inspiration, she said it’s indeed a blessing to have a baby and at the same, to push an online business she is passionate of. 

With a growing number of followers and online buyers of Saka moccs, she said she is now planning to launch an “abel” line, a local handwoven cloth, Ilocos Norte is known for. 

Aside from that, a buyer from Singapore has also tapped her to use authentic US leather to supply the international market. 

Apart from selling quality handmade baby moccasins, plans are also underway for the creation of more product lines to include trendy and comfy baby apparels. 

After all, a mother knows best for her baby.  
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Barangay-based resiliency index

April 25, 2016, 7:02 pm
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A battery of scientific researches concluded that climate change impacts, natural disruption for that matter, are increasing in frequency and scale.

The social, environmental, economic and political consequences of improbable but high impact events to communities—the barangay in particular—are amplified by lack of funding, skills, capacity, technology, crisis management plan and network to mitigate, adapt, respond and bounce back from a piercing climate-propelled disaster.
 
The lack of concern for safety, current culture and perception of risk, the perceived lack of discipline and sincerity in disaster and emergency management drills magnifies potential vulnerabilities in the barangay. These gaps only elevate the impacts of “plain as the nose on your face” types of disasters such as earthquake, monsoonal flooding, droughts, vector-borne diseases, etc.

Mapping the bigger picture, the number of casualties, the amount of damage and people affected have been piling up decade by decade. An analysis suggests that natural disasters have cost the country around US$1.9 billion or PHP90 billion in economic damages in 2015 and that 3.83 million people were affected by natural hazards.  The direct cost from natural disasters experts’ notes threatens socio-economic growth at the macro and micro levels.

As to impacts to food and the agricultural sector, agricultural scientists predicts that total crop production will be 4% lower by 2050 and that food prices may increase by 20-30%. The International Food Policy Institute concluded that climate change impacts to the agricultural sector alone may cost the Philippine economy PHP26 billion per year through 2050.

Now what should the provincial government do to anticipate, prepare better and mitigate the impacts of abnormal weather patterns to social, economic and political life? We’ve seen the impacts of severe droughts and hunger in Kidapawan that led to riots resulting to the death of some protesting farmers and families? In what ways can the provincial, city and municipal governments of Ilocos Norte mitigate the risks and impacts of a ridiculous Padsan River do a Cagayan De Oro-like flooding? Or as my former students of political science and public administration in their futures studies course at Northwestern University, anticipated a tsunami-like event in Laoag in the year 2030? Or in a black elephant scenario (potentially obvious but frequently ignored) a pandemic disaster? and so forth and so on.

Ilocos Norte like some provinces in the North are exposed to emerging and black swan climate-induced disasters. While in paper Laoag is the least vulnerable city on climate change impacts, extreme climate disasters can just hit you right in the face. Disasters by the word of it are sudden event or natural catastrophes that causes great damage to life and property and yes liberty too.

Local governments must explore, innovate and institutionalize what works and adopt perhaps effective and well-tested indicators like barangay-based disaster resiliency index, plans and approaches to crisis and disaster recovery management. LGUs should invest on people and technology to ensure that we have the rights skills and means to respond from unusual disasters. Crisis and disaster management is a moral and political imperative and the barangay in actual disaster scenario are the first responders and the operations arm of municipal, city and provincial disaster management councils. Thus we need to engage them actively and deeply and gear them with the appropriate and updated knowledge and tools to respond and cope up with disasters quickly. A barangay disaster-based resiliency index is one amongst many approaches that might work to contextualize a micro-geographic approach to risk analysis and assessment.


(Shermon Cruz works as a Climate Reality Leader at Climate Reality Project Philippines, a business continuity management planner and a professional futurist at the Center for Engaged Foresight (CEF), a futures and strategic foresight innovation hub in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific. For more about his works and engagements, check www.engagedforesight.com or you may email him at engageforesight@gmail.com.)
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Laoag City Consolidated of Financial For the Year Ended December 21, 2015

April 25, 2016, 7:42 pm
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Kidapawan Senate probe rushed for political mileage

April 25, 2016, 7:44 pm
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By Alfredo C. Garvida, Jr.
Contributor

People treat the first day of April as April Fool’s Day—where you are empowered by tradition to pull somebody's leg with some untruthful news or story on a friend or someone else. This was not the case in Kidapawan, North Cotabato on this day of this year however, when the shocking news of the violent and deadly dispersal by the police, aided by the military, of protesting residents of this place filled the nation's airwaves. Three people were killed and 200 protesters injured in what appears to be an overkill by government troops upon peaceful citizens who were merely asking the government for assistance as they were suffering from extreme hunger done by their inability to farm their land because of the El Nino phenomenon.

This horrible incident is flashing images of the massacred peasants in Mendiola during President Corazon Aquino's time. They were just protesting for justice, yet were violently dispersed by Cory's police for no reason but plain and simple police brutality. One observer I overheard while I was dining in a fast food restaurant in Quezon City wryly commented that the mother and son presidents, i.e., Cory and PNoy, must be carrying some curse on their backs that their respective presidencies are notoriously defined by deaths and injuries of citizens when they assemble to air their grievances to or against the government. 

The trigger-happy policemen in Kidapawan are symbolic of the government's apathetic response to hunger and poverty that preside over most people's lives in our country yet these days, especially in that downtrodden area of Mindanao. The protesters were Lumads, the perennial victims of police brutality in Mayor Duterte's domain. They were in famine but instead of receiving rice from the government, they were given bullets by the latter, resulting thus to their deaths and serious injuries.

What is so convulsing the spirit and conscience of the Philippine citizenry is the fact that when the protesters sought refuge in a church, they were guarded as prisoners by the police-military cabal assigned by the government to control the protesting peasants. Anyone, including normal churchgoers, were ordered to log in or out in a log book, reminiscent of the Japanese Kempetai's subjugating tactics during the Japanese occupation. If this is not a clear violation of our rights to religion and liberty, I don't know how we should characterize it otherwise. 

Eighty-one of them are still incarcerated for direct assault upon government authorities. 3 of them are pregnant women and many are senior citizens. The police said they were arrested on suspicion that they were throwing rocks against them. Any normal thinking mind would not suppose that any woman who is pregnant would be throwing rocks at the police which necessitates that she should position herself in the front line to execute her act, in utter jeopardy to the baby she was carrying in her womb. The government prosecutor who did the inquest on them did not consider this impossibility that he just went ahead and indict them on the faith of the police account. Prosecutors are bound to prosecute criminal suspects disinterestedly on probable cause, but when in the course of normal reason, the probability of the suspect's not doing the crime alleged is flagrantly evident, as what the conditions of those three women were suggesting, there is no other way for them to go but dismiss the case.

The biggest turn-off showcased by the government about the Kidapawan carnage nonetheless is the sleekness of certain politicians to use this extremely distressing incident to register some mileage during this crucial stage of the political campaign. Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, has filed a resolution with the senate to investigate the incident. His resolution was not acted upon by the senate, which would have readily referred the same to the concerned committee. Conversely, the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel, III, on his own convened a senate hearing by his committee to hear the grievance of the oppressed Lumad protesters right in Mindanao. The hearing started on April 7, attended with him by two senators who are currently running for elective offices: Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, the vice presidential candidate of the PDP Party whose president is Senator Koko Pimentel himself, and Sen. Teofisto Guingona, Jr., who is running for re-election. 

Senator Pimentel's convening his committee moto propio to investigate the carnage violates the senate rules, as no committee hearing, except that of the Blue Ribbon Committee, can be held without prior resolution by any member duly submitted to the senate. Sen. Pimentel, a bar topnotcher (number 1), argued that senate rules can be disregarded when the citizens are crying for immediate dispensation of justice, as what the Kidapawan incident would epitomize. This column has no quarrel with that. But what about the resolution of Sen. Marcos? The Ilocos Norte senator merely wanted to go through the legal process and it could have taken the senate to act on it within hours but Pimentel beat him to the draw. So, he had his personal vice presidential candidate, who is badly lagging behind in the polls, attend the investigation and made him the star of the show. The question is: why were Senators Trillanes, Honasan and Marcos, Cayetano's rivals for vice president, not in the hearing like him? Sleek politicking, is it? But Pimentel did not pull a fast one without the electors' easy discernment of what he tried to pull on them.


The Kidapawan investigation should not be made to advance people's political interest but should be used to attain objective purposes in the name of justice. The victims deserve justice. Above all, like other hungry, impoverished suffering Filipinos all over the country, they deserve to be heard and have their grievances addressed forthrightly. These are the less privileged citizens of the nation, who deserve to have more in law, as President Magsaysay once argued. Therefore, if the Senate Judiciary Committee must live up to its chairman's declared purpose to dispense justice to the carnage victims, let justice be dispensed as well unto the political spectrum by giving fair and equal treatment to other candidates than Sen. Cayetano.
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Charity perfects connectivity

April 25, 2016, 8:12 pm
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IT´S good that there is a growing sense of connectivity that is now palpable these days. One just has to look around and realize how the steady crawl of linkages among persons and entities in different levels of society is developing.

Technology, for sure, has a lot to do with it. The mobile phone, the Internet, the social network systems, etc., are quickening the pace of communication. With them, we can get in touch with practically anyone in any part of the world.

In a way, these modern means of communication have an equalizing effect on the people. That´s because even if there are several grades and levels involved, the fact remains that they have a much larger coverage than previously known. A lot more people are drawn into the communication loop now than before.

Together with this technological angle is, of course, a growth in the sensitivity of people, especially the young ones and even the old, retired ones, toward the need to communicate.

I´m amused to see both my very young nephews and nieces and my rather elderly aunties, already pushing 80, quite adept especially in the social network. I suspect they are the ones that keep the lines abuzz, or the cyberwaves clogged. All of sudden, the world has become much smaller, and more people, despite distance and age, get close to each other.

In schools, young students are continually taught the many possibilities of the new technologies. Innovations keep on popping up, providing people with still more ways to communicate.

Obviously, the big guys are also happy with these developments. Those in business and politics, those trying to monitor social and cultural changes, etc., derive great benefit from these novel things.

And it´s truly heartwarming to note that not only the pace but also the quality of business and politics is improving. That´s because with these gadgets the potentials of participative government are unleashed. Both politicians and citizens, businessmen and consumers, are now more sensitive to the requirements of the common good.

Let´s hope this trend goes on, without forgetting that there is also a need to be vigilant over abuses and other bad effects, usually unintended, that can spoil this development. We have to remember to practice some kind of restraint and moderation in the use of these new gadgets. They can lead us to some info overload that would not be healthy to us.

In this regard, it might be helpful to remind ourselves that the real and proper motor to drive and guide us in this new waters of communication is charity. Let´s not disparage that truth, again considering it as something irrelevant to our current state of development.

Charity can never become obsolete nor useless. It cannot and should not be held as something so other-worldly that it can have nothing to do with our earthly, mundane affairs. In fact, the opposite is true.

Charity is the very soul of our life and everything in it—our thoughts, words and deeds, our business, politics and all kinds of human dealings. It is what brings all these things to their proper foundation, their proper end, and to their proper ways.

We need to disabuse ourselves from the erroneous mentality, sadly quite common these days, of considering charity as impractical. This is actually the main problem we have now. We tend to view things almost exclusively from the practical point of view, as if everything depends on practicality.

Charity demands more things from us precisely because we are not mere animals who happen to be rational and who are just ruled by the law of practicality. We are persons and children of God, meant to enter to a real communion of life and love with God and with everybody else.

Charity tells us more things about what we need to communicate and how to do it. It equips us with a greater sensitivity that lets us fathom deeper things in persons and events. It enables us to understand and to take advantage of sufferings in this life, and of the many negative things that can come to us—our mistakes and failures, our sins, etc.

Charity links us ultimately to God, our last and final end.

Practicality is incapable of doing these things. It tends to treat us not as persons but as objects to be used. We have to be wary of this tendency that seems to afflict us these days like a sweet poison that we gladly take everyday.


It´s time that we sit down and make a serious inventory of the requirements of charity.
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Ilocos Norte is least poor province in Region 1

April 25, 2016, 8:15 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter

With aggressive programs focusing on poverty alleviation, the province of Ilocos Norte reached the lowest poverty incidence rate in Region 1 at 15% in 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said in a report.

PSA defines poverty incidence as the proportion of families (or population) with per capita income less than the per capita poverty threshold to the total number of families (or population).

Alejandro Rapacon, PSA-Laoag City officer-in-charge said the latest report could be attributed to dollar remittances sent to families back home by Ilocano overseas workers and immigrants, more local jobs generated by the province’s booming tourism industry and strong political will from government officials to promote investment and job generation here.

“I am proudest of our poverty reduction program but I will continue to work to improve the lot of the remaining 15% poor,” beamed Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos who welcomed this figure in light of her recent recognition as one of Superbrands Marketing International’s Outstanding Governorship Awardees.

According to PSA, Ilocos Norte has been “consistently included in the least poor cluster of provinces in the first semester of 2012 and 2015.

“The remittances from other countries, more local jobs generated by our booming tourism sector, opening of BPO companies and political will of our elected officials made Ilocos Norte the least poor province in the region,” said Mr. Rapacon. 

In 2010, Ms. Marcos’ administration faced the challenges of soaring poverty and unemployment rates in which she employed massive transformation efforts in the province.

On top of her priority development agenda is poverty reduction, which gave birth to “Manang Imee’s Capitol Express”, a one-stop shop outreach program bringing government services closer to home. As part of the scheme, people of Ilocos Norte need not to go to the Provincial Capitol to avail its services but a team from the Capitol offering various programs on agriculture, health, education, jobs and livelihood, among others reach out to all Ilocanos in every municipality or village.

As a result, Ilocos Norte has also exceeded poverty, employment, education maternal health and reforestation in line with the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations Development Programme, citing the significant decrease of 24% poverty rate in 2010.

Describing education as the “traditional pathway out of poverty,” Ms. Marcos also noted that the heavy and continuous investment in education in the province is beneficial to the lowering of the overall poverty incidence rate of Ilocos Norte.

With this, more than 3,000 young Ilocanos across the province have availed of the scholarship grants offered by the provincial government.


“Walang maiiwan sa pag-unlad,” vowed Ms. Marcos as she said she is determined to continue the overall development and progress of the province on her third and final term as governor of Ilocos Norte.
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DPWH to rehabilitate Gilbert Bridge

April 26, 2016, 8:47 pm
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Laoag's Gilbert Bridge. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. Dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—The famous Gilbert Bridge is scheduled for major repairs and rehabilitation, the Department of Public Works and Highways project engineer Angelito Dian announced.

Mr. Dian said the DPWH regional office through regional director Melanio Briosos has informed Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas formally on the repair,

He disclosed that one side of the bridge will be temporarily closed for the rehabilitation.

Among the processes to be used on the bridge include application of epoxy mortar and glass fiber reinforced polymer coat on top and below the bridge deck. To do this, he said one side of the bridge must be closed to all types of traffic.

So as not to totally close the bridge to traffic, he said the concrete median will be removed. This, he said, is to allow traffic to pass through the other side of the bridge.

In the project map, the bridge’s eastern portion will first be closed. The western portion will however be opened to two-way traffic.

The project will be undertaken by Werr Corporation International through a joint venture with Viking Construction and Supply.

The project's details. (Doms dela Cruz)
Meanwhile, Ms. Fariñas confirmed that she was already informed about the project.

She said she has instructed the city’s traffic division about the issue. She added that the two schemes DPWH recommended have also been passed on to the said division.

She stressed that the final traffic scheme regarding the bridge repair should come from the traffic division chief. She however pointed out that the scheme should not affect the public more than necessary. She also added that the public must be informed before it is implemented.

The mayor also called on the public to cooperate with the traffic scheme to be implemented. She also asked for understanding while underscoring that the bridge’s repair would be for everybody’s safety.

Ms. Fariñas also divulged that the city government would not have any counterpart funding on the project. She said the rehabilitation project will be shouldered fully by the national government.

The Ilocos Times learned that the project costs P200 million.


The Gilbert Bridge was constructed in 1884 and was named after then Governor Newton Gilbert. Its present structural design was intended to suit the demands of the times. It traverses the pristine Padsan River and serves as the “gateway” to Laoag City.
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LC police nabs suspected top drug pushers

April 26, 2016, 8:52 pm
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By Dominic B. Dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—The police here have turned up the heat in its battle against illegal drugs as the two ranked drug personalities were arrested.

First to fall was Aileen Ganitano, 42 years old, married, residing at Brgy. 16 here, and ranked first in the police’s list of drug personalities in this city.

Laoag police chief P/Supt. Edwin Balles said Ms. Ganitano’s apprehension was a result of a buy-bust operation.

Ms. Ganitano was apprehended at about 2:20 pm on March 14, 2016 at A. Samonte St. this city.

According to Mr. Balles, Ms. Ganitano was arrested after she sold 1 heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu worth PHP 1,000.

Also confiscated from the suspect were 8 medium heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu; 1 piece marked PHP 1,000 bill; half pack of empty plastic sachets; 1 electronic weighing scale; cash money amounting to PHP 2,300.00; and three cellphone units.

The police said the shabu confiscated have a total weight of 18.79 grams and with a street value of PHP 112,740.

Mr. Balles related that the suspect has long been monitored by the police. He added that all those in the drug personalities list are being watched closely.

He added that Ms. Ganitano’s father is already incarcerated at the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila for the same case.

The arrest, however, is not the end of their anti-illegal drugs campaign, he said. Mr. Balles added that he believes those arrested are being replace by new drug personalities. It is for this reason, that they are stepping up their campaign, he said.

Meanwhile, the Laoag police also nabbed the second-ranked person in their drug personalities list.

Nathaniel Ruben Domingo Taylan II of Barangay 13 this city was arrested on April 1, 2016 at about 9:00 am.

The arrest was enforced by the Laoag police along with the CRG-SWAT INPPO and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The law enforcers implemented a search warrant for violation of RA 9165 and RA 10591 dated March 28 issued by Branch 14 RTC Judge Francisco Quilala.

During the search, the team seized from the possession of Mr. Taylan 1 black sling bag containing 1 9mm pistol, loaded with 11 live ammunitions; 2 passports and 1 black holster tucked in his waist.

The team also recovered 1 heat-sealed plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance alleged to be shabu; 2 black holsters; 1 magazine for cal. 9mm loaded with 9 live ammunitions; 1 empty magazine for cal. 9mm; 1 open plastic sachet containing 4 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance alleged to be shabu and 1 open plastic sachet containing alleged shabu residue.

They also confiscated improvised glass tube with alleged shabu residue; 2 disposable lighters; 5 live ammunition for cal. 9mm and 1piece live ammunition for cal. 45; and PHP 3,200 in cash.

During the said operation, the respondent’s companion identified as Vincent Paul Bernal, 33 years old, single and also a resident of the same barangay was also arrested. Confiscated in Mr. Bernal’s possession, control and custody were 1 heat-sealed plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance alleged to be shabu and 1 9mm pistol loaded with 14 live ammunitions.

Mr. Balles said the operation was implemented in a peaceful and orderly manner with the presence of barangay officials and some media personalities.

Mr. Balles said Mr. Taylan is ranked number 2 under the drug watch list of the city police.

Relative to this, Mr. Balles appealed to the public to report to any of the police stations or police assistance centers here those involved in illegal drugs for further monitoring, investigation and verification. 


Mr. Balles also asked the help of the public and barangay officials, tanods and others to report at their office if they suspect anyone to be engaged in the illegal drugs trade.
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DENR, Comelec, DPWH ink MOA to remove illegally posted election paraphernalia on national road

April 26, 2016, 8:54 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Election campaign paraphernalia nailed on trees and posted on non-designated campaign poster areas such as along national road is a no-no in the province of Ilocos Norte.

To maintain its cleanliness, the Operation Baklas taskforce composed mainly of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Commission on Elections, Department of Public Works and Highways and other various private and non-government organizations organized its first wave of operation on the first week of April to remove all forms of advertisement and election-related materials which are illegally posted from the Badoc highway all the way Pagudpud, the northern most part of the province.

From 46 kilos of nails removed from live trees and at least three truckloads of campaign posters collected in 2007 since the “Sagip Puno, Tanggal Pako”project was launched in the province, provincial environment and natural resources officer Juan Delos Reyes hopes it will significantly decrease this year, now that more and more people are aware of this green advocacy initiated by a multi-sectoral group eight years ago.

Every election period, the group reactivates said task force to intensify campaign against illegally-posted election materials particularly those situated on approaches of bridges and right of way of national roads. 

With at least 66 maintenance workers from the DPWH with dump truck and boom heights to assist them, the COMELEC has deputized them to remove these campaign ads obstructing the view of the national road. Meanwhile, the DENR personnel and some volunteers will also be removing posters or whatever advertisements nailed on trees.

In time for the April 22 Earth Day celebration, the task force will again resume the second trans of their operation, following the same route.

In 2010, the group has already called the attention of all violators to refrain from posting on non-designated common poster areas.


“We appeal to our candidates to post their campaign ads only in identified common poster areas and don’t wait for a case to be filed against them,”said Mr. Delos Reyes in a press conference. 
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Iskolar ni Manang Imee’s magna cum laude: My parents are my inspiration

April 27, 2016, 7:09 pm
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Marck Anthony Ranga of Marcos, Ilocos Norte, beneficiary of Iskolar ni Manang Imee and a magna cum laude of the Mariano Marcos State University, faces his next hurdle of passing the Certified Public Accountant board examination and looking for a job in Ilocos Norte in order to support as well as keep his mother company. (PGIN photo)

By Mizpah Grace G. Castro
PGIN-CMO

After four years of diligent study for his degree in accountancy, Marck Anthony J. Ranga of Brgy. Elizabeth, Marcos, Ilocos Norte, earned a general weighted average of 1.36, landing him at rank two among 2,172 graduates of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) for the year 2016.

Marck is the only magna cum laude out of 21 "Iskolar ni Manang Imee" beneficiaries who graduated with honors this year. According to him, it was Prof. Divina M. Cayabyab, head of scholarship and financial assistance at MMSU, who encouraged him to apply for the scholarship. "My happiness overflowed," he said in Ilocano of the time he found out he had passed the interview for the scholarship, "dahil malaking tulong ito sa pag-aaral ko. Ang tatay ko kasi noon, magsasaka, tapos housewife ang nanay ko."

He shared, "My parents are my inspiration. Ang gusto lang naman talaga nila ay makapagtapos ako ng kolehiyo dahil pareho silang hindi nakapagtapos. Tapos noong namatay yung tatay ko, mas naging inspirasyon ko pa siya na dapat ma-fulfill yung pangarap nila para sa akin."

It was during his second semester as a third-year college student that Ranga's father passed away. "Nag-allot ako ng dalawang linggo na hindi ako pumasok sa klase para makapagpaalam ako nang maayos sa tatay ko, at para makita ko pa ang mukha niya dahil alam kong huling pagkakataon ko na 'yon para makita ko siya," he shared, saying that he also drew encouragement from his classmates and other relatives.

"Inisip ko na lang noon na lahat ng gagawin ko sa pag-aaral ko ay para na rin sa tatay ko. Nilubus-lubos ko na ang pag-review ko noon dahil alam ko na ako lang talaga ang makatutulong sa nanay ko." To help his mother move on, he would drive her to his father's grave "para at least man lang makakausap pa rin niya," explaining their community pamahiin or superstition that a widow must not be present during the burial of her husband.

Refusing to allow his studies to suffer, he instead persevered to keep his grades up as another way to cheer up his mother.

Asked about his plans after passing the board examination for Certified Public Accountants, he replied that he would still prefer to work in Ilocos Norte even if he is offered a higher salary in Metro Manila. "Mag-isa lang naman ang nanay ko sa bahay namin, so gusto ko namang magtrabaho na nakakauwi rin araw-araw para makasama ko siya."

Being a scholar gave him the opportunity to make lifetime friendships in addition to the financial assistance, relating that it was joining in scholars' meetings and community service periods that strengthened his bonding with co-scholars. "For me, those are some of my fondest memories that I will continue to reminisce even when I'll have entered the workforce," Ranga said.

He expressed his hope that Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos would continue her assistance to students in need, saying that there are a large number of young people who want to attain an education but lack the financial means. To Ms. Marcos, he said in Ilocano, "Personally, nagpapasalamat ako. Pati ang nanay ko, nagpapasalamat sa tulong na binigay mo sa amin. Sana ay marami ka pang matulungan, at pagpalain ka lagi ng Diyos."

Funded by the Provincial Education Department (PED), the said scholarship covers a stipend every semester, tuition fee, transportation allowance, daily expenses, and board and lodging, if necessary. It was launched in 2012 by Gov. Marcos, who stressed that financial assistance should be given to students who are eager learners but are hindered by the cost of education. She emphasized then that Ilocanos should be united and uplift one another, helping each other to harness their fullest potentials in the service of Ilocos Norte.

"Iskolar ni Manang Imee" yielded a total of 21 honor graduates for Academic Year 2015-2016.
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Animal dispersal program beneficiary thanks PGIN for fulfilled wish

April 27, 2016, 7:16 pm
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Rheena Agpaoa. (PGIN photo)
By Jennifer T. Pambid
PGIN-CMO

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) animal dispersal program helped a resident of Brgy. San Ramon, Vintar fulfill her wish of raising livestock again after her pigs were washed up by a typhoon few years ago.

Rheena Agpaoa, 38, thanked PGIN for giving her opportunity to start a small business and raise animals again.

She was one of the beneficiaries of the provincial government’s rehabilitation program in the aftermath of typhoon Mario which lashed the province in 2014.

Through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), she was given 21 broiler chicks as livelihood assistance.

Her profit from the broiler chicks was used to purchase a piglet which she sold at PHP 6,000. She then bought another two piglets and at present, the business continues to grow.

It is their source of money to support the studies of her first child who previously stopped due to financial problem.

They were also able to replace their house’s roof which was frequently damaged by typhoons before. Recalling her life struggles in the past, Ms. Agpaoa shared that they often experience floods in their area even without heavy rain.

“My family and I are very grateful because we were given a chance to raise livestock again which I used as capital to grow a business. It is indeed a dream come true,” she said in Ilocano.

Working as a farmer and helper in a local eatery, she shared that she used to raise chicken and pigs before but she ran out of money to continue the business.

The program is part of the provincial government’s goal to eradicate extreme poverty in the province by providing income-generating opportunities to disadvantaged families.


PGIN also offers loan assistance to small-scale entrepreneurs in order to help them expand their businesses through the PSWDO and Gender and Development Office.
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