Blessed

February 22, 2016, 3:00 am

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AS THE CITY celebrates the 20^th Pamulinawen Festival, we can’t help but agree with its theme for this year: Blessed.

Indeed, Laoag City has been blessed in the past few years. Progress and development came in full force and with full intensity. Big supermarkets opened one after the other; not only giving local consumers more to choose from but more so, providing the boost in revenue and employment. Other businesses have since also entered the fray; and the once sleepy most agriculture city has slowly awakened into a robust and vibrant economic center.

Indeed, Laoag City continue to be blessed. Tourist arrivals have reached unprecedented heights. New edifices—both public and private—keep on rising around the city. And Laoag residents continue to reap all the benefits of the economic progress brought about by the local government.

The progress and development however come with a price. Traffic around the city’s business district has tightened. There are now times when what was a five-minute ride has turned into 30 minutes or more during rush hour. It does not help when either the Laoag or Ilocos Norte governments choose to use the city’s main thoroughfare to hold various events.

Multiple traffic schemes have been bruited about. A centralized terminal has also been established. But the main problem remains—narrow roads and a finite number of streets around the city’s centro.Private and public vehicles continue to jostle along the city’s streets; and with progress booming, this will only get worse.

As in traffic jams, rising criminality also comes with progress and development. Theft, homicide and swindling are rising. And even if the local police redouble their effort, their puny number vis-à-vis the city’s population would not really make a significant difference. They still will not be able to prevent crimes by themselves. Force multipliers through barangay security officers may help, but the best help the police can attain are the cooperation and coordination of local residents.

The problems and difficulties that accompany economic booms is manageable. The city’s leadership only needs to learn from experience.

And this is something incumbent Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas can do as she will run unopposed for her second term in the coming May elections.

More progress is expected in the city. And it may be a good thing, that the mayor who reaped the success of previous administrations is holding fast and tight—not only to claim the success; but more so to build on them to bring more smiles to Laoag residents.

Blessed, indeed. And here’s hoping for more blessings to come in the future.

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Health system close to collapse in war-torn Azaz district, Syria—MSF

February 22, 2016, 3:02 am

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An escalation of fighting will trigger further massive displacement and deepen humanitarian crisis

Gaziantep, Turkey—As heavy fighting in Azaz district, northern Syria, displaces tens of thousands more people, the already devastated health system is close to collapse, and any escalation of fighting will further deepen the humanitarian crisis in the area, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said on February 11.

As people flee in search of safety towards the border areas with Turkey, the latest estimates are of 30,000 new arrivals. The majority are living outside of the existing displaced people’s camps, which are housing tens of thousands of people previously displaced by the bitter conflict.

Meanwhile, the fighting continues to put extreme pressure on the already devastated healthcare system. This includes several hospitals and smaller health facilities in Azaz and the rural areas around Aleppo city, having been hit by airstrikes in the last two weeks, including at least three MSF-supported hospitals.

“Azaz district has seen some of the heaviest tolls of this brutal war, and yet again we are seeing healthcare under siege,” said Muskilda Zancada, MSF head of mission, Syria. “We are extremely concerned about the situation in the south of the district, where medical staff, fearing for their lives, have been forced to flee and hospitals have either been completely closed, or can only offer limited emergency services.” 

MSF demands all warring parties take the necessary measures to prevent further massive displacement and a deepening of the humanitarian crisis. Attacks on the few remaining functional medical facilities must stop immediately. Fighting and bombing campaigns in heavily populated areas must be halted, at the very least until civilians can flee to secure areas with access to basic services.

MSF also warns that overwhelmed relief agencies, already struggling to meet people’s shelter, food, water and sanitation needs, will not be able to cope with new influxes of displaced people. “The camps have no capacity to take in new arrivals,” continued Zancada. “There is a risk that people, including young children and the elderly, could be stuck living in the open in freezing conditions, for several days at least. We expect that there could be severe health effects, and pneumonia is a big concern.”

MSF teams in Azaz district are distributing essential aid items such as tents and blankets to displaced people, and have assisted nearly 800 families so far. Of particular concern are the people living outside the camps, who have received almost no assistance.

Since Saturday MSF’s hospital in northern Azaz district has seen an increase of around 50% in its outpatient department, and is currently performing around 160 consultations a day; the majority for respiratory tract infections. MSF has also increased the bed capacity of the hospital from 28 to 36, and is preparing to expand further if necessary.

The end of gloom and doom

February 22, 2016, 5:53 pm

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"The end of the fossil fuel age."

The enthusiasm came from a delegate after 195 nations agreed at the climate change summit in Paris to limit the rise of global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius and maybe down to 1.5C.

After two weeks of negotiations, the pact is the first to commit all countries to cut carbon emissions.

It is partly legally binding as in, for example, submitting an emissions reduction goal. A $100-billion funding for poor countries by 2020, however, is not legally binding.

Scientists who have analyzed the agreement say it will cut emissions by about half of what is needed to prevent an increase in atmospheric temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius.

As a result, all language on the reduction of carbon emissions is essentially voluntary. The deal assigns no concrete reduction targets to any country. Instead, each government has crafted a plan to lower emissions at home based on the country’s domestic politics and economy.

The accord uses the language of an existing treaty, the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to require countries to verify their emissions and to periodically issue tougher domestic plans.

“The Paris Agreement is probably the most important international agreement in history,” says Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program. “Nations of the world have underlined that climate change is a threat to the security and prosperity of all societies, and can only be addressed through unity of purpose. A sustainable future benefits all of humanity.

"This agreement is a testament to the ability of our societies to set aside differences and confront collective challenges for the global good. Importantly, the agreement has provisions to protect the most vulnerable. Fairness and equity are at the heart of this accord.  

He says governments “have sent a signal to the private sector that the momentum toward sustainability cannot be stopped. This is what the world needed to see. Above all, we have given future generations hope instead of doom and gloom.” (SciencePhilippines)

LGUs have but a cameo role in our youth’s education and development

February 22, 2016, 5:55 pm

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By Alfredo C. Garvida, Jr.

Contributor

 

Education, so they say, "is the most conventional way to get out of poverty." The Philippine State thus recognizes this maxim as our Constitution provides on Section 13 of Art. II, otherwise known as the Declaration of Principles and State Policies, that “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being." Supplemental to this policy is Section 17 of the same Article, which provides that "The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote human liberation and development.”

This writer came across an incident last month involving, yes, education, that led me to seek further answer regarding the role and involvement of local government units relevant to these mandates imposed on them—as agents of the State—by our fundamental law. 

My daughter, Renee, was one of the 12 lucky students from the Bangui National High School (BNHS) who qualified in a provincial qualifying journalism contest to represent the province in the regional journalism competition that was held in Pangasinan last month. Obviously, I was elated given that she was the lone entry from her school to compete in English writing, something I like doing myself.  

She asked me to give her P3,500 for this purpose, to cover registration, transportation, food and accommodation. I told her in return that this was supposed to be shouldered by the school or the municipal government which they could source out from the Special Education Fund (SEF) that is provided by law to be obligatorily given to the Local School Board at the beginning of the year. She told me in return, too, that their teachers had advised them that the municipal government of Bangui or the school for that matter could not provide them the fund at that time—that the parents therefore had to bear their expenses for this purpose. 

My activist instinct abruptly seized my judgment that I called Mr. Nerio Pascual, the president of the Parents Teachers Association of BNHS, and discussed with him the situation whereupon I suggested that he should accompany me to get an audience with Mr. Luis Curammeng, the principal of the school, to get a confirmation of my daughter's narrative so that if this were true we could make representation with Bangui Mayor Diosdado Garvida to remedy the dilemma facing the students. We did get an audience with Mr. Curammeng but he told us readily, and confidently too, that the situation had been solved internally in the school that there was no cause for worry from then on. Obviously, we were relieved, and I told my daughter about the good news. 

Mr. Pascual and I had surmised that the school must have sourced the fund—and rightfully so—from their Miscellaneous Operating and Other Expense (MOOE) for this purpose. The MOOE is part of the budgetary allocation provided by the national government to the school annually to sustain its operation and live up to its mandate to provide better educational service to their students. The Bangui National High School, with 862 student population for the school year 2015-2016, had an allocation of Php1,390,000 for MOOE, along with P13,678,000 for personnel salary.  

The student delegation thus went to Mangaldan on a Saturday morning, two days prior to the start of the competition. At 4:30 a.m. of Sunday, however, I received a call from Renee, asking me to immediately send her P3,500 because Mrs. Kathleen Fandag, the head of the teaching force who accompanied the kids, was asking her to turn in her contribution. I was flabbergasted, naturally, not only because of Mr. Curammeng's apparent unfaithfulness to truth, but also on the judgment of Mrs. Fandag to unsettle the mind and emotion of her students on the eve of the contest. I was asking why the principal lied to us. I was asking why Mrs. Fandag did not collect the fee while the students were still in Bangui. Was she trying to set them up into a situation where the students had no other way to go but give in since they were already in the competition venue—akin to giving up everything you got to a highway robber in exchange for your life? Finally, I was asking if I erred in putting the educational imperatives for my daughter in the hands of educators with faulty moral dispositions.

Since Mr. Curammeng was out of town for a conference, I called up Mrs. Sagucio, the next ranking teacher to the principal, for answers. She got back with me after 15 minutes and assured me that the situation in Mangaldan had been settled. 

I should have been relieved, but I was not. The thought of my daughter being barred from participating in the writing contest on account of non-payment of the fee kept swinging uncomfortably in my imagination given the previous dispositions of Mrs. Fandag and the principal. Fortunately, Mrs. Sagucio's representation was correct and my daughter indeed participated in the competition without further hitch. I found out later however that Mrs. Fandag was able to collect the fees from the parents, contrary to my shared belief with Mr. Pascual that the school had used their MOOE for this exigency. I wondered then if Mr. Curammeng deliberately pulled my leg to terminate then my inquisitiveness on the matter at issue or Mrs. Fandag and her co-teachers who accompanied the kids to Mangaldan pulled his. I wondered who was made a fool out of this mess. Mrs. Fandag, by the way, has been reported to be on a soliciting spree to finance her personal objective to put tiles on her school room. I also remember her soliciting from parents of the students she was in charge of for a comfort room project about three years ago. I remember this, for I was one of the parents who contributed to the project. I asked her during the last PTA meeting if the CR was already finished, and she said yes, but reports have reached me that the CR, while operational, is still incomplete as of this writing. 

We are not here to disparage the good name of Mrs. Fandag, but there is an existing ordinance, numbered 5-03-04, of the Municipality of Bangui that prohibits unlawful solicitations from students and their parents, which includes such solicitation for the CR project. I know about the ordinance because I was the one who wrote and sponsored it for passage when I was a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Bangui. By some twist of fate, the ordinance was passed on third reading on June 21, 2004 and approved by the Municipal Mayor on July 7, 2004 to become a law. My term as SB member ended on June 30, 2004, therefore, I was no longer a member of the SB when the ordinance was approved, henceforth, I had no more business verifying if what was approved was what we passed on third reading. 

The ordinance's approved text is a crucial issue on the question of why I acquiesced to contributing to Mrs. Fandag's CR project despite its apparent violation of the ordinance I wrote. The reason being that I am almost positive that the ordinance had a provision that exempts solicitations otherwise considered as unlawful if the classroom PTA or the school PTA approves the same. The classroom PTA approved Mrs. Fandag's solicitation for the CR, that's why I also contributed to the cause. What is so shocking is that when I went to the SB office this week to secure copy of the ordinance, I found out that the exempting provision, i.e., the PTA approval, was not contained in the ordinance's text. My brain went flat on my head, for the ordinance that was approved on third reading was not what was reflected on its text for the mayor's approval.  

The lesson here, therefore, is that Mrs. Fandag violated the law when she solicited funds from the parents for the CR., and she will likewise violate the law if she will solicit funds from her students or their parents for her ambitious tiling project on her school room. As it turned out, therefore, the only items allowed by this ordinance to be solicited from parents or students are for "funds that the students themselves will later use or for the use of students representing the school in athletic and academic competitions; donations for humanitarian reasons; and donations for the Red Cross, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of the Philippines."

(To be continued)

Ilocos Norte candidates sign peace covenant

February 23, 2016, 12:44 am

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Ilocos Norte candidates for the May elections sign the covenant at the St. William Cathedral. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—A day before the official start of national elections campaign, local candidates with or without challengers showed up early Monday, February 8 at the St. William Cathedral to attend mass and sign the covenant for peace and cooperation in the coming May elections.

Officiated by Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba, the bishop thanked all candidates for attending the mass and covenant signing initiated jointly by the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the Commission on Elections.

“Your presence signifies your support. All of us dreams and aspires for peaceful elections. There shall be no room for selfish motive. Let us allow our people to exercise their right to vote freely and usher new and committed service to benefit the people we serve,” Mr. Mayugba told candidates and their supporters after the mass and the candidates made a pledge of commitment to abide by the rules of law.

“The city of God and the city of man can work together for the glory of God. Thank you for your cooperation with the activities of the church—the executive, legislative and the judiciary,” Mr. Mayugba said as he enjoined all candidates—unopposed or not to become a true model of good deed and public service above self.

Election watch list

Led by Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, who is running for reelection unopposed, she urged fellow candidates to abide by the fair elections act and ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

Marred by several violations of election gun ban and controversy of at least three Ilocos Norte mayor-candidates from Solsona, Badoc and Bangui including two vice mayors from Badoc and Solsona who are currently suspended by Ms. Marcos for alleged grave abuse of authority and misconduct, the INPPO led by police provincial director P/Sr. Supt. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., initiated the covenant signing at the Laoag Cathedral. 

As of press time, the Philippine National Police has already identified at least seven of the 21 municipalities and two cities here as a priority watch list in the upcoming 2016 elections.

The provincial police director said the police is closely monitoring the situation in these seven municipalities as they have also increased police visibility and the establishment of strategic PNP-Comelec checkpoints.

Based on a joint meeting attended by election officers and police personnel concerning security and elections preparations held recently at the St. Ignatius de Loyola Chapel at Camp Valentin S. Juan, this city, Atty. Alipio Castillo III, Ilocos Norte provincial election supervisor, said they have partially identified the towns of Bacarra, Bangui, Pagudpud, Vintar, Badoc, Marcos and Solsona as under election watch list.

According to Mr. Alipio, there had been previous incidents involving key officials and relatives of candidates in these municipalities that may provoke an untoward incident.

Should rivalries heat up, the police have already started instituting preventive measures. Some of these include the activation of provincial security control center, strengthening of community intelligence surveillance, conduct of checkpoints installed in strategic places, and inventory of loose firearms, including the continuing arrest of most wanted personalities in Ilocos Norte.

Based on the Omnibus Election Code, Mr. Alipio underscored that political candidates are not allowed to have police escorts except if they have apparent death threats and their claim is valid.

He added that with the lack of police personnel to maintain peace and order, candidates may opt to hire private security personnel, provided these individuals are qualified and belong to a duly-registered security agency.

Fair Election Act

During the covenant signing, the Comelec represented by Batac City election officer Josephine Balbas reminded all candidates to have a copy of the Fair Election Act which serves as the bible during elections.

“Anything outside the Fair Election Act is illegal. Please follow the prescribed size of election paraphernalia and the designated common poster areas,” Ms. Balbas reiterated.

Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government provincial director Roger Daquioag wished all candidates good luck and “may the will of the people prevail.”

“Let us choose our leaders who can deliver public service. After the election, let us go back to work again in unity and commit ourselves to public service,” said Mr. Daquioag as he enjoined candidates to look at their counterparts and utter the words, “Kay ganda ng umaga kapag kasama kita,” with a smile. 

Forever

February 23, 2016, 1:04 am

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BEFORE this eminent word, Forever, is trivialized and corrupted by our ‘telenovela’ culture, we need to remind ourselves that the word is not simply a word but rather a sublime reality meant for us who are of a spiritual nature also, and therefore, equipped for a life that is forever. Besides, our dignity as image and likeness of God and children of his makes our life in the forever an essential part of our being.

Our soul, being spiritual, can defy the wear and tear of our material world and can transcend its limitations. And as image and likeness of God and children of his, we can expect his grace that would make the possibility of forever for us to be actualized. That’s why we can claim that we are meant for forever, for eternity.

All these assertions somehow have their basis on the words of St. John in his first letter: “The world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.” (2,17) Here we are told the secret of how to “remain forever.”

We need to be wary of loving the world in the wrong way. We are supposed to love the world, because it is where God has placed us and it is also a creation of God and therefore is good.

But we would love it in the wrong way when we make it our own god, the be-all and end-all of our life. Yes, we are in the world, so we are supposed to love it in a certain way, but we are not supposed to be worldly.

Again in that first letter of St. John, we are told of what the world contains that can lead us away from God, the source of all good things. “Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.” (2,15-16)

Thus, a certain detachment from the things of the world has always been advised and encouraged in us. This is the very essence of what is known as Christian poverty. It’s an emptying of the heart of earthly things to fill it only with God and the things of God.

Yes, we have to love the world, but in the way God loves it and not just any kind of love. In the gospel of St. John, we have these words that corroborate this point: “For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.” (3,16)

We have to learn how to refer to God the world, where we have been placed, and the things of the world, which we have to handle. We have to understand that the world has an inherent objective relation to God and to us that we need to discover, appreciate and make use of.

If we understand this point right, then the world would not be obstacle to us in our duty to find and love God and others. The world and everything in it, whether good or bad, would be a good instrument or occasion to develop our love for God and others. The world and everything in it would be the means to bring us to our forever, to our eternal life.

We just have to learn how to purify the things that ought to be purified, to suffer all the pains and sorrows that are unavoidable in it, and to offer everything for the glory of God and the good of all. As to the good things that we enjoy in the world, let’s always be thankful and ever thoughtful of how to use them properly.

The crucial point is that we do the will of God with whom we are supposed to live our life here on earth. “Whoever does the will of God remains forever,” remember? And God’s will is not difficult to find out. We have his commandments and his teachings.

And the ordinary duties and responsibilities of our state in life already comprise the main bulk of what God’s will is for us. If we fulfill them faithfully everyday, then we will get to know more of that will in its finer points as well as in its big dimensions. In this way can forever be already savored here and now.

Miss Hawaii Filipina 2015 Chelsea Guzman

February 23, 2016, 3:00 am

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Miss Hawaii Filipina 2015 Chelsea Guzman

February 7, 2016

NAGASAT nga aldaw ita Sabado Pebrero 6, 2016, Miss Hawaii Filipina 2015 Chelsea with his father Romeo Guzman dropped by ditoy balay a kaduada ti dua a kabagian: Rhona ken Roland. It’s about 3:30 pm. Thank you for dropping by Miss Beauty, Pride of Maui, Pride of Sinait, Pride of Dadalaquiten and Sta. Cruz.

Sinait ti puon ni Miss Hawaii Filipina 2015 Chelsea Iloreta Guzman; dayawmo, dayawmi.

Asul a Toyota, giddato a naggidato a nagparking iti sango ti garahek. Uppat dagiti rimmuar, sigud a nailasinko ni Romeo, inyam-ammona kaniak dagiti kaduana: Manong, ni Rhona, ni Roland, toy balasangko—ti kaubingan ti intudona—sika ti Miss Hawaii Filipina! Ket inyawatko ti kanawan a dakulapko.

Ni Chelsea ti contestant no. 1 kas Miss Maui Filipina, iti naangay a Miss Hawaii Filipinas Scholarship Pageant iti Pacific Beach Hotel Waikiki idi Hulio 25, 2015.

Isu ti nakoronaan a Miss Hawaii Filipina 2015!

Da Maria E.F. Etrata, presidente ti United Filipino Council of Hawaii [UFCH] ken Mayor Bernard Carvalho ti Kauai, pageant chairperson ken Miss Hawaii Filipina 2013 Erika Joy Ordonez ken Miss Hawaii Filipina 2014 Hulali Brown ti nangkorona ken ni Chelsea.

Nagturpos ni Chelsea a Summa Cum Laude iti Baldwin High School ta nagtalinaed nga adda iti Dean’s List ken iti National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) iti nagsaruno a dua a semestrena iti University of Hawaii-Manoa. Kayatna ti agbalin a Registered Nurse. Kas mannala ken kameng iti Dance International Productions paggugustuanna ti agkanta ken aggitara. Kameng pay iti Golden Key International Honor Society, bise president iti Phi Mu Sorority. Da Kimberly Guzman ken Aimee Jane Viloria ti kakabsat ni Chelsea.

Iti talent phase, “Tagumpay Natin Lahat” ti kinanta ni Chelsea. Iti pammasungad a sala, kawes ni Chelsea ti traditional “Tiboli” Filipiniana attire kas pannakaiparang dagiti kustombre ken kannawidan dagiti natibo iti South Cotabato iti abagatan a Mindanao.

Inabak ni Chelsea ti “Best in Speech” ken Q & A phases. Idinto a “Miss Social Media Favorite”.

Big Island First Princess ni Kamakaila Waipa, Kylie Nishida, OFCC ambassadress of education, Miss Kauai - ambassadress of culture.

Umuna a gundaway iti pakasaritaan ti Miss Hawaii Filipina Scholarship

Pageant nairugi idi 1959 kas paset ti programa ti UFCH Fiesta Filipina tapno “maikkan ti pammigbig ti panagrimat ti kinapintas ni Filipina ditoy Hawaii”.

Iti biang ti Sinait, daytoy met ti umuna a gundaway a napagasatan ken nabalangatan. Da Romeo Guzman, Dadalaquiten, ken Amparo Iloreta, Sta. Cruz, agpada a nayanak idiay Sinait ti nagannak ken ni Chelsea.

Hunio 2, 1987 idi immay ni Romeo ditoy Hawaii idinto a Mayo 1981 ni Amparo.

Malagip nga idi 1979 koma no naigasatan ni Elsa Perlas, Miss Oahu Filipina 1979, tubo ti Ubbog, Sinait,Ilocos Sur ti nagannak kenkuana, ngem inabak ni Teresa Limcaco ti korona. Iti maika-59 a pasalip naigasatan ni Chelsea, anak ti Sinait. Dayawmo; dayawmi; you are the super star, kinuna dagiti pamilia, papagayam ken kakabagian ti pamilia Iloreta-Guzman. Iti panagpa-Filipinas ni Chelsea a kakuyogna ti nagannak kenkuana, kas paset ti gunggonana a Miss Hawaii Filipina, malaksid iti $10,000.00 para iti panagbasana iti Argosy University, Honolulu, a pangal-alaanna iti Nursing, mainayon ti sabali pay a gatad a kas cash scholarshipna.

Dagiti napalabas a Miss Hawaii Filipina:

Leticia Quintal, 1959;  Lilian Gabuco, 1960;  Lina Pasion, 1961; Barbara Balderas, 1962;  Estrellita Ortiz, 1963;  Gloria Parinas, 1964; Rose De Dios, 1965;  Sandra San Agustin, 1966 Oahu;  Veronica Ortiz,1967; Joyal Torres, 1968;  Leilani Petranek, 1969 Oahu;

Janice Bergado, 1970 Oahu; Thelma Supnet, 1971 Oahu;  Shirley Cambe, 1972 Oahu;  Carmella Barut*,1973 Oahu;  Jackery Tejada, 1974; Celita De Castro*, 1975 Oahu; Sharon Robles*, 1976 Oahu; Lourdes Felipe*, 1977 Oahu; Jill Pacarro, 1978 Oahu; Teresa Limcaco, 1979 Oahu;

Beth Sabala, 1980 Oahu;  Joan Camero, 1981 Lanai;  Jody Ann Andrade, 1982;  Melinda Gaborna*, 1983 Oahu; Dodie Viquelia, 1984 Oahu;  Janet Vidad, 1985 Oahu;  Donna Beth Balag, 1986;  Shelly Caldito, 1987 Maui; Ligaya Stice*, 1988 Oahu;  Monica Lischka, 1989 Maui;

Melissa Dela Cruz, 1990 Oahu;  Kathy Duhaylongsod*, 1990 Oahu;  Remedios Broas*, 1991 Oahu;  Eva Marie Arconado, 1992 Oahu;  Ruth Naomi Coller, 1992 Oahu;  Juliet Raymundo, 1993 Oahu; Amy Centeno*, 1994 Oahu;  Pamela Domingo*, 1995 Oahu;  Lori Butay*, 1996 Oahu;  Angelica Batin*, 1997 Oahu;  Jessica Corpuz*, 1998 Oahu; Dee Dee Melchor*, 1999 Oahu;

Jennifer Vea*, 2000 Oahu; Maribel Apuya*, 2001 Oahu; Agnes Calderon*, 2002 Oahu; Andrea Tseu, 2003 Oahu; Ruth Aguinaldo*, 2004 Oahu; Rutchelle Melchor, 2005 Oahu; Jo Ann Camaro, 2006 Lanai; Cierra Rauch, 2007 Maui; Krystle Acido*, 2008 Oahu; Celina Hayashi, 2009 Maui;

Margaret Pascual, 2010 Oahu; Topaz Fernandez, 2011 Kauai; 

56. Ariel Enriquez, 2012 Big island; Erika Joy Ordonez, 2013 Oahu; Hulali Brown, 2014 Maui; Chelsea Guzman, 2015 Maui.

The power of social enterprise

February 23, 2016, 3:03 am

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Social enterprises can help enhance the role of small and medium enterprises (SME) in sustainable economic development, claims a recent study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Written by PIDS consultant Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr. of the Ateneo de Manila University, “Enterprises and Employment: Mainstreaming SMEs and Employment Creation” explores the theory and recommends policies to empower both areas of enterprise.  

While there is strong belief on the ability of SMEs to sustain economic growth, Mr. Lanzona demonstrates the problem in focusing the breadth of policymaking on the three main arguments for SME empowerment: that they enhance competition and entrepreneurship; that their productivity is potentially bigger than large firms but is often held back by financial markets and institutional failures; and that their ability to increase employment and alleviate poverty is greater than that of larger firms.

Mr. Lanzona questions the wisdom of simplifying the arguments around firm size. Creating policies that are based on overstating the cause of SMEs and tailoring policymaking to decrease the costs of doing business solely for the sake of SMEs may “result in inefficiency”.

Mr. Lanzona argues that large exporting firms are “typically the primary mechanism” that brings in the technology and innovation that contribute to enhancing competition and entrepreneurship. Likewise, SME employment cannot outright compare to the quality and longevity of employment of larger firms, despite the aggregate employment numbers that SMEs contribute. Furthermore, market and institutional failures affect all businesses, and they must be corrected for a better business environment for all, not just SMEs.

If anything must be addressed, it is fundamental problems like poverty, and therein social enterprises can play a huge role.

“Poverty itself constrains these SMEs from achieving their full potential in terms of their access to better technology and quality of inputs,” Mr. Lanzona indicates in his paper. “Hence, direct interventions of poverty reduction in the form of public goods are expected to support SMEs and to raise growth.”

Social enterprises are inherently advantageous because they are able to generate employment, through nongovernment organizations and community institutions, for people in the most vulnerable positions. Social enterprises are organizations that employ commercial strategies to achieve ends of developing and improving human life and environmental well-being.

Some of these public goods include “social protection, business opportunities, education, electricity, health, sanitation, and water”. The common assumption is that these are the government’s responsibility to provide.

But, done right, Mr. Lanzona argues that allowing the privatization and use of market mechanisms could help improve these services.  He claims that “Social enterprises operate in markets in order to address social needs and reduce inequality, recognizing that this has value.”

Although there are many policies at both national government and APEC levels promoting SMEs and enhancing assistance to improve SME performance, Mr. Lanzona says that laws on recognizing the role of public goods in reducing poverty and freeing SMEs from its limitations are largely absent.

APEC must encourage and work to promote social enterprises by forming global value chains across its member economies. NGOs can also play a role by helping link social enterprises into these chains. The idea is to support social enterprises, move them out of poverty, and encourage them to provide public goods in the economic community, and thereby truly enhance SME performance. (PIDS)

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The Ilocos Times February 22-28, 2016

February 23, 2016, 5:53 am

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Common sense

February 23, 2016, 4:03 pm

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“Common sense lang. Makakakita ka ba ng any animals na lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae? Mas mabuti pa yung hayop. Marunong kumilala kung lalaki, lalaki, o babae, babae. Kung lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae, eh mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao,” so declared Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao (Sarangani).

From his perspective as a pastor and a born-again Christian, Mr. Pacquiao was not only speaking his mind, but is actually preaching what he believes in. However, he seems to have forgotten his stature—both as a global boxing icon, an incumbent congressman and a politician vying for a Senate seat. As a public figure, he can neither simply speak his mind nor spring his fundamentalist beliefs on everyone. What was worse was when he described LGTBs (lesbians, gays, transgender and bisexuals) as “worse than animals”.

As an aspiring senator, he would be looked upon to craft laws that would redound to the benefit of all. As such, he must have an open mind—devoid of discrimination and bigotry. For if he would become a senator of the republic—and the chances are high for this to happen—his constituency would also include LGBTs. And with his pronouncements, he may end up always against LGBT benefits. This of course, hinges on the fact that should he be elected senator, he would attend sessions more than his attendance record at the House of Representatives. And he would then be more useful to his national constituency vis-à-vis his Sarangani performance.

He may have a point, based on his fundamentalist beliefs. Mr. Pacquiao even went to the extent of apologizing for his insensitive words; but also posting a biblical verse calling for the deaths of homosexuals. In this time and age, what he wants is nothing less than a genocide—and his apology rings feeble in the face of what he believes in and what he thinks is the right thing to do. And in this world now so full of hate, his personal bigotry is not helping much.

As other global icons have taken him to task for those insensitive words, Mr. Pacquiao must also understand that others do not share his beliefs. And as much as his freedom to speak his mind is respected, too, he should also always remember that he is no longer an ordinary figure. He is both a national treasure and a global icon. And all his actions and words carry a lot of weight.

If he really wants to contribute to nation-building by becoming a senator, the first thing he needs to do is to purge himself of bigotry. And maybe he could then begin thinking about collective growth that would benefit all regardless of race, religion, beliefs, and—yes—sexual preference.

But then he would also need to attend more sessions. And author a law. That, of course, is common sense.

Legarda warns climate change’s adverse effect to public health

February 24, 2016, 7:37 pm

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Alarmed by the imminent threat posed by the spread of the Zika virus, Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda raised concerns that climate change may have fueled the outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease, which has been linked to birth defects and death of newborns in Latin America.

“As climate change alters rainfall patterns and brings deadly, intensified and frequent calamities, it will affect public health,” said Ms. Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience and Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), Ms. Legarda said that Aedes mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, known carriers of the Zika virus and dengue virus, are expected to thrive in a warmer climate and reproduce more quickly and bite more frequently at higher temperatures.

According to WHO, temperature increases of 2-3ºC would increase the number of people who, in climatic terms, are at risk of malaria by around 3- 5%, i.e. several hundred million.

For a more relatable scenario, in the Philippines the rising cases of dengue and malaria are related to climate change. In 1998, when the Philippines experienced El Niño, almost 40,000 dengue cases, 1,200 cholera cases and nearly 1,000 typhoid fever cases nationwide were recorded.

“The state of our health as human beings is under threat but it is not a death sentence—yet. We are alive and able to address the climate crisis. We can no longer deny the link between climate change and public health. As scientists, doctors and health workers act double time to limit the spread of the Zika virus and other vector-borne diseases, we must do our share by addressing the factors that contribute to the spread of these diseases,” Ms. Legarda concluded.

The WHO designated the Zika virus and its suspected complications in newborns as a public health emergency of international concern. The virus has alarmed public health officials in recent months because of its possible association with thousands of suspected cases of brain damage in babies. WHO has estimated that the virus will reach most of the hemisphere and infect up to 4 million people by year’s end.

Ilocos Norte unites for gender equality thru first Miss Gay pageant

February 24, 2016, 8:39 pm

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Miss Ilocoslovakla 2016.From left: Handy Lao, Gov. Marcos, comedian Raiven Diva, Miss Ilocoslovakla 2016 Romel Pascual of Laoag City, and RB Ablan. (Reu A. Flores)

John Michael Mugas

PGIN-CMO

Laoag City—In a stunning showcase of the beauty and talent of the Ilocano gay community, the first gay-themed pageant dubbed as Miss Ilocoslovakla 2016 organized by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte gathered hundreds of Ilocanos on February 14 in front of the Provincial Capitol.

The pageant intensified the support of the provincial government to gender empowerment and promoted the acceptance of the diverse gender identities in the province.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos addresses the spectators during Ilocoslovakla February 14, 2016 in front of the Capitol in Laoag City. (Reu A. Flores)

Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, in her short speech during the event, beamed that Ilocos Norte openly embraces every one regardless of their gender.

She added that Ilocos Norte has become a province brimming with so much pride, joy and love brought by the Ilocano gay community.

Before the pageant’s coronation night, the 30 competing candidates, who represented the gay communities of their municipalities and cities and Ilocano gay groups across the world, went through a rigorous screening process on February 2 and the pre-pageant on February 12 where they showcased their respective talents.

Grant Matias, 22, of Laoag City noted how the event unified Ilocanos from the various towns, saying that “aside from being entertaining, I feel proud to see every one converge in support for a common cause.”

Held as the Valentine’s Day offering of the provincial government, the pageant encouraged every Ilocano to respect the plight and identities of the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community thereby achieving greater unity in the province.

As it trailed on the usual beauty contest pattern with its resort and sportswear portion as well as the evening wear and festival costume competitions, Miss Ilocoslovakla 2016 is a less conventional pageant with its whimsical twists.

With this, the unique wit and ingenuity of the Ilocano gay community was fused in the pageant as it took a brilliant spin-off to the famous line of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach through its official tagline “Confidently Beautiful with a Twist.”

The contestants also paid homage to Ms. Marcos as they performed in their production number donning fancy red dresses, akin to her outfit in the cover of the Philippine Tattler Magazine’s October 2015 issue. 

One of the event’s highlights was the evening gown competition wherein the contestants were given pieces of garment and used them to create their makeshift dresses on the spot.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos (right) and businessman Handy Lao (left) crown Miss Ilocoslovakla 2016 Romel Pascual of Laoag City on February 14 in front of the Capitol. (Reu A. Flores)

As some of the contestants were rising fashion designers, the evening gown segment revealed their creativity and exceptional skills in dressmaking.

The question and answer portion, however, drew the biggest cheers from the audience as the top 13 candidates, who were trimmed down from 30, had to deliver their answers after taking in Ilocano delicacies like basi (sugarcane wine), dinardaraan (blood stew) and longganisa (native sausages).

After a night full of excitement and hilarity, the i-Vaklers, as the candidates were referred to, who emerged as winners were Romel Pascual of Laoag City (Miss Ilocoslovakla 2016), Alvin Pascual of South America (first runner-up); John Paul Albano of Burgos (second runner-up); Shiva Saliganan of Paoay (third runner-up); and Enrico Francisco of the Middle East (fourth runner-up).

Other special awards were given to Angel Pascua of South America (Unkabogable Manang Imee look) and Jaylourd Dancel of Dingras (Best Performer).

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos crowns the Miss Ilocoslovakla 2016 Romel Pascual of Laoag City on February 14 in front of the Capitol. (Reu A. Flores)

Meanwhile, the chairman of the board of judges Roque “RB” Ablan praised the provincial government for organizing an event that features what makes the Ilocano gay community outstanding.

“Maganda yung show kasi very interesting and entertaining and we can see that the gays of Ilocos Norte have a lot to offer in terms of talents, sa ganda na rin,” he added.

Other judges were GMA artist Raven Diva, Professor Julius Manzano of Mariano Marcos State University; newly crowned Miss Laoag 2016 Celine Martin; event stylist and artist Kit Mandac; respected educator Jazzy B. Pascual of Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades; and beauty queen Loida Dalere.

2 NLREC towers in Pasuquin bombed

February 24, 2016, 8:42 pm

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ONE of the fallen NLREC towers in Pasuquin (Frances Kristy Alegre photo)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

PASUQUIN, Ilocos Norte—Two transmission towers of the North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp. were bombed on Thursday night, February 18.

Pasuquin Mayor Peter Felix Aguinaldo confirmed this on February 19 following reports from nearby residents in the mountainous barangay of Tadao, about 25 kilometers from Laoag City.

According to residents, they felt like there was an earthquake at about 9:30 pm February 18 but they did not bother to see what was going on outside their residence. In the morning, they found the fallen adjacent line towers connecting the wind farms in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. of press time, local authorities here are still investigating the incident which they theorized was done by a bomb expert.  

Investigators added that improvised explosive device were recovered in the area including fragmentations, surgical masks, batteries, firing wires, plastic gloves and claymore mines. Those materials, they added are similar to those used in the NGCP towers bombing recently. 

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos ordered further investigation citing the incident is totally unacceptable and that perpetrators be held responsible.  

When reached for comment, NLREC representatives based in Ilocos Norte said they have yet to come up with an official statement regarding the matter.

It may be recalled that on November 2014, a protest action marred the inauguration of the 81-megawatt Pagudpud wind farm which NLREC operates.

Protesters then appealed to NLREC to relocate its transmission lines that they said intruded into their land.

But according to NLREC, they have no pending issues pertaining to the construction of their transmission lines with lot owners. 

The Pagudpud wind farm is a joint venture of Ayala Corporation’s AC Energy Holdings, Inc. (ACEHI), UPC Renewables, and Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure (PINAI).

Earlier, the Department of Energy (DOE) has given the Northern Luzon UPC Asia Corporation (NLUPC) the go-signal to construct the $220-M wind project.

PGIN, PRCC eye national ‘rabies-free province’ declaration

February 25, 2016, 12:06 am

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A Laoag City Government worker vaccinating a dog at Brgy. Bengcag on July 14, 2015.  (Alaric A. Yanos)

Mizpah Grace G. Castro

PGIN-CMO

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Rabies Control Council (PRCC), in partnership with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and international organization Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), has eradicated rabies cases for two years, and intends to file for a national “rabies-free province” declaration within this year.

Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and warm-blooded animals, with dogs being the most commonly involved. Early signs include fever and tingling at the bite site, usually followed by violent excitability, a fear of water, paralysis in some parts of the body, or loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly fatal. They usually show one to three months after the bite.

A rabies free area refers to places with no confirmed human or animal rabies case or indigenously acquired infection by a lyssavirus at any time in the previous two years. Data presented during the PRCC Quarterly Meeting last February 15 show that from nearly 20 canine rabies cases in 2011, cases of both human and canine rabies in Ilocos Norte have been at zero standstill since 2014.

PRCC's efforts have included mass dog vaccination and registration, which at present has 58% coverage throughout the province with 36,745 dogs vaccinated and 63,815 dogs registered.

In July 2015, they held consultative meetings with public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to strengthen border control management regarding the transportation of animals. Dr. Sarah Jayme, GARC country director, shared that the selling of dog meat or live dogs to be used for food is now penalized by up to Php100,000.

An upcoming strategy is early childhood intervention (ECI) which has been piloted in daycare centers around Ilocos Norte in partnership with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). It is set for official implementation until March.

According to Dr. Jayme, some Metro Manila schools have also decided to come up with similar programs after observing its introduction to the province.

In the works is a search for Best Implementers on Rabies and Control Program to be conducted among Ilocos Norte local government units (LGUs). Evaluation is set to be done by August 2016 with awarding tentatively scheduled for September 28, World Rabies Day.

'Stray animals threaten tourist safety, close monitoring needed'

However, while rabies cases are down, PVO remains concerned by the number of stray or loose dogs wandering around certain tourist spots in Ilocos Norte, posing a health and safety hazard to visitors and locals alike. They enlisted the help of 565 Bantay Rabies sa Barangay Volunteers (BRBV) in 2015 for widespread monitoring of such cases.

Presently, there are 1,063 recruited BBRV in the province, with 173 in Badoc, Burgos, Dingras, Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Pinili, and Solsona trained as vaccinators.

In a meeting last year with Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, GARC, and their sponsorship partner UBS Optimus Foundation, Marcos had suggested the creation of a barangay primer to ensure that even after changes in leadership, barangay officials will be equipped with sufficient knowledge on how to handle animal bite cases and loose pets among their constituents. The primer is due to be outlined and drafted by next month.

Regarding everyday prevention of animal bites, Dr. Jayme advises residents to care for their pets properly and ensure that they are kept from stressful situations such as exposure to hot daytime temperatures or confinement to a leash or cage all day, which are also animal welfare issues.

She emphasized, "Ang precaution natin doon is for the dog to be fed properly and to be confined within a fenced area," reminding people to have their pets vaccinated at their nearest veterinary clinic and treat animals with "tender loving care."

For more information regarding rabies prevention and handling of animal bites, view the GARC website at http://www.rabiesalliance.org. You may also visit the Provincial Veterinary Office at Brgy. 2, Gomburza St., Laoag City, or contact them through (077) 772-1211.

UNDP, FAO to scale up assistance to countries on addressing climate change risks in agriculture

February 25, 2016, 12:09 am

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Germany provides an additional €5 million to support to joint effort

Paris—A United Nation Programme working to help countries include climate-related risks in national planning and budgeting processes—especially those that affect the agriculture sector - is getting an additional €5 million in support from the government of Germany, bringing the country's total backing for this work up to €15 million.

Through the recently established Integrating Agriculture in National Adaptation Plans programme, FAO and UNDP are working with ministries of agriculture, environment, finance and planning in Nepal, Kenya, the Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, Uruguay, Viet Nam and Zambia. The aim is to strengthen local technical skills in the use of climate risk management strategies, adjust planning and budgeting processes to incorporate climate change risks, and support farmers - especially women—in adopting best practices in climate change adaptation.

The two UN agencies will use the additional financing—provided by Germany 's Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) under the auspices of its International Climate Initiative (IKI)—to scale up this work as well as expand it to three more countries.

"The additional finance from the Government of Germany will be catalytic to assist countries to put into place the requisite national systems and capacities to scale up climate risk management in the critical area of food security and livelihoods," said German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks.

A broad and complementary programme of work

The four-year UNDP-FAO initiative is part of UNDP's portfolio of assistance to countries on climate change adaptation. It sits alongside other ongoing efforts to strengthen the national adaptation plans processes financed by the Least Developed Country Fund ($4.7 million), the Special Climate Change Fund ($2.25 million), as well as bilateral donors.

It will be complemented by additional support extended by UNDP to countries with financing from the Special Climate Change Fund, Green Climate Fund as well as support from bilateral donors such as Germany, Japan, Canada and Australia. 

A related initiative is the Caribbean Climate Change Partnership, which similarly aims to support countries in developing their National Climate Adaptation Plans. This work is being implemented by UNDP with funding from the Government of Japan to the tune of $15 million for the 2015-2017 period.

For, FAO the joint effort dovetails with a series of global programmes the agency is running to help countries develop and implement policy frameworks and institutional arrangements aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural development under climate change.

Since 2009, FAO has implemented some 300 projects and programmes addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation in agriculture, forestry and fisheries and aquaculture. Through its network of climate change professionals in its various technical units, FAO is supporting countries in diverse ways, from policy design, to improved practices and capacity development.

The scaling up of the FAO-UNDP partnership made possible by Germany's latest contribution will help FAO expand the number of countries supported as well as South-South exchanges between developing countries, strengthening data gathering and evidence-based monitoring and evaluation on a global scale, and promoting gender equality in agricultural development. 

Meeting needs

The financial support provided by Germany addresses major concerns of many of the world's most vulnerable countries, as voiced by Uganda and Nepal.

"For many of us in Uganda, climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a reality and a sign of what lies ahead. It is also important to note that climate change knows no boundaries. There is no institution that can deal with this on its own. This is a problem that needs to be addressed by all of us working together by sharing resources and technologies," said Vincent Ssempijja, Ugandan Minister of State for Agriculture. "The process of developing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) has started, and agriculture is a champion in developing their sector specific NAP and mainstreaming guidelines."

Haribol Prasad Gajurel, Minister of Agricultural Development, Government of Nepal added: "This is a crucial moment for agriculture in Nepal. The sector is very vulnerable and farmers are facing difficulties in coping with the challenges posed by climate change, such as erratic rainfalls, shifting monsoon conditions and insurgence of disease-pests. In this connection, we are working to strengthen capacities to adapt to climate change. We welcome the opportunity offered by FAO and UNDP and are glad to be partners in the "Integrating Agriculture in National Adaptation Plans" initiative. This is an important chance to shape our own adaptation plans for the future of our country."

Caps

Moringa seedlings at a tree nursery in the highlands of Tanzania, part of an FAO project to strengthen farmers' capacity to cope with climate change. (FAO)

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‘Goodbye trees, hello solar power’

February 25, 2016, 8:30 pm

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By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte—Environment advocates in the province of Ilocos Norte failed to rescue hundreds of trees massacred at Brgy. Paguludan to give way to a 60-hectare solar power field, the largest so far in Luzon.

In time for the kick-off rally of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. with his running mate Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago who are running for the country’s top two posts, the first grid -connected solar power farm in the province was inaugurated on February 9, attended by local officials here.

Funded by Soleq Philippines Inc. in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte through a co-development agreement, the 20-megawatt solar power farm is expected to power up some 26,000 households or at least 50 percent of the province’s power requirement for clean energy.

“This is something the Ilocos Norte should be proud of because we continue to reduce our environmental footprint through clean energy. And we will continue to support project like this because this is our future and our children’s future that are stake here,”said Mr. Marcos who was the guest of honor at the inauguration.

Of the proposed 1,281 trees to be cut which environmentalist group here expressed strong opposition to, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reduced it to 180 trees provided that the company will replenish it.

Under the agreement, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Juan delos Reyes said that for every tree that was cut, it shall be replaced with 300 trees as directed by the DENR-Central Office.

“This is a first of a kind because normally the DENR recommends that for every tree to be cut, in favor of a green project, there shall be a replacement of 100 trees and ensure that these are properly taken cared of for the first three years after planting.

According to Mr. Delos Reyes, the tree replacement will also be enrolled as part of the National Greening Program as an added accomplishment of the DENR in partnership with the private sector.

Filipino migrants help promote Ilokano culture in LC

February 25, 2016, 8:39 pm

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Performers during the cultural show held at the MMSU-CTE Social Hall on Feb. 17, 2016. They are composed of officers and members of GUMIL Oahu namely: Gladys Mae Menor, Divina Menor, Mr. and Mrs. Rizal and Mila Fernandez, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie and Nena Bueno, Atty. and Mrs. Rafael and Elizabeth Alimbuyogen and Jun Bermisa. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Filipino migrants from the island paradise of Hawaii found their way back home to promote Ilocano culture as they entertained students through songs, dances, poetry and theatrical play rolled into one. 

Held at the social hall of the Mariano Marcos State University-College of Teacher Education in Laoag City, Gladys Mae Menor, president of the Calayab Association Hawaii Chapter who served as guest of honor during the 12^th GUMIL (Gunglo Dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano) Ilocos Norte Convention and Literary Seminar on February 17 said it’s always been an honor to give back to the Ilocanos back home and help them appreciate our local culture which is very unique to the world.

As one of the advocates of Ilocano culture and traditions in Hawaii, Ms. Menor urged the youth to take pride of their culture and identity as an Ilocano. 

Ilocanos still remain as the biggest Filipino migrants in Hawaii, the first destination of overseas Filipino workers in the United States. Most of them were petitioned by their forefathers who worked as plantation workers locally known as Sakadas over 100 years ago.

Record shows that of the total 62,366 Filipino migrants in Hawaii during the period 1998 to May 2005, about 31,346 were from the Ilocos region or about 50 percent of all Filipino migrants in Hawaii during that period. The Filipino population in Hawaii is now estimated at 300,000, or 15% of Hawaii’s total population.

In fact, the University of Hawaii has started offering basic Ilocano course since last year to increase reading comprehension, develop linguistic skills in Ilocano and promote the appreciation and awareness of the Filipino culture.

Like in other countries who are promoting their own languages, Ms. Menor also lauded the Department of Education in its effort to implement the Mother Tongue-Based Multi-lingual Education program in which children’s mother tongue is used in the classroom as bridge in learning other languages such as Filipino and English.

In the form of songs, dances, poetry, bukanegan, kinnantaran, and sarsuela unique to the Ilocanos in the early years, performers from Hawaii led by Ms. Menor and Rizal Fernandez, in his capacity as president of the Gunglo Dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano (GUMIL) based in Oahu took the center stage of the MMSU-CTE social hall to the delight of the young audience, giggling over funny anecdotes only true-blooded Ilocanos could relate to. 

Like Sherynyl Gaspar, 17, she said it is her first time to watch kinnantaranand drama in Ilocano which she described as “amazing.”

“It’s funny, educational and entertaining. I hope to see more of these because I enjoyed watching with my friends,” said Ms. Gaspar. 

According to Mr. Fernandez, members and officers of the GUMIL Oahu composed of mostly professionals from various fields always find time, after a long day work, to meet with the group and do rehearsals in they have a scheduled event. 

Unlike when they perform in Hawaii where they sell tickets pegged at $25 to fund their charity programs and goodwill mission in the Philippines, the February 17 cultural show for the students here were provided free, with a complimentary lunch and snacks courtesy of the group.  

Innovative IN products shine at ‘Tiendaan ni Gob’

February 25, 2016, 9:01 pm

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By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Driftwood curtains, hydrophonics, fresh and organic upland and lowland vegetables and a wide selection of abel handwoven cloth, and quality processed food products and handicrafts shine at the ‘Tiendaan ni Gob’agro-trade fair which opened on February 8 at the Dap-ayan Center, this city.

Produced by micro, small and medium entrepreneurs from the 21 municipalities and two cities here, this year’s agro-trade in time for the 198^th foundation anniversary of Ilocos Norte on February 2 continue to attract local buyers and visitors who are curious about the latest product craze in the province.

“There are new products that we saw such as the display of Nueva Era and Dumalneg towns. Talaga namang rumarampa ang ating mga IP (Indigenous Peoples),” Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos said as she toured around and bought some products display at the booth exhibits representing the best and unique products of each town and city here.

At the Pinili booth, a selection of the Ilokano handwoven cloth unique for its intricate designs made by the 92-year-old Magdalena Gamayo, known as the “Grandmother of Abel Iloko”is also a big hit among buyers. In 2012, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III recognized Ms. Gamayo, earning her the title as a Filipino master weaver or the so-called “Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Award (GAMABA) in textile weaving.

According to Ms. Marcos, the design and packaging has also improved which indicates that SMEs are now open to embrace innovation and boost their competitiveness.

While local products try to upgrade to international market standards, Ms. Marcos however lamented that there are some instances when the price is too high or too low.

“Kinakailangan yata na ilagay natin ang tunay nabookkeeping cost hindi ‘yung Ilokano style cost na basta may cash na mapaikot ay p’wede na,”she added.

The five-day agro-trade fair is meant to promote new products of the province and for customers to discover interesting products in the region.

Backed by the provincial government and other concerned government agencies here, SMEs based in the province continue to improve their products and innovativeness by participating in various local, national and international trade expos where they can share what they have and learn from the success of others.

PGIN to offer more than 1,000 summer jobs for students, OSY

February 26, 2016, 12:52 am

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By John Michael Mugas

PGIN-CMO

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) is opening more than a thousand slots for Ilocano out-of-school youth (OSY) and students through its two summer job programs, according to provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, who launched the Task Force Trabaho in 2012 to aggressively bring in more jobs for Ilocanos, seeks to further develop the “soft skills” of students and OSY through these programs, saying, “While the quality of our students is undoubted, they lack work experience and the so-called “soft skills”—teamwork, resourcefulness, problem solving.”

PESO Officer-in-charge Ann Marie Lizette Bitancor revealed that the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) is set to roll out its application process beginning on February 22 up to March 4.

The SPES applicants, aged 15 to 25, should submit the following requirements at PESO located at i-Hub, Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena: four sets of SPES form, passport size picture (four pieces), photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate, grades/class cards, certification of grades, certification of school registration/official receipt.

Additional requirements are also needed for applicants whose parents are farmer or tricycle driver (barangay clearance and certificate of indigency), self-employed/private business (BIR exemption/sworn declaration) and government employees (income tax return). OSY applicants should present a certificate of good moral character as well.

Following the submission of requirements, the applicants will be shortlisted for a final screening on March 7 to 11, noted Ms. Bitancor.

She added that the first batch hired under the SPES will be deployed in different capitol offices starting April 1 while the second batch will begin on May 1.

Orientation for the first batch is set on March 30 at the Provincial Auditorium.

All throughout the years, SPES in Ilocos Norte has paved the way to the creation of more than 3,500 jobs for OSY and students since 2012.

This has drastically increased from the meager 25 beneficiaries hired in 2009 before Ms. Marcos’ administration.

Meanwhile, job opportunities will also be offered by the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) as they have started the application process for its Paoay Kumakaway! Summer Program wherein 600 personnel will be hired.

With summer as the peak season for tourism in the province, the additional workers will assist the provincial government in serving as tourist aides, utility personnel and paramedics in the 42 tourists centers across the province, starting March until the end of the summer season.

Interested applicants, who must be at least 18 years old, may pass their résumé at the tourist center in La Tabacalera Lifestyle Center, Laoag City until March 14, said INTO

For more information, interested applicants may contact the Provincial Public Employment Service Office at 0926 708 4834 and the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office at 0917 550 0946.

Notices for February 22, 2016

February 26, 2016, 4:32 am

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Republic of the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL AND CITY SHERIFF

Marcos Hall of Justice

Laoag City

LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES,

Mortgagee,

-versus-

SPS. CAMILO RONDAL., JR. and LILIBETH (Elizabeth) RONDAL., as principal and as Representative of ANELINE (Aveline) R. BRINGAS married to Edgar Bringas, RANDY C. RONDAL married to Emma S. Rondal, ROBERT C. RONDAL married to Darly M. Rondal and GLENN C. RONDAL,

Mortgagor/s,

EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER R.A. 3135, AS AMENDED

EJF NO. 03-2016

x----------------------------x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

          Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES with principal office and place of business at 1598 M.H. del Pilar cor. Quintos Sts., Malate, Manila and branch office address at La Union Ilocos Lending Center, San Fernando, La Union against Sps. Camilo Rondal, Jr. and Lilibeth (Elizabeth) Rondal of Brgy. Lorenzo, Banna, Ilocos Norte as principal and as representative of ANELINE (AVELINE) R. BRINGAS married to Edgar Bringas, RANDY C. RONDAL married to Emma S. Rondal, ROBERT C. RONDAL married to Darly M. Rondal & GLENN C. RONDAL, all of Brgy. Cabittauran, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 30, 2015 in the amount of Two Million Nine Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Four Hundred Seventy Six and 76/100 (P2,972,476.76) Pesos, inclusive of interests and penalties, but exclusive of attorney’s fees, costs and expenses of this foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized Deputy will sell at public auction on March 15,2016 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Municipal Hall of Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, to the highest bidder for cash and in Philippine Currency,  all rights, shares and participations which the mortgagors have or might have had in the hereunder described real property together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

MORTGAGED PROPERTY

TCT NO. C-1454

Lot No. 3647, Cad 712-D, VLT

          A parcel of land, Lot 3647, CAD 712-D VLT situated at Barangay Cabittauran, Municipality of Nueva Era, Province of Ilocos Norte, Island of Luzon, bounded on the N., points 1-2 by Lot 3648; NE., points 2-3 by Lot 3649; points 3-4 by Lot 3688; on the SE., and SW., points 4-5-6 by Lot 3642 on the SW., points 6-7 by Lot 3638; and on the W., points 7-8 by Lot 3637; and points 8-1 by Lot 3636, all of CAD 712-D, Nueva Era.

          Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being N. 71deg. 07’ E., 5168.57 m. to BLLM#1 CAD 712-D, Nueva Era Cadastre.

thence S. 71 deg. 38’ E., 102.25 m. to points 2;

thence S. 64 deg. 34’ E., 312.65 m. to point 3;

thence N. 84 deg. 55’ E., 346.59m to point 4;

thence S. 76 deg. 51’W., 587.21 m. to point 5;

thence N. 57 deg. 40’W., 227.60 m. to point 6;

thence N. 16 deg. 17’ W., 68.69 m. to point 7;

thence N. 44 deg. 38’ E., 50.02 m. to point 8;

thence N. 27 deg. 10’ E., 51.78 m. to point of;

beginning;

containing an area of SEVENTY THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUDNRED FORTY SEVEN (73,547) square meters more or less.

          Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the property hereunder above-described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

          In the event that public auction should not take place on the scheduled date it shall be held on March 22, 2016 without further notice.

          Laoag City, February 15, 2016.

ZALDY P. DE LA CRUZ

Provincial City Sheriff Ex-Officio

By (SGD) NORIEL R. HILARIO

Sheriff-In-Charge

CC: Mortagee

       Publisher

       RTC-Raffle Committee

Feb 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

_____________________________________________

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF ILOCOS NORTE

FIRST JUDICIAL REGION

BRANCH 12 – LAOAG CITY

IN RE: PETITION FOR THE CANCELLATION/CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF RECTO JACINTO LAZARO ON THE ENTRY OF  HIS MIDDLE NAME FROM CORPUZ TO JACINTO

RECTO JACINTO LAZARO,

Petitioner,

-vs-

THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF SOLSONA, ILOCOS NORTE; THE

CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS OFFICE,

MANILA PHILIPPINES; AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHOSE INTEREST IS AFFECTED THEREBY,

Respondents,

SP. PROC. NO. 16851-12

for Cancellation/Correction of Entry

x---------------------------------------------x

ORDER

          Filed with this Court is a verified petition for the correction of entry in the certificate of live birth of petitioner Recto Jacinto Lazaro in the Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar of Solsona, Ilocos Norte and the Civil Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Office, Manila and all other persons who may have interests filed by the herein petitioner through counsel.

          Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this petition is set for hearing on March 18, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. before the Regional trial Court, Branch 12, Laoag City, at which time, date and place, any interested person who is adversely affected may appear and show cause why said petition should not be granted.

          Let this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in any newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Ilocos Norte and the City of Laoag at the expense of the petitioner, the last date of publication being at least one week prior to the date of the scheduled hearing.

          Let copies of this Order and the Petition be furnished the Offices of the Municipal Civil Registrar of Solsona, Ilocos Norte; the Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Office, Manila and the Solicitor General, Manila.

          SO ORDERED.

          Done in the City of Laoag, this 9^thday of February 2016.

(SGD) NIDA B. ALEJANDRO

Presiding Judge

Feb 22, 29 March 7, 2016 *IT

________________________________________

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

FIRST JUDICIAL REGION

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF

Batac City

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

PHILIPPINE INVESTMENT ONE (SPV-AMC), INC.,

Petitioner/Mortgagee,

-versus-

SPOUSES JUANITO C. SIGGAOAT and AURORA SIGGAOAT, Borrowers/Mortgagors.

EJF Case No. 259

For: Extra- Judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage under Act 3135, as amended by ACT No. 4118

x---------------------------x

          Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135/1508 filed by petitioner PHILIPPINE INVESMEN ONE (SPV-AMC), INC.  with principal business address at unit 1615-1616 16^th Floor, tower One, Philippine Stock Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Ave., Makati City represented by Atty. Michael G.A.R. Vargas, in house counsel, against SPOUSES JUANITO SIGGAOAT and AURORA SIGGAOAT with residence address at Brgy. #8 Acosta, Batac City, Ilocos Norte to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 5, 2015 amounts to TWO HUNDRED THIRTY TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FOURTY AND 00/100 P 232,540.00 exclusive of the amount of interest, penalties and other charges accruing thereon until fully paid, together with attorney’s fees and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on March 18, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Batac City to the highest bidder, for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements to wit:

Transfer of Certificate of Title

No. T-17374

          A parcel of land (Lot No. 863 of the cadastral survey of Batac, Cadastral Case No. N-1-1V,  LRC Cadastral Record No. N-523) situated in the Municipality of Batac, Province of Ilocos Norte. Bounded on the NE., points 8-9 by Lot No. 867; on the SE., points 9-1, by Osmeña St., points 1-3 by Lot No. 862; and points 3-4, by Lot No. 861; on the SW., points 4-5, by lot No. 861; and on the NW., points 5-6, by Lot No. 861; points 6-7 by Lot No. 866; and points 7-8 by Lot No 866. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, S. 69 deg. 48’ W., 464.51m. from No. 1 thence N. 58 deg., 22 W/. 9.57m. to point 2; S 39 deg., 43’ W., 18.71m., in point 3; S., 68 deg. 3’ W., 1.04. to point 4; N. 53 deg., 54’ W.,, 12.43 m. to point 5; N. 33 deg., 07’ E., 3.61m. to point 6; N. 39 deg., 11’E., to point 7; N. 28 deg. 16’ E., 5.85m to point 8; S. 56 deg. 47’ E., 21.17m. to point 9; S. 29 deg. 06’ W., 9.73m. to the point beginning; containing an area of    FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX (456) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground; bearings true; date of the Cadastral Survey, March 4-July 4, 1968

Owned and registered in the name of Juanito Siggaoat.

Prospective bidders may investigate for themselves the title of the above described properties and its encumbrances if there be any.

          All sealed bids mut be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.

          In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 21, 2016 without further notice.

February 17, 2016, Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

(SGD) ATTY. ARTHUR C. AGULLANA JR.

Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Sheriff

(SGD) FELMER J. ABRIGADO

Sheriff IV, RTC Br. 17

Copy Furnished:

PHILIPPINE INVESTMENT ONE (SPV-AMC), INC.

THRU: ATTY. MICHAEL G.A.R. VARGAS

Unit 1615-1616 16^th Floor Ayala tower One and Exchange Plaza, Ayala Ave.

Makati City

SPS. JUANITO C. SIGGAOAT and AURORA SIGGAOAT

Brgy. 8 Acosta, Batac City, Ilocos Norte

Feb. 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

_____________________________________________

NOTICE OF ADJUDICATION

          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the deceased FLAVIANO (PALABIANO) BALTAZAR, who died on November 22, 1986 at Marcos, Ilocos Norte has been adjudicated by his heirs consisting of his one-half share in Lot No. 7290-A of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-259112, being a portion of Lot 7290, located at Brgy. Buttong, Laoag City covered by TCT No. T-13350 docketed as Doc. No. 309; Page No. 63; Book No. CXCIV; Series of 2013 of Notary Public Ameurfina A. Respicio and dated December 17, 2013.

Feb 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AND ABSOLUTE SALE

          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late FELIX Q. CUA and CONSUELO D. CHUA consisting of two (2) parcels of land designated as Lot Nos. 2273 and 2272 under TD Nos. 05-019-02479 and 05-019-02483 containing an rea of 383.41 sq.m. and 739.44 sq.m both located at Brgy. #35 Billoca, City of Batac has been adjudicated by their heirs extrajudicially and simultaneously sold to Delio I. Mangabat married to Grace A. Mangabat and Sps. Ernesto I. Mangabat and Felicidad A. Mangabat ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public Daniel B. Rubio as per Doc. No. 296; Page No. 60; Bk. No. II; S. of 2016.

Feb 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

DEED OF ADJUCATION WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late SPS. FRANCISCO GABRIEL and REMIGIA L. GABRIEL consisting of their undivided share of a parcel of land designated as Lot 14640-BB-3, Psd-01-055578 being a portion of Lot. 14640-BB, Psd-01-053344, L.R.C Rec. No. 1170 covered by TCT No. T-35037 containing an area of 425 sq.m situated in the Barrio of Vira (now Barit) Rurban Code No. 012812, Municipality of Laoag (Laoag City NOW) has been adjudicated by their heirs and simultaneously sold to Darwin P. Ramos ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public Bernie Francis B. Constantino as per Doc. No. 169; Page No. 34; Bk. No. XXXII; S. of 2014

Feb 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

DEED OF ADJUDICATION OF BANK ACCOUNT

          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late LINDA P. TAGATAC consisting of a bank deposit with the BANCO DE ORO, BATAC CITY BRANCH under Dollar Savings Account No. 105490005239 has been adjudicated by her heirs ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public Jesse I. Tagatac as per Doc. No. 22; Page No. 4; Bk. No. III; S. of 2016

Feb 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate if the late MARIANO SIMISIM and TRINIDAD BALIOAC consisting of a parcel of land designated as Lot No. 34264 A and B CAD-398 of the Marcos Cadastre covered by OCT No. P-14233 containing an area of 22,263 sq.m. situated in Brgy. Parangopong, Batac City, Ilocos Norte has been adjudicated by their heirs extrajudicially and simultaneously sold to Chirstian Mark P. Ugale ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public Rowel Jake L. Leonado as per Doc. No. 311; Page No. 63; Bk. No. III; S. of 2015

Feb 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

DEED OF ADJUDICATION WITH SALE

          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the deceased NORBERTO ARIÑEZ consisting of five (5) parcels of land designated as Lot Nos. 4425; 4503, 4777, 4465 and 4510 all of CAD-574-D covered by Katibayan ng Orihinal na Titulo Blg. P-2827, P-2006, P-4247, P-2107 and P-17778 all situated at Mariquet, Solsona, Ilocos Norte has been adjudicated by his heirs and simultaneously sold to Jo Alexis Cambronero ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public Jose Roy B. Raval as per Doc. No. 059; Page No. 12; Bk. No. XIII; S. of 2016

Feb 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

DEED OF ADJUDICATION WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

          Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late MAXIMA BURGOS CIRIDON and JUAN CIREDON consisting of a parcel of land designated as Lot No. 37316 before lot No. 10399-A, CSD-7814 of the Laoag Cadastre, Cadastral Case No. 51, L.R.C. Cadastral Record No. 1212 with improvements thereon covered by OCT. No. 021-0-2548 containing an area of 316 sq.m. situated in the Barrio of San Vicente, Municipality of Laoag, Province of Ilocos Norte has been adjudicated by their heirs and simultaneously sold to Janet Bernabe Cabreros ratified and acknowledged before Notary Public Michael M. Garces as per Doc. No. 319; Page No. 64; Bk. No. XIV; S. of 2014

Feb. 22, 29, March 7, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

Publication Notice

RA 10172

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CFN-001-2016 R.A. 9048

CCE 0007-2016

February 15, 2016

          In Compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JONATHAN GERMAN GLEN GANAL RAMOS has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “JONATHAN” to “JONATHAN GERMAN GLEN” and correction of entry in the date of birth from “NOVEMBER 11, 1980” to “NOVEMBER 16, 1980” in the certificate of live birth of JONATHAN CORIGAL BALISACAN at Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and whose parents are JUSTO BALISACAN BALISACAN and ANITA BUENAFLOR CORIGAL.

          Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 7, 2016.

(SGD) JOAN A. DUQUE

Municipal Civil Registrar

Feb 22-28, Feb 29-March 6, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

R.A. 9048 Form No 10.1 (LCRO)

Republic of the Philippines

Local Civil Registry Office

Province of Ilocos Norte

Municipality of Sarrat

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

          In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that TERESITA OBANDO ABUAN has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from CARMEN to TERESITA in the birth certificate of  CARMEN GANUT OBANDO who was born on  05  NOV. 1957 at Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and whose parents are ALFREDO MALAQUI OBANDO and LOURDES RASAY GANUT.

          Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than March 7, 2016.

(SGD) JOAN A. DUQUE

Municipal Civil Registrar

Feb 22-28, Feb 29-March 6, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________

R.A. 9048 Form 10.1 (LCRO)

Republic of the Philippines

Local Civil Registry Office

Province of Ilocos Norte

Municipality: Pasuquin

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

          In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that PERLITA C. NATORES has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from  FRANCISCA PERLITA to PERLITA in the birth certificate of FRANCISCA PERLITA CAALIM who was born on MARCH 9, 1947 at  Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte and whose parents are LEONARDO CAALIM and PASTORA CALIVA.

          Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 7, 2016.

(SGD) FELIZA C. RATUITA

Municipal Civil Registrar

Feb 22-28, Feb 29-Mar 6, 2016 *IT

____________________________________________