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Luzon humanitarian projects begin in Support of Exercise Balikatan 19

May 5, 2019, 5:52 pm
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Manila—Multinational forces began humanitarian and civic assistance projects as part of exercise Balikatan 2019 on March 12, 2019.

Philippine, U.S., and Australian forces attended ground-breaking ceremonies for the renovation of three elementary schools in Orani, Bataan Province; Pangil, Laguna Province; and San Juan, Batangas Province as well as a health clinic in Moncada, Tarlac Province.

Construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events will take place to improve local infrastructure, teach lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and Philippine, U.S. and Australian military forces.

The events are a preparatory part of this year’s Exercise Balikatan, which officially takes place from April 1 to 12, 2019.

Balikatan is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States, and also involves participation from Australia.  Balikatan is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines. 

During Balikatan 2019, U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response.  All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro.

This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft.  Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.  Participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occur.

Balikatan 2019 will also bring together ASEAN members for an International Observers Program.  The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners, show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices, and showcase the joint and combined air, sea, and ground operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Armed Forces. 

This year’s Balikatan focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges.  Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (US Embassy news)

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Ilocos Norte gov’t opens 400 slots for SPES

May 5, 2019, 5:53 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) is again inviting out-of-school youth and vacationing students who wish to apply for summer job opportunities under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

On March 25, 2219, several applicants joined a long queue at the Capitol lobby leading to the Provincial Public Employment and Service Office (PESO) located at the west wing of the Capitol ground floor for screening.

According to the Provincial Public Employment and Service Office (PESO), there are 400 slots available to Ilocano youth aged 16 to 30 years old under the SPES program this summer.

The beneficiaries shall render at least 15 days of service to different offices in the provincial Capitol starting April to May.

Lizette Bitancor-Atuan, PESO head said “Applicants should submit a duly-accomplished application form issued by PESO, a photocopy of NSO birth certificate,  certificate of grades or class cards and five pieces of passport size picture.”

The SPES is an employment bridging program for high school, technical or vocational, and tertiary students aged 16-30-year old during summer vacation that aims at augmenting the family’s income of poor but deserving students.

Employers from public and private institutions usually provide SPES beneficiaries with office work such administrative and clerical jobs.

Meanwhile, technical and vocational students will also be given the opportunity to assist in construction and automotive jobs depending on the available vacancies.

Pegged at PHP280 per day rate, 60 percent of the salaries of the beneficiaries will be shouldered by the provincial government and 40 percent by the Department of Labor and Employment.

If the parents of the applicant are farmer, tricycle driver or fisherman, he/she is required to submit a certificate of indigence issued by their barangay chairperson.

For those applicants whose parents are self-employed, private or government employee, they must submit the latest income tax return of parents or a certificate issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue that the parents are exempted from the payment of tax.

For more inquiries, call or visit PESO located along JP Rizal street, Laoag City with telephone number (077) 772-1212 loc 152 or email: ilocosnortepeso@yahoo.com.

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Article 3

May 5, 2019, 6:37 pm
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By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte--“As your humble brother, I have made my choice and chosen a new path in my life.  If the people so desire, let me be the rallying point of their frustrations. If the people choose it to be, I offer myself to be their instrument of expressing the desire for political reform, economic progress, and social stability. May I enjoin each and every one of you now to consider this opportunity to be part of this historic people’s movement to change for the better.”.

Atty. Hilario “Larry” Pajinag Valdez stated this as his prime reasons in his decision to run for the congressional seat of Ilocos Norte’s second district.

Described by people as once a young farm boy who lived at Brgy. San Pablo, San Nicolas; living a simple life, but at a very early age he knew there was a calling set for him to realize. He saw where he was and understood that someday he will contribute to the economic indicator of his beloved town, San Nicolas and his province—Ilocos Norte. That young boy became the current President/CEO of Venvi Group of Companies.

Venvi’s point man
A man known for wisdom growing in knowledge and experience by friends and supporters, Mr. Valdez developed a sense of practicality and rationality, as he also gained significant compassion and became a philanthropist. 

Days and years forward he now sits at the very helm of Venvi Group of Companies, managing multiple industries that brought about jobs for many people.

He restored a barren mountain into a robust environment with lush landscapes and developed it into a powerhouse—the Venvi Agro-Industrial Ventures Corporation in the rural Brgy. San Agustin of this town. 

He also developed a track of land in San Nicolas now known as the Valdez Center that further grew into a business center in Ilocos Norte.

The Venvi Development Corporation projects the modern age of business into the heart of San Nicolas.

As progress and development hastens, he enforced the VVH Construction to cater to the needs of Venvi Group of Companies for the projects and constructions. He also founded the realty services and utilities offices that accommodates a diversity of company needs such as deployment and management of security officers; water and electricity; oil and fuel, real estate, and other relevant services of the unit.

Also, the Prudence Development and Management Corporation stands in Clark, Pampanga—a cigarette factory that caters to international clients, is one of his powerhouses in Venvi.

Thousands of employees
To date, Mr. Valdez directly provides employment to over 2,000 people directly employed by the Venvi Group, and to around 10,000 it indirectly employs by attracting more companies. 

Aside from this fact, due to the economic development he has brought to the province, investors have taken interest in San Nicolas as a “business-friendly town”.

The presence of the Valdez Center has brought about a chain reaction and attracted other investors into the province, thus emanating countless jobs springing up from one company to another.

The call of sustainability allows industries to address the unending dependence to other forms of services.

San Nicolas has flourished throughout the years, achieving milestones one after the other.

Mr. Valdez created a vortex for other businesses to look for opportunity to grow and sustain. 

In his own words: “My hometown San Nicolas is a vivid example of how the triadic concept of development can operate and be so successful.  In the year 2004, our people united and pushed political reform by installing a new government leadership. It was only then that business could flourish, with an incorruptible and pro-development municipal leadership. As we can see now, San Nicolas has immediately developed from a fourth-class to a first-class municipality, in a period of only six years. For three consecutive years, and now a Hall of Famer, San Nicolas was chosen by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry among the more than 1,500 towns as the Most Business-Friendly Municipality in the whole country.”

Aspirations
Mr. Valdez’s primary objective in entering public service is to spread economic development throughout the whole province; create “hundreds of thousands of jobs”, and uplift the whole Ilocos Norte economy.

He said he realizes, however, as it was the case of San Nicolas, that there must first be a change in political leadership. Only then can business really flourish, he stressed.

In a speech during one of his political sorties, he exhorted the people to “…take the stand and wield their power of the vote for the future of the province…. The golden opportunity is now!”

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Amelia Bautista: The Beacon of Bagnos

May 5, 2019, 6:40 pm
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AMELIA Bautista of Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative receives the national awards of Bagnos from Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Vic M. Ines. The cooperative was awarded as 2018 Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization and Highest Grade in IT-Enabled Maturity Assessment. (Rommel R. Aquino photo)


In 2000, the Bagnos Multipurpose Cooperative in Barangay Binacag, Banna, Ilocos Norte was in shambles.

Of its remaining 39 members, only 12 were active. The capital for its consumer store, its sole business then, was down to a few thousand pesos.

Nobody had the time to initiate a move to resuscitate it. The men were too busy working in the fields, while the women confined themselves with their household chores.

Ironically, this cooperative called “bagnos”, an Iluko term for “guiding light”, was left without a direction, a lost cause.

But this situation changed when a woman decided to stand up—a decision that turned the cooperative’s measly PHP4,457 into a staggering PHP28,750,643.

Amelia Bautista, fondly called “Amie”, took the rein of Bagnos in 2000. Her first move as a manager was the conduct of an intense membership campaign.

Not sparing even just a single house, Amie talked to every family in Binacag, explaining to them the benefits of “cooperativism”.

Years before she joined Bagnos, Amie was an area manager an insurance company. She used the persuasion skills she learned from the said insurance company to convince people to become members of Bagnos.

The persistence of Amie paid off. After a few weeks, more than a hundred individuals, most of them women, signed in as new members of Bagnos.

The increase in membership renewed the cooperative’s spirit. It also gave more income to their consumer store—the lifeblood of Bagnos then.

Not resting on their initial success, Amie pushed for the expansion of the cooperative’s enterprise. For this, she sought the help of different government agencies for financial and technical assistance.

Being a beneficiary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) herself, Amie was aware of the programs of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Thus, she asked the provincial office of DAR in Ilocos Norte to help Bagnos in its pursuit to create more income generating services.

DAR Ilocos Norte did not fail Bagnos. It provided trainings, workshops, capital assistance and equipment to start up new businesses. It closely monitored and mentored the officers of the cooperative until they could independently manage their enterprises.

The efforts of DAR Ilocos Norte helped Bagnos establish more cooperative services which include the following: bigger consumer store, palay trading, agri-inputs trading, rice coffee production, credit and savings services, goat raising, hog raising, butchering cum meat processing and farm equipment rental.

As of December 2018, from an initial capital of just more than PHP4,000, their asset ballooned to almost PHP29 Million. And from a mere 12 active members, Bagnos now has 954 members, almost 70% of them are women.

Due to its massive success, Bagnos has received numerous recognitions. Among its most recent awards are the following: 1st Place, National Level, 2017 IT Enabled Maturity Assessment from DAR; 2018 Most Outstanding Cooperative Award from the Cooperative Development Authority; 2018 Outstanding Local Product Award from the Department of Tourism; and Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization-National Level (Luzon Island) from DAR.

From an almost obscure cooperative, Bagnos has turned into a model organization in the north. Because of this, Amie is often invited to speak in various forum of women and farmers’ groups.

In her speaking engagements, she always points out the importance of conducting regular meetings, maintaining good negotiation practices with customers, close supervision of cooperative projects, regular monitoring and feedback giving, fair treatment of members and continuous education.

Amie admits that serving the cooperative is not without pain. But she is not a stranger to challenges. In fact, she took care of their family and sent her siblings to school when their parents passed away—she never got married because of this commitment.

Amie believes that good is not extinguished even when its original light is lost. There is only a need for someone to take courage to rise as a new beacon—a guide for a new direction.

Like in the case of Bagnos. It was poor and dying in 2000. But with the steadfast guidance of a woman, it is now one of the few multi-millionaire cooperatives in Ilocos Norte.
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BARD NOTES: Happy bard-reading to Badoc ABC President Virgilio Calajate, Ilocos Norte Provincial Treasurer Josephine P. Calajate, INEC President Enrico Ruiz, INEC Director Joseph Vergel P. Calajate, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Vic M. Ines, DAR Chief Administrative Officer Rudy Acacio, Ms. Genedine Domingo Jambaro and PNB Pasuquin Branch Manager Metty V. Guerrero.

Greetings also to the employees of JVC Consortium, AMA Laoag, Ilocos Norte Regional School of Fisheries, Laoag City PNP, DAR Ilocos Norte, DepEd Laoag, DepEd Ilocos Norte and PNB Pasuquin.


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BJMP-Batac completes building expansion

May 5, 2019, 6:42 pm
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By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter
 
Batac City—The P17 million expansion of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) expansion building in this city is 100% complete.
 
Jail/Insp. Antonio Sapaden made this announcement. He, however, noted that the building still needs it own transformer, thus there is still no electricity in the building.
 
Mr. Sapaden said the expansion building is intended for male persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) while the female detainees will remain at their existing dormitories.
 
He explained further that the transfer of the PDLs at the expansion building would depend on the presence of electricity including water availability.
 
He also added that they also still need to increase the perimeter fence’s height to avoid any escape attempt from the PDLs.
 
The two-storey building is located at the back of the existing jail at Brgy. Magnuang and was funded by the national government through the “Build-Build-Build” program of President Rodrigo R/ Duterte.
 
Ideally, PDLs per dormitory should at least be from 10 to 15 according to United Nations’ standards.
 
The expansion building has a total of 16 dormitories that has their respective comfort rooms.
 
The old dormitories will serve as activity areas of the PDLs; this however will still depend on identifying ideal activities for them.
 
As of press time, there are 207 PDLs at the BJMP Batac facing drug-related cases. This account for the biggest number of detainees.
 
With its expansion, BJMP-Batac now has the largest land area in Region I with a total of 7,031 square meters.
 
The existing BJMP lot here was donated by the Batac City government, including the additional 3,500-square meter lot for the expansion through a deed of usufruct for 50 years which is renewable.
In an earlier interview, Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua said the expansion granting the 3,500 square meters owned by the city government of Batac for the city jail will be used for improvement through a deed of usufruct.
 
Mr. Chua believes that the expansion would help solve the long-time congestion problem of the Batac jail which also serves the adjacent municipalities of Currimao, Paoay, Pinili and Badoc, aside from Batac.
 
In addition, the city government here also funded the construction of a perimeter fence around the newly constructed city jail’s expansion building through a resolution.


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INEC holds 4th AGMA in 4 venues

May 5, 2019, 6:45 pm
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By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter
Dingras, Ilocos Norte—The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) conducted its 45th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) meeting in four venues this year.

The AGMA was held on March 30, April 7, 13 and 27, 2019 in Burgos, Batac, Laoag and Dingras, respectively.

In a press interview, INEC’s Institutional Services Dept. (ISD) manager Menchie Cariaga took the opportunity with the members of the tri-media to invite all the member-consumer-owners of INEC to attend said meeting.

The AGMA aimed to bring all the member-consumers-owners of INEC for presentation of the accomplishment reports of the cooperative for the year 2018 and its present status.

Ms. Cariaga said the INEC general manager Engr. Felino Herbert P. Agdigos and INEC board president Enrico Ruiz reported on the managerial concern and the present status of INEC for the past year and present.

Financial status of INEC was be reported so the public may know its major accomplishments, programs and activities.

The conduct of sequential AGMA meeting helps the member-consumers-owners attend the nearest location they wish from north, east and south of the province.

Ms. Cariaga said AGMA guest speakers were from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and PHILRECA party list nominees.

It was learned that guest speakers for AGMA meetings last year were Multi Sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEAC) chairperson Dr. Jean Galat, Ms. Marjorie Baquiran, NEA board of administrator member Agustin Maddatu and NEA deputy administrator for legal services Atty. Goldelio Rivera.

Records show that INEC is a “Triple ‘A’” category awardee, NEA’s highest award given to all electric cooperatives.

Ms. Cariaga said attendees or member-consumers-owners who will attend the meeting received fare and snack allowance.

Likewise, MCOs also had the chance to win raffle prizes like two motorcycles in each of the four venues and appliances.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cariaga announced that INEC election earlier scheduled in 2018 and first semester of 2019 for seven districts are scheduled second semester of 2019.

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Laoag City: Making thing happen

May 9, 2019, 10:07 pm
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Just MoVe Forward and Create Valuable Future


By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—The Sunshine City of Laoag and the Northern Gateway of the Philippines will continuously move forward thru the leadership of multi-awarded Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas embodied in her vision of the city becoming the Metropolitan Center of the North.

The vision encompasses the accomplishments, awards and citations of Mrs. Fariñas garnered since she started in office in 2013.

Livable, safe and progressive city
In 2018, Laoag was named as third Most Livable City in the Philippines conferred by the Manila Times. On top of this, the city also won the Regional Gawad Kalasag Award from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of the Civil Defense; and first Place in the Pillar of Infrastructure in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Region I, by DTI and National Competitiveness Council.

The Dept. of Interior and Local Government also gave the city government the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping passer; as it also emerged as a National Awardee in Emergency/Disaster Management Award.

The Manila Times also conferred the Philippine Model Cities award to the city.

The city government, under Mrs. Fariñas, also proved its efficiency in terms of disasters as it garnered the Gantimpala Agad Award under the Mamamayan Muna Program by the Civil Service Commission Regional Office No. 1 for CDRRMC and LCSARG’s for their responsiveness to the public, resourcefulness, dedication and commitment to duty despite great risk in undertaking a successful rescue.


An efficient, transparent and biz-friendly city
The city government, with Mrs. Fariñas at the helm, also proved efficient and transparent as it won third place as the Most Competitive City in Government Efficiency, Infrastructure and Resiliency, in Region 1, an award from the Department of Trade and Industry, National Competitiveness Council and DILG; as well as receiving the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) from the DILG in recognition of its efforts in advancing the principles of accountability and transparency in local governance.

With Mrs. Fariñas on the lead, Laoag was recognized as the Most Business-Friendly City and subsequently a Hall of Fame Awardee-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the city government’s openness and full support for business investors.

Environment-, child-friendly
On top of this, the city also won the Best NGO-LGU Partnership CY 2015 for “Sustaining the Implementation of Integrated Solid Waste Management Program through the Public-Private Partnership Scheme” from the Regional Development Council I.

Mrs. Fariñas also spearheaded the campaign for waste segregation in the city for more efficient waste management. She has also presided in the construction of a proper sanitary landfill in the city to further improve waste management. This project, however, was stalled this year following the rejection of the 2019 budget by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The city also became a Champion and Hall of Fame Awardee as the Cleanest, Greenest, Safest and Greenest LGU, CY 2015 (City Category also from RDC I.

Proving that it cares about the future, Mrs. Fariñas’ thrust to care more towards children garnered the city the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance from the Council for the Welfare of Children. She achieved this by putting up children’s centers all around the city. The said center provides the building blocks for young children through pre-school education and proper nutrition.

Int’l awards
The city also received international accolades under Mrs. Fariñas’ leadership.

In 2014, the city won the European Awards for Best Practices from the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) based in Brussels, Belgium. ESQR recognized the outstanding commitment, support and results in Quality Management Strategies of the city government; and also awarded the Best Quality Leadership Award to Mrs. Fariñas

Agriculture powerhouse
Even as it is serves as the engine of growth and progress in the province, Mrs. Fariñas’ administration has also focused on agriculture in the city. It boosted optimum production in agriculture resulting in food sufficiency in the community and an improved quality of life of farmers and fisherfolks.

The city government has also provided crop production and fishery development program to sustain food sufficiency and food security and to increase income of farmers and fisherfolks. This includes production support programs through the provision of planting materials, seedlings and high-quality seeds and agricultural inputs; support on fishery production; provision of technical assistance on research and development; agricultural support facilities; provision of agricultural farm machineries and equipment; extension support, education and training Services; and institutional development program.

This focus resulted in several notable awards in agriculture that included the Hall of Fame Award from National Corn Quality Award in 2015; Good Agricultural Practices for Certified Mango Farm, awarded to Ricardo Tolentino, a Laoag resident by the Department of Agriculture; Regional Outstanding CAFC, Regional Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Culture) and Regional Outstanding Small Animal Raiser in the Regional Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Agricultural Achievers by the Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Unit I.

Agserbi/24/7
Mrs. Fariñas’ pet project has become one of her most important and impactful achievements for the city.

Agserbi 24/7 brought local governance to people’s doorsteps, providing immediate, wide-ranging and comprehensive delivery of various services closer to the people to address the needs of barangay folks.

Services rendered include message cast system, “Libreng Tawag sa Abroad”—Canada and USA, free medical/dental check-up, and livelihood skills training; distribution of day care kits, mobile registration and biometrics from the local elections office, free mobile registration of birth, free pap smear, distribution of point of care ID cards, support for job-seekers through the “Trabaho Mo, Sagot ko” program, free haircut, distribution of fruit-bearing and ornamental plants, scholarship grants from “Iskolar ni MVF”,  senior citizens socialization, vaccination of dogs and cats and distribution of dog tags, repair of street lights and replacement of busted bulbs, fire safety tips from the Bureau of Fire Protection, demonstration on self-defense, conduct of plant propagation, urban gardening and bio-fertilizer demo, acceptance of real property tax Payment and milk-vigorous feeding.

The city government has also given wheelchairs, quadcanes, crutches, walkers and canes to persons with disabilities (PWDs) plus discount cards through the program.

Senior citizens, PWDs support
Laoag City has also helped enhance of senior citizens and persons with disabilities’ (PWDs) social well-being thru services that uplift their social, moral and economic condition. This support is also open for those who are less fortunate, victims of social injustice and other special sectors of the community.

Services include integrated social services, senior citizens welfare program, disabled persons welfare program, child and youth welfare program, special social services, livelihood programs, emergency assistance and skills training services.

Health for all
Mrs. Fariñas also started the “health for all program” in the city.

The program assures Laoag residents of an efficient and effective delivery of medical and dental services as well as adequate and state of the art hospital services from the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH).

LCGH offers CT scan– 64-slice CT scan machine; has its own cancer unit (Oncology), a special unit that manages and treats patients with tumors, and mass; eye center which specializes in eye treatment, correction and surgery; hemodialysis unit for dialysis treatment for acute and chronic kidney failure; mammogram unit for breast screening; GLEDCO Pharmacy, a public-private partnership, and a non-Philippine Drug Formulary pharmacy and CVF HEART♥ geriatric ward, a hospital emergency admission response treatment for the elderly.

Education and youth training
Mrs. Fariñas has also put premium on education as the city’s chief executive.

Records show that the city government has given PHP19,635,000 worth of scholarship grants facilitated to deserving college students through the Laoag City College Scholarship Program (LCCSP) and PHP12,309,250 worth of scholarship grants to pupils and students of the ISKOLAR NI MVF Inc. This translated to 1,372 college scholars and 40,951 elementary pupils and high school students.

To boost holistic growth for the youth, Mrs. Fariñas continued with the “Sama Summer Together with MVF” program, named after her late husband former Laoag Mayor and Vice Mayor Michael V. Fariñas.

This program offers free training for children and teenagers every April and May. The trainings cover many fields in sports, academics and arts.

The program began in 2005 as a brainchild of the late Mr. Fariñas. Mrs. Fariñas later instituted this as an ex-0fficio member of the 6th Sangguniang Panlungsod with the primary aim to help the youth in sports, skills and intellectual development during the summer season.

An estimated 15,600 participants joined the “Sama Summer Together with MVF” from 2013 to 2018; with 502 parents also participating in the skills development training, an introductory innovation of the program for interested adults willing to know the basics of baking, cooking and beauty culture.

The city government has also organized inter-school sports tournaments in the city to provide an avenue for the city’s young athletes to develop their craft and athletic aptitude in preparation for higher sports competition.  Since its inception in 2010, several schools continuously support the program with 46 schools participating this year.

As another means to help the city’s less fortunate students, the city government have effectively implemented and has continuously implemented the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) annually. SPES is a project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in coordination with the Laoag City government to help enrich the lives of poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths by providing them with summer jobs. There were 2,076 beneficiaries of the SPES from 2013-2018

Security
In her two terms as mayor, Mrs. Fariñas has strengthened the city’s peace and order situation through various means.

She led the organization of the local Barangay Peacekeeping Action team (BPAT) to help the local police in both security and intelligence gathering against possible criminal and terrorist activities.

Various trainings and workshop on disaster preparedness as well as emergency drills were also implemented.

The city government has also organized a more efficient and effective rescue and relief teams.

Looking to the future
Mrs. Fariñas, however is still not content.

She pointed out that there are a lot more to be done for the city. She stressed that the city should be as dynamic as the progress and development that continuously happen to the city. She explained that the progress and development we now enjoy should also be reinforced by further improving the city to make way for the progress to continue.

She stressed that the time the city stops improving is also the time progress and development will stop.

She also noted that with the way the city is moving forward, we should not be stalled by petty politicking saying: “It is not about what we said or promised to do; but about what we have done, what we’re doing and what we’ll continue to do.”

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Ilocos Norte is insurgency-free for 7 years now

May 9, 2019, 10:09 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte continues to be one of the most peaceful provinces in the country as it has been free from the clutches of the New People’s Army for the past seven years.

Lieutenant Colonel Jearie Boy P. Faminial, commander of the 24th Infantry (Wildcat) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army confirmed this following the first quarter joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting held at the Capitol auditorium, this city on March 18, 2019.

As directed by an Executive Order signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on December 4, 2018, Mr. Faminial said they are focused on institutionalizing the “whole nation approach” to address insurgency and deliver basic services and social development packages in conflict affected areas.

Fortunately, “Ilocos Norte is not included in this package as it has been insurgency-free since 2012,” Mr. Faminial pointed out.

He also allayed fears of some local chief executives in the province saying there is no “infestation” here.

In time for the election period, Bangui Mayor Fidel A. Cimatu, Jr. brought up the issue of simple extortion activities as he reported some local candidates in the province have been receiving text messages from alleged “enemy forces” offering them protection service in exchange for money.

In the event of any infestation, Mr. Faminial assured the “friendly forces” of the Philippine National Police and Army are ready to address it.

Since January 2018, the 24thInfantry Battalion (IB) based in Abra province has taken over Ilocos Norte while the Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Philippine National Police is now on the forefront of countering anti-terrorism threats in the province.

Zero crimes vs tourists
Meanwhile, also during their first quarter joint meeting, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) reported on special event security management since January, revealing that there were no reported crime incidents committed against tourists in Ilocos Norte.

Having been the host venue for eight national events, including the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet, as well as the global Mister International Pageant, the province accommodated a total of 78,885 visitors or very important persons (VIPs). Included in this figure are 19 local events.

These show attainment towards putting Ilocos Norte on top as a premier tourism destination, not merely in terms of sites and facilities, but also in the assurance of peace, order, and security for visitors and tourists.

Last year, the province hit the three-million mark in number of day visitors.

The PPOC and PADAC also shared updates on provincial crime volume during the same period [January to March 2019] in comparison to previous years.

Between 2017 and 2018, average monthly crime rate had been halved [53.84% to 22.32%]; however, there was a slight increase this year, to 28.48%.

Nonetheless, there was a 36% decrease during the said time period in index crimes, which include physical injury, murder, homicide, rape, and crimes against properties. In particular crimes against persons dropped by 44%, most notably in physical injury [34 to 16 cases].

The councils also reported on the campaign against loose firearms, with a total of 21 operations conducted, 16 persons arrested, 15 firearms surrendered or confiscated, and 146 other items confiscated, such as ammunition and replicas.

On drug clearing operations, the PADAC reported a total of 6,449 surrendered drug personalities from July 1, 2016, to March 15, 2019. Of these, nine surrendered since January 2019.

To date, 520 or 100% of Ilocos Norte barangays have been “drug-cleared” by PADAC; however, 46% or 239 of these are still undergoing validation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Overall, the councils assess that the province remains relatively “tranquil, with the absence of violent related incidents,” commending the cooperation among the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), stakeholders, and members of the local community in crime prevention. (With a report from Mizpah Grace G. Castro)

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Environmentalist group mounts beach clean-up in Currimao

May 9, 2019, 10:11 pm
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By Bernardo B. Ver II
Contributor

Currimao, Ilocos Norte—The Movement Against Plastic Pollution (MAPP), an Ilocos Norte environmentalist group marked March 2019 as the month to clean up beaches in this town.

MAPP is a non-government organization (NGO) that actively organizes volunteer beach and coastal cleanups, minimizing non-biodegradable wastes and educating people about proper waste management.

The group was organized and founded by Mrs. Patricia Dacanay-Diaz. She is also the 5 Gyres Institute ambassadress of the Philippines, an organization that empowers action against the global health crisis of plastic pollution.

Mrs. Dacanay-Diaz said 91 volunteers participated in the said activity and they were able to collect 19 sacks full of non-biodegradable trash from the Pangil Rock Formation in this town. In a 1.3 kilometers wide coast, they 109.7 kilograms of garbage for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Specific plastic elements collected include plastic straws, polystyrene or Styrofoam, miscellaneous plastics—disposable plates, disposable cutleries, plastic food packaging, plastic bottles, nylon, styrene, fiberglass—and broken glass bottles—scattered near the seabed and coves.

Every year, thousands of tons of garbage winds up in the oceans, with 60% of that being composed of plastic material, or 8 million tons of plastic.

In the Philippines, Ilocos Norte’s beaches are one of the most sought destinations as it hosts beautiful shorelines with white sand and preserved corals, seagrass, rocks and a variety of marine life for tourists to enjoy.

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DENR hastens issuance of ECC

May 9, 2019, 10:13 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has simplified the process of issuing environmental clearance certificate (ECC) which can now be accessible online or secured from the provincial environment offices.

After attending a Monday flag-raising ceremony at the Ilocos Norte Capitol, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Victor Dabalos told government workers the application for ECC by mining and quarry operators can now be done by just a few click of the mouse at the newly-created environment and management unit in the province.

“For those who are applying for ECC, there is no need to go to San Fernando City [DENR Regional Office] as you can now directly apply in our office,” said Mr. Dabalos, noting this is one of the innovations of DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu to expedite the issuance of ECC.

As part of the Duterte administration’s serious effort to promote ease of doing business in the country, Mr. Cimatu has removed the burden of project proponents whose applications for ECCs remained pending at the central and regional offices.

Quarry operators in the province like Arlene Domingsil, a resident of Laoag City, said this is a welcome development for them as they will no longer have to travel far to secure their ECC permits.

“This is good news for us. It saves us so much time and effort to do business,” she said.

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Vintar launches first bike zip line

May 9, 2019, 10:16 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

Vintar, Ilocos Norte—In time for the summer season, the municipal government here launched another extreme adventure activity in the north that will surely entice both local and foreign tourists.

Measuring around 230 meters, the very first bike zipline in the Ilocos region is being managed by the Vintar government led by Mayor Larisa Foronda.

Located at Sitio Bucana in Brgy. Parparuroc, or about eight kilometers from downtown Laoag City, Mrs. Foronda hopes this latest tourism attraction in her hometown will awaken the town’s tourism potentials and bring in more livelihood opportunities to the locals.

During the launching, provincial government tourism head Aianree Raquel has lauded the efforts of Vintar officials and those behind the realization of the project, offering something new for first time and returning visitors in the province.

“We’ve seen and always know that Vintar has a very strong potential in terms of tourism growth not only because of its proximity to Laoag capital and the international airport but most especially because of its God-given gifts,” Mr. Raquel said.

Worth more than PHP10 million and funded under the local revenue of Vintar, Mrs. Foronda expressed optimism the “Umok ni Siwawer Eco-Tourism Nature Park” will attract more tourists and help contribute to the overall tourism development of Ilocos Norte.

“It took us more than three years to start this project and we are grateful for the DENR for approving the special patent which shows the lot where the project was erected is owned by the municipality,” said Mrs. Foronda.

Manned by personnel of the Vintar government, Mrs. Foronda said the Umok ni Siwawer Eco-Tourism Nature Park is open from Mondays to Sundays from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Aside from bike zipline, tourists may also want to try other sports activities such as surf-line, 4x4 ATV, hydraucycle waterbike, floater, zurball and kayak with fees or rental rates ranging from PHP50 to PHP1,000.

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MMSU med students put up ‘blood bank for every Juan’

May 9, 2019, 10:18 pm
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By Reynaldo Andres
Contributor

Batac CITY—A voluntary blood donation drive is being promoted among medical students in Ilocos Norte to ensure adequate blood supply for accident victims, people needing surgery, and those suffering from certain diseases, as well as for medical research.

With this, the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), College of Medicine partnered with the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in this city plans to have its own blood bank.

As of this posting, around 80 bags of blood intended for MMSU constituents and their relatives were initially deposited at the blood bank, courtesy of a recent bloodletting activity, participated in by medical students and other stakeholders.

“Since our population here at our college is relatively small, we decided to extend this activity for the undergraduate students, faculty members, and the community residents of Batac City,” said Jamie Nalupta, head of the MMSU Blood Drive Project.

Ms. Nalupta said blood donors were those from age 16 to 65 years, weighed at least 50 kilograms, passed the physical and health history requirements, have blood pressure between 90/60 mmHg and 140/100 mmHg, and had six to eight hours of sleep prior to donation.

She assured those who participated in the activity would be easier for them, and their family members to get blood in future emergency cases regardless of any blood type.

“As implemented for the first time, we hope that this activity will be sustained by the next medical students in the future,” she said.

The activity, dubbed “Juan Blood, Juan Life 2019,” was conducted at the MMSU College of Medicine (COM) on March 29, 2019. This was organized by the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges-Student Network (APMC-SN) of the MMSU Medical Students Association, and MMSU Blood Drive Committee.

Before flying back to Calgary in Alberta, Canada on March 31, 2019, Sharon Aliga-Corpuz and husband Quarry from Brgy. Baay also in this city made it a point to donate blood which coincided with the blood donation activity of the medical students.

“Sure, we can make a difference in someone else’s life,” the couple said after blood were extracted from them.

Studies show that blood donation helps promote weight loss, reduces blood cholesterol, maintains a healthy heart, improves emotional well-being, stimulate blood cell production, and maintains optimal iron levels.

The APMC-SN explained the donated blood is processed into sub-components and packages as one unit.

Blood types are first established and tested for infectious diseases in the laboratory and units suitable for transfusions are labeled and stored. (With a report from Leilanie G. Adriano)

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Plaza ken stadium

May 15, 2019, 7:34 pm
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Sinaludsod man kadakami ni Dr. Chester Puño no ania ti pakasaritaan ti Aurora Park wenno ti plaza ti Laoag. Napintas a saludsod ngem saanmi a nasungbatan ta nakurang met dagiti inpormasion iti dayta a banag. Sapay koma ngamin ta dagiti local historian ken tourism official ket irapinda nga adalen ken ipublikar ti pakasaritaan dagiti daan a pasdek ken naduma-duma a lugar iti Laoag.
 
Nagpintas koma a maammuan ti pakasaritaan ti Aurora Park, "Oblation", Gilbert Bridge, Sinking Belltower, St. William Cathedral, Ermita Hill ken dadduma pay. Ti turismo ket saan laeng a bisbisti, parparada ken ar-arutittit. Dakdakkel koma a pasetna ti pannakaiyadal ti pakasaritaan kas ti ar-aramiden dagiti sabali a lugar.
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Adu ti makaobserbar nga agtaud manen dagitay agkekebkeb ken agga-anggo nga agtutubo dita pagtutugawan iti lauden a mismo ti Marcos Stadium.

Ne, kalpasan ti R1AA ket AREM-AA sa metten ti sumaruno. Awan met ketdi’t bibiangtayo a. Ngem saan a maladaw dagita, annakko! Agbasakay pay ta kaasi met dagiti awan pay inananan a nagannakyo. Pengdan ti arem tapno saan a mairarem.

Dagiti met guardia dita stadium, agsursurkay met ngamin sagpaminsan tapno matinggaryo dagita a mapaspasamak. Tumakderkay met manipud iti tugawyo sagpaminsan! Agronda kay met, brods! Apay dikay maktangan nga agtutugaw nga agtutunganga lattan iti bayat iti dutyyo?
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Pagyamananmi man gayam ti Land Transportation Office-Region 1 iti panangtiliw ken panangmultadan ti driver ti maysa a delivery truck a namagbalin a garahe ti maysa a pedestrian lane ditoy ciudad ti Laoag.

Inpasingked ti nasao nga opisina a dagus nga aksyunanda dagiti kakastoy a reklamo kontra kadagiti abusado a driver a natured unay a mangsalsalungasing kadagiti paglintegan.

Saludokam kadakayo, LTO Region 1!
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Kabayatanna, pagraramanantay man dagitoy lima a naikur-itmi a pagsasao para iti daytoy a lawas:

1. Nalaka a mapasagidan ti addaan kalkaluban.

2. Uray orig amin a badom, no gangandiong met ti kinataom.

3. Ti obligasion a tinurugam, isunto’t pakabangungutam.

4. Uray sitsitik no saan a switik. Uray nagarbo no nagtaud iti linuluko.

5. Ti managduadua awanan maipamaysa.
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BARD NOTES: Happy bard-reading to Badoc ABC President Virgilio Calajate, Ilocos Norte Provincial Treasurer Josephine P. Calajate, INEC President Enrico Ruiz, INEC Director Joseph Vergel P. Calajate, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Vic M. Ines, DAR Chief Administrative Officer Rudy Acacio, Ms. Genedine Domingo Jambaro and PNB Pasuquin Branch Manager Metty V. Guerrero.

Greetings also to the employees of JVC Consortium, AMA Laoag, Ilocos Norte Regional School of Fisheries, Laoag City PNP, DAR Ilocos Norte, DepEd Laoag, DepEd Ilocos Norte and PNB Pasuquin.

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Laoag City recognizes Sunshine Women 2019

May 15, 2019, 7:37 pm
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SUNSHINE Women 2019 Solo Mother Category awardee Mrs. Aurora Bueno (center) together with her family members pose with Laoag mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas and several city councilors. (Photo by Alwin Formantes)




By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—Fourteen Laoag City women were recognized and awarded as the LC Sunshine Women 2019 in a program held at the at the city hall multi-purpose hall on March 25, 2019.

The awardees were chosen based on their moral and security integrity; significant accomplishments in their family, participation in church, barangay and community activities; personality traits and volunteerism and civic actions.

DSWD officer III Mary Joan Pasigui said that the award has five categories.

The Professional Category awardees were Mitchie Delos Santos, Zenaida Eugenio and Atty. Monique and Veronica Nevalga (Finalist) while the Non-Professional Category featured Mary Ann Cabacugan, Eva Dela Rosa, Ednah Marie Bernardino and Grace Mendoza (Finalist).

Solo Mother Category were also awarded to Mrs. Aurora Bueno, Ms. Geraldine Baraseros and Ms. Rosana Angel.

The city government of Laoag also recognized Jasmine Placido and Rykiel Sysley Nicolas as this year’s Sunshine Women Young Category and Irene Betonio as the PWD Achiever Award.

Ms. Pasigui said the Sunshine Women search has a little in common with the criteria for the Model Family.

The difference is the Sunshine Women focuses only on women in time with the Women’s Month celebration empowering women in the barangay level.

While the Model Family includes the participation of all the members of the family and their accomplishments.

The awardees received cash and plaques of appreciation while the nominators also received a certificate of appreciation.

Sunshine Women Solo Mother category Mrs. Bueno also gave her response in behalf of her fellow awardees.

Mr. John Michael V. Farinas who served as the guest of honor and speaker expressed his congratulations to all the awardees.

He said that women have a big participation not only in their respective families and themselves but also in the society.

During the awarding, Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas also administered the oath taking of the new set of officers of the Sunshine Women in all the barangays here.

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Ilocos Norte pushes for 100% RISTT graduation rate anew

May 15, 2019, 7:38 pm
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Laoag City—To keep pace with the growing “e-commerce” industry worldwide, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has opened applications for enrollment of the second batch of Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training (RISTT), to begin on September 2019.

This training program aims to provide technical trainings for the unemployed, and to provide wider market opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Last year, Emmy Lou Delfin of the DICT Industry Development Bureau described Ilocos Norte as a “record-breaker,” being the first province wherein all trainees in the RISTT program were able to complete and graduate from the course.

Provincial SME office head Edison Natividad also noted that the target for this batch is 25 slots. This is to give chances to information technology graduates and to further enhance their ICT skills.

“Ang target natin ngayon ay 25 slots for scholars, and 25 slots for MSMEs. One-on-one kasi ang approach natin para matutukan talaga ng scholar ang promotion ng mga products. Last year, talaga namang successful yung unang batch ng RISTT dito sa Ilocos Norte at madami itong naibigay na benefits sa mga MSME. Na-meet rin ng mga trainees noon ang target market nila, sobra-sobra pa nga,” he said.

Interested MSM entrepreneurs whose business has been operating for at least a year already may go directly to the DICT Office and bring their mayor’s permit, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) business name registration, and BIR registration. Meanwhile, scholars are to undergo a written examination, followed by a screening interview.

The lessons included in the training program are the following: branding for companies, products and services, web development, product photography and content writing, business blogging, social media content creation, and building a freelancer profile, among others.

The implementing bodies of this training program are the DICT, SMEO, Sustainable Development Council, Information Technology Department, Provincial Education Department, and INVEST Office. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)

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12th SME summer trade fair inspires Ilocos Norte entrepreneurs

May 15, 2019, 7:42 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—At least 35 micro-, small-, and medium-entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Ilocos Norte and nearby provinces are exhibiting their best-selling products again at a mall in this town from April 8-14, 2019.

Inspired by government support, Juana Pancho, a manufacturer of JF’s Boneless Bagoong from Brgy. Cabungaan, Laoag City said she is excited every time her products are on display in a mall and a lot of shoppers get curious of what is in store for them.

“I’m so happy for being part of the exhibit. It makes me feel awesome because in my years of business, it is only this time that we get to sell our products in a cool environment such as this,” said Ms. Pancho as she recalled selling her bagoong [fish sauce] products only at public markets or in her home at Brgy. Cabungaan.

Through the joint collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, the 65-year-old single mom and bagoong vendor is just among the beneficiaries of various government programs and services meant to level up their knowledge and skills to improve their products.

Aside from selling bagoong, she also sells hot chili or garlic dip in sukang Iloko [sugarcane vinegar] including local dried fish.

Now running for 12 years, the DTI-Ilocos Norte summer trade fair is partnering with the Ilocos Norte government and the MSMEs to further inspire local entrepreneurs to make quality products that is at par with their counterparts in Southeast Asia.

Products on display include sweet mangoes, off-season dragon fruit, pastries, rice coffee, rice cracker, noodles, chichacorn, peanut butter, bagnet, longganisa, bagoong, wine, and other processed foods. The non-food sector also includes inabel, binakol, buri crafts, wood crafts, souvenir items, and ornamental plants.

For this year, Edison Natividad, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) office said a cash prize will also be awarded to the chosen Best Dressed Booth for both food and non-food sector MSMEs.

Mr. Natividad assured more programs and partnerships with various entities are lined up for the MSMEs development in the province to boost their income and exposure.

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PhilRice introduces drone farming in Ilocos Norte

May 15, 2019, 7:43 pm
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By Bernardo B. Ver II
Contributor

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—Specialists from “FutureRice Farm” of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) introduced drone farming at Brgy. Catuguing, in this town recently.

The drone will monitor rice growth and can also be used in direct-seeding and mechanical trans-planter for rice farms. Fertilizers and herbicides will also be applied using the drone spreader and sprayer systems.

In just 20 minutes, the drone can provide fertilize a minimum of 1-hectare area—or an equivalent of 3 hectares an hour. Far faster than the old-school-type of farming in the province.

The FutureRice Farm’s study on drone and other modern farming technologies is in partnership with Crop Protection Division, Rice Farming Mechanization and Modernization Program, and the New Hope Corporation.

For the meantime, the drone is available is for rent at PHP850 per hectare.

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Burgos barangay enhances parolees’, probationers’ skills

May 15, 2019, 7:45 pm
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

Burgos, Ilocos Norte—Paper flowers, necklace and bracelets made of recycled papers are helping out a community of parolees and probationers earn a living by selling it to interested buyers.

Priced at PHP50 to PHP150 depending on its size and design, these products are usually direct orders from customers, mostly composed of balikbayans, resort owners, and friends.

To further enhance their skills, a model barangay on solid waste management, Brgy. Poblacion, in this town facilitated a hands-on training on waste diversion.

“Not all wastes are trash, they can be cash[ed-in] if you add some love and wit to it,” said Brgy. Poblacion punong barangay Joegie Jimenez before some 150 parolees and probationers, who attended a skills training on waste diversion at the Burgos municipal auditorium.

After a short program, the participants were taught how to make leis, bracelets, flowers, vases, trash cans and eco-bricks, among others, which were all made from old brochures, magazines, and other recycled materials.

For the participants, the skills training is a big help not only for their livelihood but also for waste reduction.

As president of the Volunteer Probation Aide in Ilocos Norte, Mr. Jimenez said that parole and probation administration officer Lorelie May Bacnat personally requested his team to conduct the outreach program on waste diversion, which they are now applying in the barangay.

“After our benchmarking activity in Imus, Bacoor, Cavite and learned the best practices of Quezon City government on solid waste management, we were inspired to make it work in our village and the rest is history,” Mr. Jimenez said, noting that the project is in support of the national government’s intensified solid waste management program.

After the training, the Parole and Probation Office in Ilocos Norte plans to tap the services of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help them market their waste diversion products through local trade fairs and exhibits.

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Kid, 11, receives ‘best gift ever’ on graduation

May 18, 2019, 7:55 pm
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Alwytz is all smiles with the goat he got as graduation gift. (Photo courtesy of Gaoiran family)

By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

Bacarra, Ilocos Norte— Grade 6 student, Alwytz Robiniol Gaoiran, 11, graduated on April 3,2019 with no medal but got the biggest surprise from his family when a goat met him as he arrived home.

Alwytz prefers animals to toys or gadgets and creates his own play station out of recycled materials.

He is the sixth out of the eight children of Ronnie Gaoiran, a farmer from Brgy. Buyon, this town, and Brigida, who is currently working as a domestic helper in Kuwait.

Last Christmas, the boy wished for a goat to take care of while studying, but the family budget was just enough to make ends meet.

On his graduation at the Buyon Elementary School in this town, Alwytz beamed when his elder brother Alvin, who is now working in Manila, granted his long-time wish to have a goat he can take care of.

Alvin described his younger brother as shy but “makulit” [pesky]. Alwytz dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer someday.

Being the only college graduate in the family, Alvin expressed hope that all his siblings would likewise be able to finish school.

“Congratulations, Alwytz. You know you are my favorite brother. This is now the start of more to come. I wanted to give you a cow, but I can’t afford it for now. Who knows in the future, we will have our own farm,” Alvin told his brother as he shared his excitement on a social media post also on April 3, 2019.

Netizens who saw Alwytz happy with his gift lauded the young boy for being practical in life.

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Rejected Laoag City 2019 budget impacts planned salary hike for SPES

May 18, 2019, 7:57 pm
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By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—The planned salary increase for the 300 Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES)slots in Laoag was also impacted by the rejected 2019 annual budget.

The 2019 annual budget was disapproved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in January this year and has not been tackled since until the 90-day period lapsed.

City Budget Office (CBO) record shows that the allocated budget for SPES last year was PHP3,380,190; and fir this year, PHP3,559,580, or an increase of PHP179,390 was allocated.

The increase in allocation would have translated to higher SPES salaries but with the disapproval of the annual budget, the increase was also shelved.

The salaries for SPES was based on the existing entry level position of the city government similar to contract of service (COS), which has a rate of PHP387.73 per day.

Community Affairs Department (CAD) officer II Vilma Ranchez said that 300 students can work and avail again of the SPES in the city. The planned increase however will not be implemented.

“Kayat na nga sao’en, no kuma naaprubaran tay budget, ngumato kuma met tay sweldo da,” Ms. Ranchez said. 

As of press time, Ms. Ranchez said her office is busy validating the documents and requirements submitted by the applicants such as birth certificate, low income/indigent certification from the punong barangay or income tax return of both parents from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and certification of grades or a copy of cards from the school.

Of the 300 SPES slots, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) only certified 150 applicants to be their beneficiaries. This means DOLE will shoulder the 40% of their salaries. The city government, meanwhile, will pay for the remaining 60%.

But since the city government opened 300 SPES slots, they will also shoulder the whole salary of the uncertified 150 SPES beneficiaries.

Ms. Ranchez also noted that priority applicants will be the old SPES beneficiaries. Those who have since graduated, however, will be replaced by new applicants with age requirement pegged at 15-30 years old.

The city government also accommodates out-of-school youths (OSYs) with the promise that the they will enroll in the following school year.

Each SPES beneficiary shall serve or work 20 days starting May 2, 2019 at the city government in line with their field of specialization or courses in the different department offices.

The SPES aims to augment the family’s income to the poor but deserving students this summer vacation.        

Reacting to this, Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas hopes that their salaries would be of great help to their family’s their needs, especially for the students in preparation for the next school year.

“Ta no kuma naaprubaran tay budget ket dakdakkel kuma met iti sweldo nga awaten dagitoy annak tayo ken ad-adu kuma met iti maitulog na kanyada ken iti pamilya da,” the mayor said.

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