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DSWD partners with SLC, SALAKNIB

June 5, 2019, 7:05 pm
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DSWD Field Office 1 head Dir. Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo together with the representatives of the SLC and SALAKNIB poses for commemorative photos in the beginning of their journey towards helping RRCY clients and staff. (DSWD FO1)


San Fernando City, La Union--The  Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office 1, Saint Louis College (SLC), and SAngguniang LAkas Para Sa Katarungan at Kapayapaan Na Naglilingkod Sa Inang Bayan (SALAKNIB) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to build capability projects enhancing the development needs of the RRCY residents and staff.

In line with the Department’s mission, the DSWD recognizes participation of volunteers since they contribute in improving economic and social capital, and serves as catalyst that encourage the people to work together to discover their potentials and capabilities. Moreover, these groups complement the efforts of the Department in achieving an effective implementation of its programs and services.

The MOA Signing further introduced SLC’s Danggay Agtutubo project to enhance the psycho-spiritual formation and development of the clients through a conduct of activities such as recollection and short course for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). On the other hand, SALAKNIB will focus on capability building relative to paralegal services, and rights and developmental awareness of the residents.

On the onset of partnership initiative, SLC students donated toiletries, towels, and blankets for the use of the clients.

RRCY head Leah Mylen Lucero expressed DSWD’s gratitude for the stakeholders’ interest and enthusiasm to provide services to the Center’s residents. “The partnership will be a great help to our clients. This is a start and will surely move to a bigger project in the future,” she said.

The partnership originally started through an unexpected visit of SLC Parish Priest Valentine M. Narcise with SLC staff in RRCY. After the partnership meeting initiated by the Center and engaging with some DSWD activities, the group was able to recognize the possible collaboration between the organizations. (Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen)

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Batac celebrates 11th Farmers Festival

June 13, 2019, 3:15 am
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By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Batac City—Thousands of local, domestic and foreign tourists converged in this city to witness this year’s 11thFarmers Festival celebration held May 1-5, 2019 with the theme: Rambakan Iti Panagdur-as Iti Biag Ni Mannalaon.

This year’s festival kicked off with a motorcade around the city and a thanksgiving mass held at the Immaculate Conception Parish as the Batacqueños thanked the Almighty for the fruitful agricultural blessings followed by the official opening of said festival with a “Salo-Salo Merienda” which featured native delicacies for snacks were served.

On the same day was the pre-judging of booths and exhibits, best photo booths and zanjera dance competition participated by the different rural barangays.

May 2, 2019 marked the judging of the “PINAKA HVCDP”, corn, fresh water fish, livestock and endangered animals; Catching Piglets; Dog Show; Laro ng Lahi, RIC Dance Competition and the coronation night of the new Balasang Ti Away 2019 Queens.

This year’s Balasang Ti Away 2019 winners are: Balasang Ti Away 2019 Erica Mae P. Lizardo of Barangay Camguidan; 1st Runner-Up Kimberly Nicole Arellano of Barangay San Mateo; 2nd Runner-Up Kathlyn Obien of Barangay Dariwdiw; 3rdRunner-Up Kristine Cairin Cocson of Barangay Cangrunaan and 4thRunner-Up Lovelyn Joy Canlas of Barangay Magnuang.

Farmers were also given the chance to attend a field walk to a vegetable derby techno-demo farm and an innovative garlic technology forum on May 3, 2019 followed by an empanada cook fest and eating contest participated by the public.

On May 4, 2019 farmers displayed their creativity and innovativeness during the “Carosa Parade” and “Parade of Floats” by clustered barangays and participated in by around 7,500 farmers with their respective Balasang Ti Away bets as muses.

Same day also featured the parade of dogs and K9 including the most awaited carabao/cattle parade in which the most decorated carabao was chosen.

As part of the said celebration, the city government of Batac headed by Mayor Albert D. Chua distributed multi-purpose 45 hand tractors with cultivator, trailer, pump, cage wheel and generator to the different registered zanjeras last April 17 as manifestation of the city government’s commitment in constantly empowering its farming community.

Likewise, 123 zanjeras organizations in the city received five rolls each of hoses, 28 water pumps to farmers, generator sets and four harvesters to every clustered barangay which were distributed on April 27, 2019.

Highlighting the festival was the distribution of around 32,000 bags of fertilizers to farmers prior to the distribution of high value crops of vegetables with the farmers who plants vegetables earlier.

Mr. Chua said that of the 7,500 farmers, each received one triple-14 fertilizer, one urea fertilizer, two organic fertilizer, and one sachet of soil conditioner.

“Daytoy iti makitak a makapabileg iti tumunggal maysa a mannalon iti biang iti agrikultura tapno agsapasap iti progreso ken panagdur-as iti siudad kangrunaan dagiti appo a mannalon,” Mr. Chua said.

Records show that 80 percent of Batac residents are farmers.

Mr. Chua added that the funding for the distributed farm machineries including fertilizers and hybrid crops, farm to market roads and trainings came from the city’s share in RA 7171, or the “Tobacco Excise Tax” and a portion of their share from the RA 8240.

He said that these were still the city’s share in 2014 and 2015 in the amount of P307 million.

Of the total amount, the mayor said around P115 million went to the construction of farm-to-market roads, around P30 million for the improvement and rehabilitation of SFR’s and other farming related.

As of press time, Mr. Chua said that concreting of farm to market roads has now reached almost 40 kilometers, averaging around one kilometer per barangay.

“Ket no adda man pay nabat-bati, adda met planu iti siyudad a mangituloy dagitoy tapnu makumpleto kasi iti programak ket looking forward no kasanu iti pinangisagana iti Batac on rural development for the next 10 to 15 years kasi umad adu iti tattao,” Mr. Chua said.

For the part of urban barangays, Mr. Chua also announced that they also received projects under the 20 percent development fund of the city in the amount of P200,000 each, including illuminations particularly of street lightings, peace and order, CCTVs, improvement of integrated drainage canals, clean and green program and health services.

Relative to this, Mr. Chua thanked all the rural barangays particularly the barangay officials and farmers for their participation in the successful conduct of this year’s 11thFarmers Festival thanking and celebrating the fruitful agricultural blessings given by the Almighty.

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MMSU brings CFAT in far-flung areas

June 13, 2019, 3:22 am
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

Batac CITY—In an effort to bring its brand of education closer to people, the state-run Mariano Marcos State University visited Dumalneg, an Indigenous Peoples community in the province on May 19, 2019 to administer the college freshmen admission test (CFAT) to all interested graduates of senior high school.

MMSU President Dr. Shirley Agrupis said in an interview that a number of incoming college freshmen had been wanting to take the CFAT but some fail to do so due to lack of transportation and allowance when going to Laoag or Batac campuses where CFAT is being administered.

“We want as much as possible that Ilocos Norte graduates should benefit from the prime state-funded university so we are bringing CFAT to our IP communities,” said Dr. Agrupis.

Based on 2018 CFAT data, she reported around 6,000 students made their reservations online but during the actual exam, only more than 3,000 showed up.

“If we cannot bring CFAT to the localities, we will bring the students to MMSU to make sure they experience at least taking the MMSU CFAT,” she said.

As the premiere university of the north, MMSU continues to expand and improve its facilities with almost PHP300 million budget for infrastructure development this year.

With this development, Dr. Agrupis hopes to welcome around 4,000 freshmen next school year as the university plans to expand its class size from 25 to 40 students.

On May 12, 2019 CFAT was scheduled at the MMSU College of Teacher Education in Laoag City.

To register, applicants are advised to visit cfat.mmsu.edu.ph or email cfat@mmsu.edu.phfor further inquiries.

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Burgos barangay fire brigade champs in 6th Regional Fire Olympics

June 13, 2019, 3:25 am
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

Burgos, Ilocos Norte—Fire volunteers from Brgy. Poblacion in this town will represent the province in the National Fire Olympics as they emerged as champion under the Barangay Category in the recently concluded Regional Fire Olympics in La Union on April 30, 2019.

Composed of 14 participants including their coach and team leader, the Poblacion fire brigade also won in major awards such as Best in Bucket Relay and Best in Fire Extinguishment.

Participated in by the four provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, it is the first time an Ilocos Norte barangay representative won the overall championship.

The 6th Regional Fire Olympics aims to build camaraderie among fire brigade and volunteers and to select representatives in the National Fire Olympics on March 2020.

“We are so much grateful to God for this award. Thank you to all of you who gave us inspiration, support, trust and prayers,” said Brgy. Poblacion chairperson Joegie Jimenez while narrating his team’s show of unity, agility and will power to win the game.

More than the glass trophy, Mr. Jimenez expressed confidence that the Poblacion barangay fire brigade will be able to deliver what is expected of them when they are most needed by the community.

“All these became possible because of the support of the Energy Development Corporation, the local government unit of Burgos and the Bureau of Fire and Protection station in our town who were behind us along the way,” he said.

The Bureau of Fire and Protection is conducting the Olympics to promote its programs such as the so-called SIKAP (Sunog Iwasan Kapatiran Ay Pahalagahan), BIDA (Barangay Integrated Defense Action) and Barangay Mo Ibumbero Mo.

The BFP believes that through these programs, barangay folks will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in firefighting and save a life should there be any fire incidents in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

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Over 2,000 delegates grace ASCU-SN Summer Olympics

June 13, 2019, 3:27 am
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

Batac CITY—Scattered rain showers did not stop over 2,000 delegates from the 23 state universities and colleges in Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region to show their strength and will power to join the 2019  Association of State Colleges and Universities-Solid North (ASCU-SN) Summer Olympics held at the Mariano Marcos State University main campus in this city on May 7-10, 2019.

In her welcome speech, MMSU President Shirley Agrupis, also the incoming president of ASCU-SN, said she is delighted to see the largest gathering of inter-regional groups of state colleges and universities in the country which aims to foster solidarity and promote health and wellness among employees and the communities they serve.

“Even Mother Nature is excited to have you here. In the past weeks, the heat was almost unbearable and so were very happy when it rained a few days back and we started praying for the rain to stop.  Over the years, we realized there is something more to geography that brings us all together and that is our collective character, common vision and the solid, lasting and invaluable friendships we have forged over the years,” said Mrs. Agrupis citing her unforgettable experience when she was unanimously elected as vice president of ASCU-SN, in her first time to attend such gathering.

With this year’s theme “Igniting the Amianan Spirit,” Mrs. Agrupis underscored that people in this northern Philippines have a strong leadership if we trace back history of producing former Philippine presidents who trace their roots within the so-called “amianan” or solid north.

As the incoming president of ASCU-SN, Mrs. Agrupis hopes to strengthen the solid north’s common vision and goals in harmonizing various academic and research programs of the member colleges and universities from the four regions.

“Maybe it’s high time that we unify our teaching materials and other programs,” she said as she expressed excitement of the number of delegates which doubled compared to last year.

Every year, Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang of Kalinga State University, also the outgoing president of ASCU-SN said the event is also a way of benchmarking activity among its members and learn from the experiences and best practices of each other.

“We hope that we will remain solid and for all employees to be aware about the value of having a healthy mind and spirit,” said Mr. Bagtang.

Aside from sports and cultural events, ASCU-SN is also engaged in academic, research, and other activities of mutual benefit to its member-institutions.

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Konsehal apros!

June 17, 2019, 11:34 pm
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Iti kada eleksyon, saan koma laeng a dagiti kandidato ti mabutusan. Maikkan koma pay dagiti umili ti gundaway a mangpili ken mangbutos kadagiti kangrunaan a programa ken proyekto a rumbeng nga ipatungpal dagiti mabutusan nga opisyal. Ngamin, no panagkakampanya, nagadu ti kari dagiti kandidato. Ngem no maelektarandan, dagiti kaykayatdanto man lattan ti sangsanguenda. No dagiti umili ti mangpili kadagiti kangrunaan a programa ken proyekto a masapul a maipatungpal, mapilitan dagiti opisyal a mangimplementar kadagitoy, pabor man wenno saan iti bukodda a partido. 
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Agpayso kadi nga adda maysa a konsehal iti lugartayo a sabali ti ob-obraenna iti rabrabii, nangnangruna no mabartek? Mapan kano nukua dita sentro ti ciudad ti Laoag nga agapro-apros kadagiti tricycle driver ken lallaki a tambay. Ket no permi a typena kano, tawaranna iti PHP300 tapno maiyawid wenno maipanna iti motel. Ne, no agpayso daytoy a naipadanun kadatayo, nakababain daytoy a konsehal! Rumbeng a maobserbar ken makastigar! Siputanyo man, kailian!
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Dita met grocery ti Robinsons Ilocos, adu dagiti makaobserbar nga agtsitsismis ken agpipinnorma dagiti dadduma nga empleado. Naruay a customer ti masuron ta irapin pay dagitoy nga empleado ti aggiinnarem, idinto a nagatiddog ti pila iti cashier ken baggage counter. No met agungetka, kasla isuda't mairurumen unayen. Kitaen koma daytoy ti management ta permi a makaperdi’t aldaw!
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Kamaudiananna, adtuy man ti 5 a nagkakauna a pammati seknan kadagiti ar-aria:

1. No iti rabii ket agtagtaguog iti nabayag ta asom, alaem ta mukatna samo iyaprus kadagita matam. Ket makitam ti ar-aria nga inna tagtaguogan. PARIKUT—No ngarud awan mukat diay aso?

2. No inyaw-awannaka ti sansilmo, baliktadem ta badom tapno masarakam ti pagawidam. PARIKUT—No ngarud nakauyos wenno awan badom idi ta masansilmoka? Ania't baliktadem?

3. Adda ar-aria iti paraangam no aggu-ummong ti adu a kulalanti iti maysa a pasetna. Ta dagiti kulalanti ket paggugusto a taraknen dagiti di-katawtaw-an. PARIKUT - No ngaruden pagkamalian dagiti di-katawtaw-an a kulalanti dagiti bisti a Christmas Lights iti Diciembre?

4. No agmaymaysaka ket kellaat a sumgar dagiti dutdotmo, adda nakatakder nga ar-aria iti likodmo. PARIKUT—No ngarud nakaeddaka, pagtakderan diay ar-aria?

5. No agmanmanehoka iti lugan ket lumabaska iti lugar a maibagbaga nga adu't ar-aria, agbusinaka tapno saan nga agunget dagiti ar-aria. PARIKUT—Saan ngata a lalo nga agunget dagiti ar-aria no makigtotda iti panagbusinam?
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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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Sarrateña is Miss Ilocos Norte 2019

June 17, 2019, 11:38 pm
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Laoag City—Representing the Municipality of Sarrat, Precious Olay Neyra, 21, was crowned Miss Ilocos Norte 2019, besting 22 other ladies from all the cities and municipalities of the province in a well-attended coronation night, May 8 at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City.

Ms. Neyra, a Sociology student at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, also bagged the Sirib Award, as she proved her wit in a series of interviews conducted days before the pageant.

In the final Q&A, Neyra was asked, “What is your dream for Ilocos Norte?” to which she answered fluently: “My dream is for us to be continuously be on the top spot for tourism in the Philippines.

“I am going to do this by utilizing modern tools, such as social media, to showcase our beloved province and to tell people that we are unique not only because of our infrastructures and our heritage sites but also because of our people—the Ilocanas and the Ilocanos.”

Ms. Neyra will be the province’s representative in this year’s Eat Bulaga’s Miss Millennial Philippines, a pageant which aims to boost the tourism in the country. Previous representatives have done well in the said tilt, with Miss Ilocos Norte 2017 Dianne Lacayanga bagging the Miss Bayanihan Queen Award and Miss Ilocos Norte 2018 Trisha Aceret emerging as a semi-finalist.

Completing the winners are Miss Vintar, Zharina Kainah Leaño who was crowned first runner-up; Miss Bangui, Sophia Alexandra Tolentino, second runner-up; Miss Badoc, Elisha Faith Udarbe, third runner-up; and Miss Burgos, Erika Pedro, fourth runner-up.

This year’s selection committee was chaired by Ms. Ruby Rodriguez of Eat Bulaga. Other members were “That’s My Bae” contestant Kim Last, Dr. Harold Jay Baytec, Atty. Val Leaño Pascua, Ms. Mary Jane Leaño, Atty. Xerxes Garcia, Mr. Marlon Lapid, Atty. Bianca Pastor, Mrs. Ana Carmela Ventura-Remigio, Mr. Mon Manotok, and Engr. Andy Durog. (Stewart C. Ocampo)

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Reelected mayor: Progress in Batac continues

June 20, 2019, 8:19 am
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Local election officials proclaim re-elected Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua as winner in the May 13, 2019 midterm election. Mr. Chua promises to continue his programs in all sectors for the betterment of all the Batacqueño. 

Doms dela Cruz  



By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Batac City—“Agtultuloy latta iti napudno ken naayat a pinagserbi kenni Batacqueño tapnu sangsangkamaysa iti pinangpatibker ti adigi iti pinagdur-as”.

This was the statement reelected Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua said after his proclamation as in the 2019 midterm elections.

Mr. Chua begins his second term as mayor on June 30, 2019.

Mr. Chua said his programs and advocacies in the field of education, agriculture, infrastructures, health, social protection, tourism and all continues for the people of Batac and the city.

He stressed that there is a need to complete and finish all the existing projects and programs of the city government now before starting new projects.

He added that rigid planning is very important as a basis for a better outcome in terms of a long-term projects.

“Because 10 years from now, the city of Batac will become a very progressive city in terms of booming establishments which follows the increase number of populace and vehicles as well,” Mr. Chua said.

“It is a long process ngem adda tay namnama wennu assurance,” Mr. Chua added.

He said that the city’s vision and mission will all be achieved with the help of the new set of officials in the city of Batac.

Relative to this, Mr. Chua will be writing the Commission on Audit (COA) to clarify what the city government needs to do to complete the Batac City Hall annex.

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Mother

June 20, 2019, 8:21 am
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She's a woman of grace and class
Who possesses charm and wit
Her love and dedication immense
Her sacrifices boundless
She went through leaps and bounds
Undeterred by countless snags
She was selfless but unyielding
Their offspring her most valued jewels
Each ones’ well-being and happiness
Ahead of her own
Her concerns, always her pickneys
As she clashed her own demons
Her nestlings’ welfare came first
Loved, nourished and comforted
Brought sunshine and easement in their growing pains
Shared them much passions and wisdoms
Prepared the innocents to stand the tests of times
Stuck till all her eaglets were weaned
Once they were silly, awkward, goofy but adorable
Now all grown building nests of their own
Her four eagles finally soaring high, with inspiring awe
Enjoying with their fledglings’ zoo
She's a proud but grounded Mama Eagle
A nurturing Grandmama too!

Cynthia Fonacier Capunitan
California, USA

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Ilocos Norte DepEd workers laud installation of ATM in their workplace

June 20, 2019, 6:05 pm
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LAOAG CITY—Thousands of government workers at the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte are delighted to use a newly-established Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) courtesy of the Landbank of the Philippines.

For a first time-user Mary Jane Yanos, accounting staff of the SDOIN of the new ATM machine in her workplace, she said this makes it a lot more convenient for her now that she no longer need to ride a tricycle going to the bank or mall just to withdraw money.

“Malaki ang tulong, mas mabilis at mas mura ang pagwi-withdraw ng pera kasi hindi na kami gagastos ng pamasahe papunta sa labas,” said Ms. Yanos.

The new ATM machine is housed at the north entrance wing of the division adjacent to the guard house for greater security.

Employees from adjacent national government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Civil Service Commission, Land Registration Authority and at least six neighboring schools and universities near the education department can also swing by to withdraw or transfer money here.

To make government services closer to its people, Schools Division superintendent Vilma D. Eda requested the Landbank of the Philippines to make the ATM machine more accessible to them.

“The ATM will cater not only for employees of the SDOIN but also clients of nearby agencies,” Mrs. Eda said in her letter addressed to the partner bank.

According to Mrs. Eda, the new ATM machine is expected to benefit more than 10,000 government workers and private individuals near the SDOIN.

Through a partnership agreement, the LBP shouldered the construction of the ATM stall with the help of the SDOIN engineers who supervised its installation. (Cherry Joy Garma)

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US Embassy exec visits Laoag City

June 25, 2019, 2:36 am
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US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jahn Law and other embassy delegates pay a courtesy call to outgoing Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas during his visit to Laoag City on May 30, 2019. (Doms dela Cruz)



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PNB NOL 2 joins Brigada Eskwela 2019

June 25, 2019, 2:39 am
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Under the leadership of Area Head Jeffrey C. Querubin, PNB Northern Luzon Area 2 conducted school cleanup and beautification activities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Abra.
The Northern Luzon Area 2 of Philippine National Bank (PNB NOL 2) showed its support to the Brigada Eskwela 2019 of the Department of Education which kicked off on May 20, 2019 with the theme: “Matatag na Bayan Para sa Maunlad na Paaralan”.

Under the leadership of Area Head Jeffrey C. Querubin, PNB NOL 2 conducted school cleanup and beautification activities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Abra.

The different PNB branches under NOL 2 also donated chairs, appliances, and construction materials to the schools.

In the spirit of Bayanihan, PNB Northern Luzon Area 2 made a commitment to fully support the annual Brigada Eskwela of the Department of Education.

The PNB NOL 2 Area Office, PNB Narvacan, PNB Vigan Florentino and PNB Vigan Quezon Avenue donated 200 pieces of hollow blocks, 15 bags of cement, 10 steel bars, one half load mixed sand and paint to the Rugsuanan Purok Elementary School.

PNB Candon National Highway donated 10 bags of cement to the Candon National High School. While, PNB Candon San Antonio Branch donated electric fans and paint to the Salcedo Central School.

PNB Laoag City-J. P. Rizal, PNB Laoag City-Castro, PNB Laoag Cash Center, PNB Ilocos Norte-Batac and PNB Ilocos Norte-Pasuquin donated at least 42 monoblock chairs to Pasuquin High School of Ilocos Norte.

In Abra, PNB Abra Bangued Magallanes and PNB Abra Bangued conducted cleaning and repainting of classrooms at the Abra National High School.

In the spirit of Bayanihan, PNB NOL 2 made a commitment to fully support the annual Brigada Eskwela to help ensure that the schools will remain child-friendly and conducive to learning.
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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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Ilocos Norte youth groups join global strike vs climate change

June 25, 2019, 2:42 am
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Laoag City—In support of “Fridays for Future” (FFF) and 350.org’s environmental advocacies, more than 50 young Ilocano eco-warriors participated in the global climate strike at the Aurora Park in this city on May 24, 2019.

FFF started when 15-year old Swedish school girl, Greten Thunberg, solely began protesting outside the Swedish parliament asking for immediate action on climate crisis. It went viral and she continued promoting her advocacy on her personal social media accounts. Ms. Thunberg delivered an eye-opening speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December last year.

The first global climate strike was conducted on March 15, 2019 with an estimated 1.6 million students in 125 countries around the world joining the movement.

Meanwhile, Switch Philippines (Switch PH) and Movement against Plastic Pollution (MAPP)-Ilocos Norte spearheaded the global strike in Ilocos Norte. It is the only province in Region I that joined this month’s movement, alongside 14 provinces in the country. This is also supported by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Ilocos Norte, schools, and other youth organizations.

According to Switch PH founder Ma. Christian Ramos, this activity is the debut of the organization and she shared some of their plans. 

“Since some schools will resume classes soon, our next plan is to do a school-to-school campaign para naman ma-inform at maging aware ang mga bata… Contributing factor talaga kasi ang misuse ng energy. At ngayon, nakikita naman natin ang epekto nito sa simpleng pagbago ng klima. Kaya nandito angSwitch PH to encourage people to act on this climate crisis,” Ms. Ramos remarked. 

“Started as a social media campaign promoting easy steps to lessen energy consumption, the organization also eyes to heighten volunteerism and initiative among the participants and volunteers, especially the youth. We want to encourage other places, provinces, cities to do the same. In the long run, we will lessen carbon emission and eventually encourage a lot of people to act on this global climate crisis,” she added.

As part of the Provincial Government efforts in environmental conservation, in 2016, the Provincial Resolution No. 017-2016 sponsored by the late Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and environment committee chairperson Mariano “Nonong” V. Marcos II declares the province as “clean, green and coal-free.” Ilocos Norte is the first province to phase out coal use.

Other renewable energy projects in Ilocos Norte are the following: 283-megawatt (MW) wind-power farms in the towns of Bangui, Burgos and Pagudpud making the province the “wind energy capital of the Philippines”; approximately 26.7-MW solar projects in Currimao and Burgos; and a 5-MW Agua Grande hydroelectric plant in Pancian, Pagupdud.

The provincial government is actively partnering with renewable energy developers to utilize resources in the province that could bring clean and sustainable energy to the local communities, thus cushioning the effects of climate change. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)

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7th ‘Himala!’ draws record-breaking crowd

June 25, 2019, 2:43 am
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Paoay, Ilocos Norte—More than ten thousand people joined the “Himala sa Buhangin!” Arts and Music Festival staged by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte at the Paoay Sand Dunes on April 30, 2019 estimates made by the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office show.

An initiative of outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos, “Himala sa Buhangin!”, or “Himala!”, is an annual event that features installations by Ilocano artists, and a variety of performances from local and national bands. It also showcases sand sport adventures such as 4X4 racing, sand castle making, sand boarding, and beach volleyball.

“This is the largest ‘Himala!’ crowd since the annual event started in 2012. This year, we reconfigured our ‘Himala’ activities and focused on the concert; expecting more participants because of the front act.” said tourism operations officer Xavier Ruiz. 

OPM rock band Kamikazee headlined this year’s event. The famous band rose to fame in the 2000s with iconic songs “Narda,” “Chiksilog” and “Huling Sayaw,” among others. The band was fronted by local talents, including Better than Noise, New Dynamix, and Slippery When Wet.

As part of the new set of activities this year, the Suba Sand Dunes Cooperative launched the 4x4 Drag Race.

“Our partners in tourism are trying to diversify the activities and products that they offer. We are expecting a lot from our partners and hopefully by next year we can introduce more activities,” Mr. Ruiz said. In all, over a hundred local talents were pooled together for the event's performances.

PGIN credits success to partners
In line with the aim of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) to strengthen ties with event partners, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office collaborated with the Bakers and Restaurants Association of Ilocos Norte (BRAIN) and Alorica for “Himala!” 2019.

“We had a tremendous support from our food sector. Several of BRAIN’s members joined us and provided products; more importantly, we have provided economic opportunities for them. Also, one of the largest business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in the country, Alorica, was one of our partners.

“The support from the private sector was overwhelming. With the involvement of the private sector, we can have a more efficient and sustainable use of resources in conducting events,” Mr. Ruiz further explained. (Edison Justin B. Deus)

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Imee: The North indeed remembers

June 29, 2019, 5:23 am
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Laoag City—She left as Ilocos Norte governor; she returned as a senator.

Senator-elect and outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos returned home on May 27, 2019 after her official proclamation as senator on May 22, 2019.

She expressed her excitement as she finally returned to Ilocos Norte, saying: “It’s a real joy to be back home. Na-miss ko kayong lahat atang Ilocos Norte. Ako’y talagang natutuwa na makapiling kayong muli sa natitirang panahon ko bilang gobernador ninyo.”

The outgoing Ilocos Norte governor is also thankful to the Ilocano community for their firm support to her senatorial bid, as well as to the “Team Marcos” in the local elections.

“Thank you so much for your devoted support. The North indeed remembers, and I will never forget. Kahit papaano’y nanguna ako hanggang sa Cagayan. It’s been a difficult campaign not only for me but also for those who won with me here in the province. Talagangthe ‘Solid North’ is alive and well,” she remarked.

Ms. Marcos left Ilocos Norte during campaign period for the national elections. She visited cities and provinces all over the country.

“Kung saan-saan ako napadpad. Mula sa Visayas at kasuluk-sulukan ng Mindanao. There are beautiful islands, great volcanoes, remarkable sights and sounds and very great food but at the end of the day, it’s a real pride to be Ilocano and to come from Ilocos Norte. The best pa rin ang ating lugar,”

Reassuring her kailiansthat she will still help, Senator-elect Marcos reiterated that: “Hindi po ako mawawala sa Ilocos Norte. Nandito lang ako at asahan ninyo ako, sampu ng aking pamilya, kasama ang lahat ng aming political family; ang ating mga opisyales ngayon.” (Stewart C. Ocampo)

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DSWD: Many Ilocos Norte school-age children not in school

June 29, 2019, 5:24 am
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 1 announced that they have intensified the Bata Balik Eskwela Campaign to encourage school-age children to attend school.

Ronald Punio, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino provincial link in Ilocos Norte province reported that they are trying to win back 2,930 school-age children who dropped out from school.

“There are many reasons why these children are not in school. Some of the common problems identified were due to bullying by teachers and classmates, due to distance of their home to school and some of them prefer to work already even at young age,” he said

For the month of May, Mr. Punio said the DSWD in collaboration with the Department of Education are conducting house visitations to talk with the children and their parents or guardians.

“Our municipal links are doing their best efforts to provide interventions such as facilitating their transfer in other schools or help them enroll in alternative learning system,” said Mr. Punio.

He pointed out that they will delist a Pantawid Pamilya household with children not attending school as beneficiary of the government’s social pension if they fail to meet the set conditions.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office also announced their “Ligtas Balik Eskwela” program.

Their security operations will include public assistance desk, increased police visibility and aide in traffic during the June 3 opening of classes.

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DTI urges franchise players to expand in ASEAN markets

June 29, 2019, 5:26 am
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the Dept. of Trade and Industry is encouraging franchise owners to expand in other Southeast Asian countries, as more Filipino brands are getting access to a larger share of the population of the region.

Eric Elnar, DTI trade service officer of the Foreign Trade Service Corps, said they can use the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community (AEC) to penetrate the ASEAN region.

"Under the ASEAN, we have an ASEAN free trade agreement so basically, it just says that franchising is one of the sectors that is being promoted in the ASEAN agreement. So, it's a good idea for franchise owners in the Philippines to look at expanding first in other ASEAN countries before you expand elsewhere," he said.

Mr. Elnar pointed out that franchising is considered under distribution services, same with retail and wholesale services, stipulated in the packages of services commitments in ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).

To expand presence in the ASEAN region, he said Philippine players need to consider Halal certification.

Mr. Elnar cited as examples Muslim-dominated countries—Malaysia and Indonesia, where they should be "conscious" about Halal requirements.

"Part of it is food that Muslims can take so definitely no pork and then no pork derivatives, and then there's Halal meat so there is a lot of technical stuff that you have to learn. But basically, if you are targeting a Muslim-dominated country, you have to look for Halal if your product is mainly food," he advised.

Mr. Elnar said they have to also intensify marketing strategies, know the industry, market readiness and market size.

"If you are already planning to enter one country, make sure to register in terms of your brand first, make sure that there is no other brand that are registered, that are similar, or the same as yours in that country," he added.

ASEAN groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (Philexport News)

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Ilocos Norte’s 911 gets more daily emergency calls

June 29, 2019, 5:27 am
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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Provincial Incidence Response Management 911 in Ilocos Norte continues to save lives as quick-responders continue to act on hundreds of emergency calls over the last three years.

With a growing number of callers every day, “Agent 5054”, a call taker at the PIRM center, reported that they receive an average of 50 calls per month or 600 calls annually.

“Most of these cases are vehicular accidents next to health-related incidents and police assistance due to minor cases like nuisance and public commotion among others,” he said.

Since it was launched on December 2016, the Ilocos Norte emergency hotline has grown from four call takers and one police officer on duty to 11 call takers and four police officers who take turns in a 12-hour shift. The center has a standby ambulance in front of the Capitol too.

In 2018, the 911 Emergency Response Office was merged with the Department of Public Safety, adding two nurses and three drivers on duty round the clock.

Through Executive Order No. 56 signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on May 25, 2018, calling the emergency hotline number is already free of charge, which doubled the number of callers daily.

In view of this, Wilfredo Lorenzo Jr., of the Provincial Information and Technology Office officer-in-charge appealed to would-be users to be responsible when using the hotline.

“Sana’y huwag nating gawing biro ang paggamit sa911. Mula noong naging libre kasi ito, dumami ang bilang ng prank calls na natatanggap namin. Ipinaaalala po namin na ang mga prank calls ayrecorded at may kaakibat na parusa para sa mga umaabuso dito,” said Mr. Lorenzo.

Similar to the Davao emergency response model, Ilocos Norte is the pioneering province to integrate a province-wide emergency hotline in the country.

Strategically located at the ground floor of the Provincial Capitol building, it aims to hit an average of 5-minute quick response in relaying information from a distress caller to field responders during emergency situations.

For disaster and emergency, Ilocos Norte residents are advised to call the following hotline numbers: 911, 112, Smart (0999-999-7707) and Globe (0917-109-9911).

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Ilocos Norte gov’t screens SHS Scholarship applicants

July 1, 2019, 2:15 am
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Laoag City—The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Education Office (PEdO) conducted the screening and interview of new applicants for the senior high school (SHS) scholarship program on May 21-24, 2019, at the second floor of Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, this city. 

PEdO met 740 new applicants for initial screening, alongside 352 SHS students who eyes the renewal of their scholarship grants.

Implemented in November 2018, the SHS scholarship program is the newest addition to the provincial government’s integrated Sirib Scholarship Program.

It was established through the Provincial Ordinance No. 049-2018 sponsored by senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and Ilocos Norte Governor-elect Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc.

The SHS Scholarship Program aims to provide monthly cash allowance to beneficiaries to augment fare and boarding fees, and to buy school supplies, among others.

“Positive ang feedback ng unang taon ng SHS scholarship program. Ebidensiya nito ang dami ng tumatangkilik at nag-apply sa ’tin ngayong semester,” Carolyn Agcaoili, PEdO’s education research assistant I, remarked.

Every semester, PEdO offers 1,000 slots to SHS students regardless of the curriculum strand. In exchange, beneficiaries render 20 hours of community service within the duration of the scholarship program, through the supervision of the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA).

Ms. Agcaoili also motivated the students to keep on trying, saying: “Ang laking ginhawa nitong programa ng provincial government lalo na sa mga gustong-gustong makapagtapos sa pag-aaral ngunit walang resources. Madami talaga itong natutulungan. Kaya naman sa mga hindi makaka-abot sa application ngayong semester, since first come, first served, pwede pa kayong mag-apply sa susunodna semester.”

She further reminded interested applicants to present proof of general weighted grade not lower than 85%, certificate of indigency, and birth certificate on the day of application. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)

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Laoag City police continues with ‘double barrel’

July 1, 2019, 2:17 am
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By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—The police in this city will continue to aggressively implement “Double Barrel”, the enhanced managing of police operations and the anti-illegal drugs campaign plan.

Lt. Col Mar Louise Bundoc, Laoag police chief, made this announcement. Mr. Bundoc took over the city police’s reins on January 3, 2019.

Records show that during his stay, they conducted 14 operations for “double barrel” including “buy-bust” operations from January to May in the different barangays in the city and all the arrested suspect landed in jail.

Relative to this, Mr. Bundoc said Laoag is “generally peaceful” since the start of his stay in the city.

He stressed that his stay in the city is challenging since he came during the election period. He, however, maintained that there were no elections-related incidents from the start of the election period until election day.

The election period officially ends on June 13, 2019.

In a related development, Mr. Bundoc appealed to the city’s residents to be more vigilant, especially since classes have started,

Aside from thefts and robberies, he also warned parents and guardians to watch over their children and wards as drug syndicates use students to sell to other students.

He also asked houses that rent out to students to also be vigilant with their renters. He added that these houses should also install their closed-circuit television system to possibly deter illegal activities in their respective areas.

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