The Ilocos Times

Here’s a 21^st century classroom models now open to learners of the Burgos Agro Industrial School, the only secondary school in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and the Burgos Central Elementary School. These classrooms are equipped with high-tech gadgets fitted for digital natives. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Burgos, Ilocos Norte—At least two state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with high-tech learning gadgets for digital learners are now in place in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, a fifth-class municipality which hosts the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia.

Funded through the municipality’s Special Education Fund tax, a 1% levy on the assessed value of real properties, the Burgos government led by the town’s longest-serving mayor, Rodolfo Garcia decided to pour in the funds for its young learners.

“Our children [are] our future. Our investment in education is our way of expressing our love to them so that they will grow and develop their maximum potential. During our time, many of us cannot read and write. Unlike us, we do not want our children to be left behind,” said the 79-year-old Mr. Garcia, the oldest mayor in Ilocos Norte and the first mayor in the province who approved the utilization of the town’s SEF for the construction of the pioneering modern classroom in Region 1.

Mr. Garcia said it is a great pride and honor for a very small community like Burgos to have this kind of learning facility which could have not been materialized if not with the full cooperation of the people and authorities of the Department of Education and the Department of Science and Technology who assisted in implementing the project.

Worth PHP4 million each, the 21^st century learning environment models are located at the Burgos Agro Industrial School, the only secondary school in the municipality and the Burgos Central Elementary School.

The two air-conditioned classrooms are equipped with four computer kiosks and personal computer desktops, 50 tablets, robotic kits, 10 units mini drones, 3D filament, 3D printer, interactive projectors, visualizer/document camera, Knex build model, Wi-Fi connections, augmented reality check, Wi-Fi printer and connectors.

During its formal inauguration on May 27, 2019, attended by students, parents and school heads in Region 1, Josephine Pascual, principal of BAIS said, “It was a dream come true for all students and parents” to have a modern classroom facility in their school.

Gladys Garcia, a teacher of BAIS who demonstrated some of the unique features of the classroom shared her excitement to teach her students using the augmented reality cards and other gadgets available at the school.

Following the inauguration of the 21st century learning environmental model in Burgos town, Ilocos Norte Schools Division superintendent Vilma Eda challenged other schools in the province to come up with an educational breakthrough like the one in Burgos town to boost the education system.

“If we want transformation, we really need to give up a lot. Our salute to Burgos for making it happen. I know they sacrificed some projects just to have this. May this inspire all of us to level up and we wish Burgos more progress in the future,” Mrs. Eda said as she bared Batac City was the first initiator of the project but it did not materialize for some reasons.

As counterpart, the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte shared more than PHP600,000 raised through an ICT fund raising drive for the establishment of a satellite connectivity in Burgos town.

For his part, Regional Director Malcolm Garma of the DepEd Regional Office has lauded the efforts of the Ilocos Norte schools and the local government unit of Burgos to boost the learning experience of young Ilocanos.

‘It takes a lot of sensitivity, commitment and dedication to invest on our children and make education work for our citizenry. I hope there will be more in the future,” he said citing the Burgos government should be emulated for making taxes work which motivates more people to pay their taxes religiously.

Mr. Garma admitted that resources for education is too limited but with the help of all stakeholders, there is opportunity in scarcity.

“Let us engage our stakeholders, make partnerships and make entire community work for our children,” he added as he noted teachers must adopt to digital education transformation or else young learners will perish.

“Let’s admit, our children are more intelligent than us. Let us guide our children to use technology properly, not to destroy humanity but to bring peace,” Mr. Garma underscored.

Laoag City—As part of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) bid to continue boosting employment opportunities for Ilocanos, the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) conducted a career orientation in partnership with K.R.T International Training Center Inc. (K.R.T-ITCI) on May 29, 2019 at the Provincial Capitol cafeteria.

K.R.T-ITCI, a TESDA-accredited agency offers Korean language studies and cultural programs for students as well as corporate trainings for businesses. It provides proper guidance in terms of skills and information needed to qualify applicants as overseas workers.

“Ang K.R.T-ITCI ay isang international training center na nagbibigay ng oportunidad sa mgaPilipinong gustong magtrabaho sa South Korea. Maaaring mag-attend sa career orientation na ito ang mga senior high school students, undergraduates, at kahit sinong interesado,” PESO officer Lizette B. Atuan said.

Aside from the K.R.T career orientation, the PGIN-PESO will also hold a job fair on June 22 to continue assisting job seekers.

“Patuloy ang pagtulong natin sa ating mga kailian. Mabibigyan na naman natin ng pagkakataon ang mga naghahanap ng trabaho. Nag-imbita rin kami ng mga overseas companies kung saan sila maaaring mag-apply para sa mas malaking oportunidad,” Ms. Atuan added.

In 2018, PGIN-PESO assisted over 11,000 job seekers, including students, through its special employment programs. (Stewart C. Ocampo)

BJMP regional office personnel along with a K9 dog inspect all the belongings of the female PDLs at the BJMP Laoag during the surprise “Operation Greyhound” on May 20, 2019. PDEA also conducted a surprise and random drug test for PDLs and jail personnel. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Laoag City—Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) superintendent Florante Nisperos announced that Laoag City Jail remains ‘’drug free” after the recently concluded surprise operation greyhound on May 20, 2019.

Mr. Nisperos said both the persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and jail personnel underwent surprise random drug tests.

“In fact, very sanitized itiLaoag City Jail in terms of illegal drugs ken contrabands,” Mr. Nisperos said.

BJMP Laoag J/Chief Insp. Herminigildo Rivera was thankful for the result and findings of the surprise “Operation Greyhound”.

The recent operation featured two K9 dogs that sniffed for illegal drugs.

He stressed that the result means PDLs and jail personnel follow BJMP rules and regulations, especially those for illegal drugs and contrabands.

Mr. Rivera added that the quarterly operation’s negative result has stretched the Laoag jail’s “drug-free” condition for a long time now.

Proposed jail expansion

Meanwhile, Mr. Nisperos confirmed the proposed jail expansion for the Laoag City Jail has already reached the BJMP central office.

But according to him, there is no funding for the said project yet; however, he disclosed that the said project has been considered to be one of the major priorities as the PDL population in the said jail continues to increase.

Mr. Nisperos, clarified though that the Laoag jail can still manage its total jail, which he said, is not yet alarming compared with the other jails in the region.

He cited the Dagupan City and Urdaneta District Jails to have the highest number of PDLs in Region I, which, he said do not commensurate to their facilities.

He added that the Laoag and Batac City jails are still manageable.

Mr. Rivera proposed the expansion long time ago due to limited jail room facilities due to the increasing number of inmates.

Outgoing Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas welcomed the proposal but they were still looking for the best location for the transfer of the city jail as it is currently housed in a very limited space.

The city government will provide the lot for the project as its counterpart, as the BJMP will shoulder the building construction.

As of press time, Mr. Rivera said that city jail has a jail population of 251 PDLs as of May 20, 2019.

Meal allowance

Also, as of press time, Mr. Nisperos announced that PDL meal allowance remains at P60 per day.

He explained that the budget depends on the BJMP’s portion from the General Appropriations Act (GAA). He is still not sure whether there will be an increase for the said allowance this year.

Recommended meals depend on the availability of fund that would cater to the number of PDLs, which is also a discretion of the warden on the type of food to be served.

Health and sanitation

With effect of the summer season, Mr. Nisperos learned that no PDLs at the Laoag City Jail has contacted major illnesses brought out by the changing weather condition.

“Iti kapintasan na ditoycity jail ket adu iti danum ta isut importante tapnu malamiisan dagitiPDLs tayo not even skin diseases ket awan,” Mr. Nisperos said.

Airconditioned conjugal rooms

Mr. Rivera also announced that the city jail will soon have its new airconditioned conjugal rooms.

The five conjugal rooms are intended for married PDLs who also need personal satisfaction while inside the jail.

It was learned that said rooms are still under construction along with their own comport rooms.

Badoc, Ilocos Norte—The province of Ilocos Norte celebrated the first Pontifical Coronation Anniversary of its patron saint, La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc on May 31, 2019.

As part of the celebration, a fluvial parade highlighted the last of the nine-day novena in honor of the provincial patroness. The images of La Milagrosa and Sto. Cristo Milagroso de Sinait were paraded in the waters of Badoc, reenacting the historic arrival of the Blessed Virgin in the province.

It showed how La Milagrosa came to be the provincial patroness: she is said to have arrived floating in a box together with the image of Cristo Milagroso between the shores of Brgy. Paguetpet in Badoc and Brgy. Dadalaquiten, Sinait, a bordering town of Ilocos Sur.

Hundreds of local spectators united and revered the blessed images while the fluvial procession sailed along the cove. The procession was followed by a novena mass officiated by Metropolitan Archbishop of Nueva Segovia, Most Rev. Marlo M. Peralta, at the Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

“Over the past year, we have been blessed because we have recorded an increase in pilgrimage and tourists visiting the Minor Basilica of Badoc. This is our fervent wish in terms of tourism: that the faith in the Blessed Virgin will ultimately lead to more opportunities for the people of Ilocos Norte,” remarked Tourism Operations Officer, Mr. Xavier Ruiz.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte popularized the devotion of Ilocanos to La Milagrosa through Provincial Ordinance No. 062-2012, declaring May 2 to 5 of every year as Provincial Fiesta of Ilocos Norte in honor of La Milagrosa.

Moreover, as part of the Fiesta, the month-long "La Virgen Milagrosa Joyful Symphony of Lights," a lights-and-music display at the Provincial Capitol, is a tribute to the patroness.

Last year, the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin was led by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, representing His Holiness Pope Francis. (Edison Justin Deus)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—In time for the opening of classes, a total of 643 scholars of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte received their stipends on June 3, 2019 at the Centennial Arena, this city.

Outgoing senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and Ilocos Norte Governor-elect Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc personally handed the cash assistance fund, which ranges from PHP2,250 to PHP3,500 per month for each government scholar.

To date, there are three types of scholarships being offered by the provincial government. These are the Sirib Academic Scholarship, with 219 scholars; Sirib Young Leadership Scholarship, 239scholars; and Sirib Community Leadership and Tech-Voc Scholarship, 185 scholars. The first two scholarship provide a monthly stipend and tuition fee, while the latter provides a fixed stipend every semester for beneficiaries.

As a government scholar, the provincial government encourages beneficiaries to become actively involved in the programs and activities of their respective Barangays or in school.

Among these programs and activities may include participation in the annual “Brigada Eskwela” among schools or in clean-up drives or tree-planting activities organized by various government and non-government organizations.

During his short speech, Mr. Manotoc lauded the scholars for their great contribution to the province.

“We are happy that we are able to provide more opportunities to our youth who are not only academic or community-oriented, but also excel in sports. I hope this will inspire more students to do well in school,” he said.

Under his new administration, he assured to sustain if not add more to the number of scholars.

Every year, the Ilocos Norte government allocates around PHP30 million as education assistance to poor but deserving students in the province.

Laoag City--Jeremy Adrian Guiang, a beneficiary of the Sirib Youth Leader Scholarship (SYLS) Program, recounted the multiple opportunities the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has offered for his personal transformation.

“Innemkami nga agkakabsat, siak ti inaudi. Amin a kakabsatko nagasawada ti naubing atawen. Nakitak kadakuada ti saanko kayat a tuladen ta ammok a ti oportunidad ti edukasion ket isu lang ti mangparang-ay iti panagbiagmi. Bayat iti panagbasak iti kolehio, lima a takyag iti binagkatko ta dagiti manangko ket saanda a nakabasa. Siak lang ti nakapagturpos iti kolehio. Ammok met a saan a lapped ti kinakurapay iti oportunidad iti edukasion,” Mr.Guiang narrates.

Mr. Guiang and his family reside at Brgy. San Matias, Laoag City. His father is a carpenter and his mother sells tupig and bibingka in order to support their family’s daily expenses.

Initially, Mr. Guiang’s friend invited him to attend a Sirib Camp in 2015, and he shared that his application to the scholarship is unintentional. Yet, he became a consistent beneficiary from his first year until his fourth year in college.

Aside from financial assistance, Mr. Guiang hails PGIN for providing an avenue for the youth’s personal development, saying, “Saan laeng nga stipend ti naawatko. Sakbayak a nag-college, managbabainak. Gapu iti panang-engross ken panang-engage iti Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association, (SIKA) Inc. kanyak, mamatiak a nakatulong daytoy iti panagbalinko a sociable person… Inikkandak pay ti gundaway nga agbalin a lider, saannak lang nga ag-folfollow-en. Nagbalinnak pay a lider ti eskuela, komudidad, ken ti agtutubo ti Ilocos Norte.”

As the incumbent deputy chairperson of SIKA-Laoag City, Mr. Guiang urges his fellow beneficiaries to be a good example of “kinasirib” (intelligence) and to always believe in their capabilities and skills.

He also expressed his gratitude towards outgoing Governor and Senator-elect Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos for the scholarship opportunity given to him as well as to Ilocos Norte Governor-elect Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc for continuing the best practices done by the Marcos family.

Mr. Guiang will receive his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education major in General Education as cum laude on the 41^stCommencement Exercises of the Mariano Marcos State University on June 7, 2019. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Laoag City—Smooth flow of traffic marked the opening of schoolyear 2019-20 in this city,

Laoag police chief Lt. Col. Mar Louise Bundoc made the announcement, saying that this happened with the help of an augmentation force from the police provincial office, force multipliers and the city traffic division, as well.

He added that all 10 Police Assistance Centers (PACs) in the city had their own augmentation force helping them man their respective areas 24 hours.

Newly detailed Maj. Adriano Licudan also announced that he closely monitored all the members of the traffic division.

His monitoring included the strict implementation of the city’s traffic rules and regulations, specifically mentioning Rizal Street which they strictly restricted parking on both sides of the street.

They also prohibited traffic aides from smoking while on duty.

Anti-illegal drugs operation

Before the last schoolyear ended, the city police confirmed that there are illegal drugs operations within the school premises.

Mr. Bundoc said that they based the report on the apprehension of an out-of-school youth thru a buy-bust operation.

Mr. Bundoc then instructed his intelligence operatives to monitor all the public secondary schools in the city and to mount buy-bust operations if necessary.

He added that they also need to hold a dialogue with teachers and students as mandated by the police regional and central offices.

Relative to this, the Laoag police recently conducted and coordinated with Caaoacan Fisheries High School head Jerrimie Arietta concerning the reorganization of PNP-KALASAG (Kabataaan Laban Sa Bawal Na Gamot).

The police designed this program for the youth that are directly involved in the campaign and advocacies of President Rodrigo Duterte to suppress the proliferation of illegal drugs.

Mr. Bundoc also coordinated with city DepEd superintendent Joel Lopez regarding the launching of Project Ready (Resistance Education Against Drugs for the Youth).

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—Owing to the increasing cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Region 1, the Ilocos Norte government through a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is urging all concerned local government units to intensify information and education campaign in local communities.

Authored by ex-officio SP member Rafael Chua Medina, in his capacity as Sangguniang Kabataan Federated President in Ilocos Norte, the provincial board asked the Communications and Media Office in coordination with local government units and the Provincial Health Office to take the lead in the campaign against the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

As of December 2018, there are a total of 1,351 reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the region with an average increase of 21 cases per month.

The highest number of cases, according to the report are male, aged 25 to 34.

“Awareness of this virus and how it affects us is the most effective way to end this worldwide killer disease. Information is every individual’s protection, and every one may take part in this campaign,” said Mr. Medina as he underscored those who are considered with high risk behavior should let themselves tested before it is too late.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys the human body’s natural defense against diseases and infections. If not treated properly, it could lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the final stage of HIV.

In view of this, medical experts has reiterated to put in mind the risks of having an unprotected sex including the ABCDEs of how to prevent HIV such as: A for abstinence; B for being mutually faithful; C for the correct and consistent use of condoms; D for avoiding the use of drugs and avoiding the use of syringes; and E for the importance of being educated on HIV.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—A Korean school is partnering with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte to train Ilocanos in speaking the Korean language.

Anne Marie Lizette B. Atuan, manager of the Public Employment Service Office under the provincial government announced that enrollment is now on-going for the short-term training course which could last for more or less 13 days.

For the benefit of interested applicants who want to work in South Korea, the KRT International Training Center Inc. is reaching out to all Ilocanos in the province to provide Korean language training to them without going out of their comfort zone.

For Ms. Atuan, she said, “This is a good opportunity to all interested individuals who wish to learn Korean language.”

In May, the KRT Training Center initially conducted a career orientation at the Capitol attended by at least 75 participants.

Last year, the government of South Korea decided to accept 56,000 foreign workers under the Employment Permit System in 2019 to relieve a labor shortage in the country.

Under the plan, Korea will accept 43,000 newcomers and 13,000 returnees—2,000 fewer newcomers than in 2018 and 2,000 more returnees.

Under the EPS, a foreign worker can work in Korea for up to four years and 10 months on an E-9 visa, but cannot leave and re-enter the country on the same visa during that time.

After four years and 10 months, E-9 holders who meet certain conditions are eligible to leave and re-enter the country to return to their previous employers.

With this, the Ilocos Norte government hopes to help send some of these factory workers by partnering with a Korean school.

Since 2004, Korea has accepted low-skilled migrant workers from 16 countries via the EPS in response to labor shortages at the country’s farms, fisheries, and small and medium-sized companies.

Ania’t kinagpaysuanan dagiti inpormasion a ti rason no apay a kanayun a nangato ti board examination—passing percentagedagiti dadduma nga unibersidad ket gapu ta pilienda dagiti palubusanda nga ageksamen.

No ti graduate ket saan a nangato dagiti gradona wenno saan unay a napintas ti performancena, mangaramid ti pamuspusan ti unibersidad tapno saan pay laeng a maka-exam.

Ti laeng palubusanda nga ag-taketi board exam ket dagiti sigurado a makapasa. Daytoy ket tapno sigurado met a nangato ti passing percentage ti unibersidad, banag nga addanto manen ipangpangasda iti intero a lubong.

Ala, saan a dakes nga ipangasda ti performanceda iti board exam. Ngem ti ayanna nga adat, adda dagiti graduate a nairurumen, naipaigid ken naisakripisyo tapno laeng maidaydayaw ti pagadalan.

Moral kadi daytoy? Legal kadi? Paset kadi pay laeng daytoy ti makunkuna nga academic freedom ti unibersidad?

Sapay koma ta makadanun daytoy nga issue iti biang ti Kongreso wenno iti opisina ni Presidente Duterte tapno maimbestigar a nasayaat ket maikkan ti hustisia dagiti graduate a nailupeklupek lattan dagiti karbenganda.

***

Agpayso kadi a 200 to 500 nga empleado ti maikkat iti baro nga administrasion iti city government ti Laoag?

Karbengan ni MMK a mangbukel ti work force a patienna a makatulong kadagiti ipakatna a programa ken proyekto. Paset pay laeng daytoy ti panangipatungpalna ti bukodna nga estilo a kas baro a lider ti ciudad.

Ngem saan koma met a kastoy ti kaadu unay dagiti maikkat nga empleado. Ta arigna political cleansingnukuan ti mapasamak, banag nga adu dagiti agsagaba a pamilya. Kaasida met, apo, nangnangruna kadagitoy a tiempo a narigat ti agsarak ti trabaho.

Ti laeng koma maikkat ket dagiti sadot, subeg, inutil, birkog ken dagiti agbalbalin a "fixers”.

***

Ti maysa a tao ket posible a maikkat iti trabaho gapu ta isuna ket abusado wenno sadut wenno birkog wenno irresponsable. Ngem saan koma a mabalin a maikkat iti panggedan ti maysa a tao gapu iti pulitika, awan laketdi ti sinalungasingna a paglintegan. Ti kada tao ket adda karbenganna a mangpili ti prinsipiona iti pulitika, isu a saan a rumbeng a daytoy ti pakaikkatanna iti trabaho.

Ti trabaho ket paset ti "right to life"—ti makunkuna a "highest right". Ngamin, no keltayem ti pagbiagan ti maysa a tao, kineltaymo metten ti biagna ken ti biag ti pamilyana.

***

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.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Dingras, Ilocos Norte—The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) disclosed that one of the main reasons for the frequent power interruptions recently was due to the relocation of distribution lines, which the Dept. of Public Works and Highways’’ road-widening projected affected.

INEC board president Enrico Ruiz made this claim adding that other causes of power interruptions recently were the termination and testing of new control switchgear of the Laoag 2 sub-station; isolation and switching of Laoag 1 & 2 sub-station; installation of intermediate pole; restructuring of primary line; rerouting of secondary lines; NGCP APMT of Laoag 50MVA transformer; simultaneous maintenance of controlling breaker for Laoag-Marcos 69 KV Line; and replacement of rotten poles.

“Idi ngamin napalabas ngaelection ket iti covenant mi ket saan a mabalin nga agpukaw iti kuryente before, during and after the election. Ket itan ta nalpasen tielection, isu metten iti pinangisayangkat min iti naduma-duma a proyekto,” Mr. Ruiz explained.

However, Mr. Ruiz also admitted that there are some instances that power does return as per their official announcement.

“Ngamin adda nukwa dagitay saan a mapakpakadaan a pasamak which is beyond the control of men a kuna da,” he stressed.

Relative to this, Mr. Ruiz appealed to all member-consumer-owners to be “understanding enough” in cases of power interruptions because they are doing this for the betterment of everybody.

INEC is ready in time of calamities

Mr. Ruiz, meanwhile, also said that INEC is now ready in time of disasters or calamities that may come in the province.

Typhoon “Ompong”, which battered the province last year, served as a lesson for INEC if ever calamities again come, he added.

Mr. Ruiz also said that INEC hired additional linemen to improve their response time.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—A day before the June 29 mass oathtaking of newly and reelected provincial, city and municipal officials of Ilocos Norte, the provincial government will break ground a total of PHP2 billion infrastructure projects funded through a soft loan from the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines.

As part of the continuing “Metro Ilocos Tourism Plan” to boost economic growth in this northern gateway of Luzon, these three big projects will become the centerpiece of transformation in Laoag this time.

According to an Ilocano architect Felino Palafox Jr. who worked on the Ilocos Norte tourism plan in 2010 during the first term of outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor and now Senator-elect Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos, “visiting and living in the province these days is exciting considering the many improvements that is taking place and the several infrastructure facilities that will be in place to enhance the aesthetics of Ilocos Norte and make it safe and convenient for everyone”.

Mr. Palafox is referring to the construction of the Provincial Capitol expansion building, reconstruction of the Dap-ayan Food Park, and the major facelift of the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Sports Stadium, which the Ms. Marcos ensured will be realized under the new administration of her son, incoming Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc. Engr. Lanie Daquioag, chief of the Provincial Engineering Office-Planning Division, said they conducted bidding for the said projects on the last week of May.

“The bidding was conducted on May 29. Since April, the design was already started. While waiting for the final approval of the plan and design, they can already start the demolition immediately after June 28,” Ms. Daquioag explained.

Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of presided by outgoing Ilocos Norte Vice Governor and now second district Congressman-elect Eugenio Angelo M. Barba authorized the allocation of more than PHP1 billion for the rehabilitation of the Marcos Stadium, PHP 640 million for the construction of the Capitol expansion building and PHP360 million for the reconstruction of the Dap-ayan Food Park.

In a separate interview, Allan Sonajo, architect for the Dap-ayan Center project said the Dap-ayan which currently houses several food stalls and souvenir shops shall rise into an eight-story building and will become the tallest government building in the province once completed.

He explained the reconstruction of the Dap-ayan will feature the same resemblance to that of the historic Capitol building with parking basements and offices for rent in the future.

Meanwhile, the construction of the Capitol building expansion will use the rear area of the said building, including its east and west wings. The project will affect the cafeteria, as well as the parking area for a grocery and the integrated jeepney terminal.

The Marcos Stadium, project, meanwhile will rise one meter above the road, demolishing all buildings, offices and bleachers.

Provincial officials said the three infrastructure projects’ completion will take two years or less

“In Ilocos Norte, tourism development is heading towards education, development and the preservation of important heritage and natural sites. While this transformation is taking place, we will be fortunate to see the advantages of investing in good planning, good design, and now, even good governance,” said Mr. Palafox.

For her part, Ms. Marcos said this where the province is heading in the future.

“We will keep updating the plan and we hope that every town should have their own tourism development plan while the province will fully activate the Metro Ilocos Development Plan,” she added.

MR. Bueno Antonio, 98 years old, receives his land title (certificate of land ownership award) from provincial agrarian reform program officer II Vic M. Ines (center) and chief administrative officer Rudy G. Acacio (first from left). Mr. Antonio is the oldest agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) of Barangay Capurictan, Solsona, Ilocos Norte. At least 69 land titles were recently distributed to the ARBs in the said barangay. (Jorge Richard P. Guerrero)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—The elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan member from this town said he will focus on social services program and infrastructure projects.

Engr. Aladin Santos, the lone candidate who won in the second district not from the Marcos party, said he “would love to be a part of the committee on social services if given the chance to choose as he wanted to support the governor’s program helping and addressing the needs of those less fortunate”.

Mr. Santos added that he also wants to become part of the provincial board’s committee on infrastructure being an engineer by profession.

He also showed interests on becoming a part of the economic development of the province.

He disclosed that he wants to share the secret of the San Nicolas municipal government, which is a local government unit not solely dependent on its internal revenue allotment (IRA) share but rather on the revenues derived from this town’s booming business sector.

Helping the agricultural sector

The neophyte board member also wants to revisit the price of agricultural products in Ilocos Norte.

In his visit to Brgys. Barangobong and Ugis in Nueva Era, he personally witnessed the struggle of farmers who toil everyday in their farms but are not getting the proper prices for their produce.

Mr. Santos cited specifically their pepper [sili] products, which they sell to traders at PHP8 per kilogram. The traders then sell their produce with market prices ranging from PHP200-300 per kilogram.

He stressed that he wants to correct this at the provincial board by studying the issue with his colleagues and find the best government intervention to help the farmers earn more from their toils.

He added that he also wants to help in further improving the provincial government’s farm-to-market road projects.

From Sangguniang Bayan to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Mr. Santos completed three terms as San Nicolas Sangguniang.

He first run for a provincial board seat in 2016 but he lost.

In this year’s midterm elections, however, he finished fifth for the second district.

With bigger service scope and greater responsibilities, Mr. Santos said he wants to bring the government closer to the people and to help the provincial government invite more investors and business in the province.

He emphasized that people in the province should also learn to embrace the industrialization that progress brings.

Minority member

As he won without the backing of the Marcoses, Mr. Santos said his work and his minority member status will not affect his work as a provincial legislator.

He, instead said that he will cross party lines if it is for the good and betterment of the people of Ilocos Norte.

“Kasla iti maysa aramen wennu luto, naim-imas met laeng no adda maisagpaw. Kayat na sawen kasla mangpa pintas met iti maysa a gakat wennu paglintegan no maikkan met iti sagpaw na. Ta saanak to pulos a mangipawil wennu mang kontra iti anyaman a gakat pagsayaatan laket iti kaadwan ken mangpapintas pay iti probinsya tayo,” Mr. Santos emphasized.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Laoag City—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here—voting 6-4—disapproved an unnumbered resolution that concurred with the appointment of Mylene Isabel Pascual as department head I of the Community Affairs Division during the council’s June 3, 2019 regular session.

Former Laoag councilor Shirley O. Sin presented the said resolution for discussion during the other matters portion of the agenda but prior to the presentation, former Laoag Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Atty. Franklin Dante Respicio, in his chairman’s time, asked for committee reports pertaining to the council’s concurrence to the appointment; nobody, however reported.

Prior to the June 3, 2019 session, the council referred the issue to the committee on laws and labor and employment for its study and scheduling a committee report 15 days later, or June 7, 2019.

But Mrs. Sin, who chaired the committee on labor and employment, moved for the suspension of the rules to accommodate the matter and which the council granted.

With the suspension of rules, Laoag councilor Roger John C. Fariñas requested the council to invite human resource officer Felicar Ancheta to shed light on the appointment.

Ms. Ancheta said the position former community affairs officer Bernardino Rodillas vacated the post when he retired on November 20, 2018. Ms. Pascual, who is next in rank to Mr. Rodillas, immediately became the officer-in-charge, pending the appointment of a permanent head.

Ms. Ancheta also disclosed that Ms. Pascual, who was then appointed to the position, has completed all the requirements set forth by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the said position. She also earlier passed the Personnel Selection Board (PSB) interview with former Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas, also giving her approval.

A department head position in the city government, however, also needs a concurrence from the council through an approved resolution.

The council also interviewed Ms. Pascual during the proceedings, where she presented her duties and functions as officer-in-charge and the difference of duties and functions of a permanent department head.

“As a functioning OIC since November 21, [2018] awan met pay naging problema with regards to the operation of the office,” Ms. Pascual said addressing the absence of a department head.

With this statement, Laoag councilor Roque Benjamin Ablan said he believes there is no urgency in appointing a community affairs officer.

The voting for the concurrence resolution showed former Laoag councilors Edison Siazon, Mrs. Sin; Mr. Fariñas and SK federated president and ex-officio member Anzhelyka Faye M. Lao voting for the resolution.

While Laoag councilors Handy Lao, Portia Pamela R. Salenda, Edison Bonoan, Mr. Ablan, Justine Chua and former councilor Ferdinand Domingo voting against it.

The voting results effectively disapproved the concurrence resolution and Ms. Pascual’s official appointment.

Ms. Pascual preferred not to comment after the voting.

SIX MONTHS IN. Laoag councilor Roger John Fariñas stressed a point during the discussion of the city’s 2019 annual budget during their June 10, 2019 regular session. The session ended way past 7 pm as the council finally passed the city’s annual budget six months into the year. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Laoag City—After five months in the council, the Sangguniang Panlungsod here has passed the city’s 2019 annual budget on June 10, 2019.

The budget totals PHP879,951,091.97, a 13 percent increase from last year’s budget of PHP778,263,204.

Standing as a committee of the whole, all the councilors present during the June 10, 2019 session reintroduced the ordinance.

Budget deliberations stalled in January this year after a political shift in the council resulted in a new majority who voted down the budget ordinance.

Budget increase

The 2019 budget’s increase was based on the higher projected revenue resources for this year.

Estimates from 2019 local revenue sources was pegged at PHP387,008,060.97, or an increase of PHP56,382,060.97 compared to last year’s local revenue of PHP330,626,000.

City budget officials also estimated a PHP45 million increase for the city’s internal revenue allotment (IRA) share, which they pegged at PHP492,943,031 against last year’s IRA share of PHP447,637,204.

‘Lucky’

Outgoing Laoag councilor Shirley O. Sin, chair of the committee on finance, budget and appropriations said she considers this set of city officials as “still very lucky” as the annual budget was approved within this present outgoing administration.

More so, Mrs. Sin said city hall employees are now very happy, especially those who will be retiring this year because the computation of their terminal leave pay will be based on the new rate effective January of this year and those employees who are contract of service (COS) who will be resigning at the end of June will also receive an increase for their take-home pay because of the last tranche of salary increases.

The city government has implemented the salary increase as prescribed by Executive Order No. 201 since 2016. The first tranche of salary increases was in 2016 followed by two more tranches in 2017 and 2018 and the last tranche this year.

Clothing allowance was also increased from PHP5,000 to PHP6,000 as prescribed under Budget Circular No. 2008-1 dated March 8, 2018.

The approved budget also contains allocation for mid-year bonus which is equivalent to one month pay; year-end bonus which is also equivalent to another one month pay; cash gift in the amount of PHP5,000; and productivity enhancement incentive (PEI) pay of PHP5,000.

The 2019 budget also allocates PHP24 million as “special assistance” to the city’s barangays, which translates to PHP300,000 per barangay for land acquisition, construction, improvement of roads, buildings, and other structures and facilities continuous.

Mrs. Sin, being the movant of the ordinance, said they invited members of the local finance committee to shed light on some issues and concerns during the deliberation, which lasted for the whole day until way past 7 pm.

Differences

The Ilocos Times learned that the approved budget has the same amount from the budget proposal earlier submitted by the local finance committee in October of last year.

However, Mrs. Sin said that there were some amounts which was slashed from the different offices and moved under the “unappropriated balance”.

“Ngem adda met puntos da a nangi-reduce dagitay dadduma a paggastusan because we are in a re-enacted budget for 5 months, ket inkapilitan nga ada sangkabassit abelt tightening,” Mrs. Sin explained.

Records show that total amount slashed was around PHP18,023,743.39, “[D]aytoy ket ibati da ket mairaman idiay unappropriated balance for 2019 a mabalin to nga usaren ti sumaruno nga administrasyon,” Mrs. Sin added.

Aside from the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), which was slashed, the reduced budget included “aid to the ABC” from PHP500,000 to PHP100,000; “aid to SK” from PHP200,000 to PHP100,000; and the purchase of lot for the proposed sanitary landfill at Brgy. Balatong from PHP10 million to PHP2 million.

The PHP8 million slashed from the proposed lot acquisition was diverted for road improvements under the city engineering office.

Realignments

Outgoing Laoag Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Atty. Franklin Dante A. Respicio, for his part, also announced and confirmed the approval of the budget

“Gapu ta indasar iti maysa a kameng iti konseho iti concern dagiti dadduma nga agnaed iti Brgy. Balatong nga adda paylang panagamak da kadetoy pannakaipatakder daytoy makunkuna a landfill sadiay a barangay,” Mr. Respicio reasoned for the reduction of the landfill lot acquisition from PHP10 million to php2 million.

However, Mr. Respicio said the Sangguniang Panlungsod can realign funds anytime for the said purpose because the PHP8 million was deemed “saved” under the engineering department.

“Adda met tay makun-kuna nga unappropriated balance wennu surplus from the estimated income ket no dumteng iti sitwasyon a pagkasapulan iti pundo iti nadumaduma nga opisina, ket aliston to laeng appo a masoposopan baket aliston to laeng appo a masoposopan babaen tay makun-kuna a supplemental budget nga ipasa itiSangguniang Panlungsod,” Mr. Respicio explained.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—After closing its door for more than four years, the 209-year-old St. Anne Parish in Piddig, Ilocos Norte province is ready to open again for church services.

Fr. Carlito Ranjo Jr., head of the Diocese of Laoag’s restoration committee shared his excitement as he posted in Facebook a fully-restored façade and interiors of the Baroque church.

The newly-restored church is expected to be turned over on July 25, 2019.

In September 2014, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) engineering experts decommissioned the old church and declared the church “unfit for occupancy, with its wooden trusses heavily deteriorated and its foundation weakened”.

“The St. Anne Church restoration is done. Just waiting for the turn over date,” said Fr. Ranjo which delighted netizens which watched the new look of the old Piddig church located on top of a hill of the town center.

Recognized as one of the oldest churches in the province which forms part of the colorful history of the Piddig Basi Revolt in 1807, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) initially funded its restoration and rehabilitation worth PHP50 million.

The restoration works started on March 22, 2018.

Fr. Ranjo said it took about two years for restoration experts to study the structure and the materials used to determine the best way to approximate the original design and makeup of the church.

For Piddig residents, the upcoming re-opening of the church is an ‘answered prayer’ for them.

Piddig residents built the church for the Augustinian friars in 1810.

Piddig, 21 kilometers from this capital city, was a former “visita” [a community with a chapel] of neighboring Dingras town. In 1798, Piddig was established as a town.

Laoag City—New Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc vowed to further improve the provincial government’s scholarship programs.

Mr. Manotoc made the promise during the stipend distribution to more than 600 Sirib scholars at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on June 3, 2019.

Recipients include 239 Sirib community leaders scholars; 219 Sirib academic scholars; 154 Sirib young leaders scholars; and 31 technical-vocational (tech-voc) scholars.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating mga scholars para sa nilalaan ninyong community service sa mga programa ng ating probinsya. Kahit mga bata pa kayo ay malaki na ang inyong naitutulong sa kapwa dahil matibay ang inyong pagkakaisa,” Mr. Manotoc stressed.

Aside from maintaining a specific general weighted average, Sirib scholars exemplify youth involvement, as the provincial government requires the beneficiaries to serve 50 hours of community service per semester.

As new governor, Mr. Manotoc assured to not only continue these scholarship programs but also to look into possibilities of improving these to benefit more Ilocano youth:

“Ipagpapatuloy po natin angmga scholarship programs at sana ay ma-improve pa natin ang mga ito upang mas marami pang kabataang Ilocano ang ating matulungang makapagtapos sa pag-aaral,” he added.

Aside from academic scholarships, Mr. Manotoc also championed the Sirib athletic scholarship, which the provincial government specifically implemented to encourage and acknowledge the exemplary efforts of young athletes representing the province in regional and national sports events. (Edison Justin B. Deus)

THE city’s top taxpayers pose with former Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas after the awarding of top taxpayers of 2018 at the City Hall auditorium on June 20, 2019 as part of the 54^th Charter Day celebration. (Photo by Alwin Formantes)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—The city government, led by former Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas celebrated the city’s 54^th charter day in simple rites on June 19, 2019.

Mrs. Fariñas personally spearheaded the celebration with a thanksgiving mass at the St. William Cathedral followed by a medical mission and social services, seedling distribution and pig dispersal, and salary distribution for the 2019 Special Public Employment for Students (SPES).

In her speech, Mrs. Fariñas said that in its 54 years of existence of Laoag as a city, it deserves its rightful place and respect.

She also took the opportunity to thank all the people of Laoag who supported her family’s journey in serving the city.

“Ay-ayaten kayo amin and you will always occupy a big space in our hearts”, Mrs. Fariñas ended.

She also thanked the members of the media, all the city’s punong barangay, city hall employees and all the people who supported her and her late husband, former Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas’ administrations.

Prior to the celebration, the city government also conducted the blessing of the of the LCGH Oxygen Plant, and the DPWH-funded project and heavy equipment on June 18, 2019.

Top 30 taxpayers for 2018

The city government alsorecognized the30 top taxpayers of 2018 during an awarding ceremony held at the city auditorium on June 20, 2019.

They categorized the taxpayers into three: “National Owned Business Category”; “Local Owned Business Category”, and “Laoag City Public Market and Commercial Complex Category”.

Awardees for the National Owned Business Category are: St. William Drug Corporation; Hypermarket; Sanford Marketing Corporation; Globe Telecom Incorporated; Puregold Price Club Inc.; Jollibee Foods Corporation (Main); K Servico Trade Inc.; McDonalds (Cathedral), Golden Arches Development Corp.; and Pepsi Cola.

The Local Owned Business Category awardees are: Laoag Solid 8 Corporation; Laoag Generations Corporation; One-O-Five; The New Laoag Auto Supply; Mong Ding Construction Supply; Laoag Kambal Corporation; CF General Merchandise; Hi-Factor Iontech Digital Industries Corp.; CST Evermart and New North Coast Trading Corporation.

While the Laoag City Public Market and Commercial Complex awardees are: St. William Drug Corporation; Denise Nacnac General Merchandise, Rice and Grain Retailer; Rang-ay Bank; Charito Caday Meat Dealer; M2M Meat Dealer; Sumera Meat Shop; Raquino Dressed Chicken; Nemesia Baptista Meat Shop; Jen Marie Meat Shop and R. Corpuz Meat Dealer.

City treasurer officer-in-charge Diomedes Gayban said that the top taxpayers paid the highest business tax at the right time.

Mr. Gayban added that they gave the awardees a plaque of recognition during the awarding ceremony held at the Laoag City Auditorium on June 20, 2019.

Mrs. Fariñas lauded all the awardees for being a part of the city’s growing economy and for being prompt in paying and timely in the payment of their business taxes every year.

The former two-term mayor hopes that other businesses should follow the same so they can also avoid the penalties set by the city government.

Mixed emotions

Last year’s charter day celebration was with mixed emotions as the death of former Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas occurred prior to the celebration.

This year’s celebration was also with mixed emotions as Mrs. Fariñas lost in her reelection bid for her third and final term.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Laoag City--Outgoing Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas personally thanked the people of Laoag in her speech during the June 19, 2019 Charter Day celebration held in front of the City Hall for all the support they had extended to her and her family for almost a decade.

She likewise thanked her fellow city officials, all the city hall employees and the members of the media for also supporting her administration for six years as mayor as well as her late husband Michael V. Fariñas’ 9 years of administration as mayor. She stressed that her family is so grateful for their support.

On June 24, 2019, city government employees posed with Mrs. Fariñas after the flag-raising ceremony.

At the same day, outgoing Laoag councilors Shirley O. Sin, Dr. Edison Siazon, Pamela R. Salenda, Ferdinand Domingo and Laoag Vice Mayor Franklin Dante Respicio also gave their respective farewell speeches at the session hall during their last regular session.

Mrs. Sin served the city council for three terms or nine years; Dr. Siazon served one term; Mr. Domingo, two terms; and Ms. Salenda, one term.

Ms. Salenda returns to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Meanwhile, Mr. Respicio succeeded the late Laoag Vice Mayor Michael V. Fariñas, being the senior councilor. He served for more than one year as vice mayor.

In Batac City, outgoing Batac Mice mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta, who lost in his bid to reclaim the mayoralty seat, also thanked the people of Batac for their support to his public administration.

Mr. Nalupta considered all that happened in his life as “destiny” saying it was never his plan to become a public servant but it happened.

Mr. Nalupta entered public service in 2001 as private secretary until he became the Batac vice mayor and mayor.

Mr. Nalupta also thanked all the city councilors and all the people at the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by secretary Gladys Lagura whom he worked with in his three years of service as vice mayor.

Batac councilors Avelard Ibarra Crisostomo, Jeremiah Jawaharial Nalupta, Gwyneth Quidang, Atty Joel Garcia, Mary Colleen Columbia Cajigal, Dr. Medeldorf Gaoat and Elmer Pungtilan were also given the chance to say their farewells.

Messrs. Crisostomo, Pungtilan, Garcia and Gaoat and Ms. Cajigal completed their three terms as councilors; Mr. Gaoat was elected as Sangguniang Panlalawigan member for the second district of Ilocos Norte.

Mr. Nalupta, meanwhile ran as Batac vice mayor and lost.

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