The Ilocos Times

Batac City’s officials pose right after their oath taking ceremony held at ICC in Batac on June 26, 2019 administered by RTC Batac Branch 18 Felix Salvador. They are (from left) Batac councilors Giancarlo Angelo Crisostomo, Dr. Ramon Gaoat, Macarthur Aguinaldo, Kichel Jomarie Pungtilan, Vice Mayor Atty. Windell Chua, Mayor Albert D. Chua, councilors Violeta Nalupta, Bernardo Marders, Jaime Tanagon Sr. Christopher Lagmay and Lucky Rene Bunye. (Doms dela Cruz)

“Pabilgen Ni Bataqueno Para Iti Sapasap a Progreso”.

Reelected Batac Mayor Albert D. Chua said this in his inaugural address at the Imelda Cultural Center (ICC) on June 26, 2019 right after his oath of office administered by RTC Batac Branch 18 Judge Felix Salvador.

Mr. Chua said in his second term as mayor, he identified some of his priority projects and programs lined-up including the expansion of the city’s scholarship program; improvement of roads; peace and order, health and free fertilizers and hybrid seeds and other benefits.

Mr. Chua believes that the principle of participatory governance would establish a leadership that bridge the gap between the people and the government.

Hence, in his first three years of public service, he thanked all the Batacqueños’ support and cooperation believing that “every life that were touched, all roads that were transformed and every program that has succeeded was not all his effort but it was everybody’s collective effort”.

He said that in his next three years they will accomplish more that needs a forward-looking solution for challenges would come in the future.

“The city’s goal of empowering one another through effective governance and efficient delivery of public service must be fully implemented for a safer, more resilient and more progressive community,” the mayor stressed.

He also said there is a need to strengthen the city’s capability with regards to child development centers and for more learning facilities and supplemental feeding programs.

He added that the city government will also continue to improve the database in all the different department offices for a faster and more reliable information gathering.

The improvement of the city’s pubic market is continuous and they will sustain the city’s road widening and concreting projects in the barangays.

With the climate change and global warming issues, the city will also intensify the city’ environmental and waste management programs with the city-owned sanitary landfill will soon operate along with the materials recovery facility, Mr. Chua said.

The continuing influx of domestic and foreign tourists to Batac has also prompted official to develop more tourist destinations including the establishment of a “Jungle City” or “Pangasaan” at Brgy. Camandingan; improvement of the falls at Brgy. Maipalig; more recreational places; improvement of the city’s plaza and more open walkable spaces.

“Babaen iti pinagkikinnammayet, maipatungpal tayo amin dagitoy. Together we will soar high. Agkikibin tayo a manglukat iti ruangan iti panagdur-as iti ciudad tayo a Batac. Let us pledge to work together, empower each other and awaken the greatness inherent in every Bataqueño,” Mr. Chua concluded.

New Batac Vice Mayor Windell D. Chua and all the elected city councilors: Bismark Angelo Quidang, Dr. Ramon Gaoat, Giancarlo Angelo Crisostomo, Kitchel Jomarie Pungtilan, Macarthur Aguinaldo, Jaime Tanagon Sr., Bernardo Marders, Eugenia Violeta Nalupta, Christopher Lagmay and Lucky Rene Bunye also took their oath before Judge Salvador witnessed by their respective families.

The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Ilocos Norte held its first semester review and planning session on July 3-5 in Batac City.

Under the leadership of Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Vic M. Ines, the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Ilocos Norte held its first semester review and planning session (RPS) on July 3-5 in Batac City.

Mr. Ines said the RPS aims to identify the facilitating and hindering factors in the accomplishment of the targets of DAR Ilocos Norte.

“This serves as a venue to review the implementation of our programs and set direction for plan enhancement,” Mr. Ines added.

During the activity, the Department of Agrarian Reform Employees Association (DAREA) also sponsored an employees’ day.

As a way to thank their members, DAREA conducted games, entertainment and socialization activities. DAREA Ilocos Norte is headed by planning officer II Rommel R. Aquino.

Through the RPS, DAR Ilocos Norte renewed its commitment to serve the people, especially the beneficiaries of the agrarian reform program.

***

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

Batac City—As the number of victims rise, the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) has converted its covered court into a temporary dengue ward to keep up.

MMM&MC health education and promotion officer III Jhey-Ar Mangati made this announcement after the said hospital foresees additional increase of dengue cases in the coming weeks.

Per records, the Batac hospital admitted 204 cases from January to July 15, 2018; this year, admitted cases are at 355 in the same time period.

This is the reason, according to Mr. Mangati the hospital decided to use the covered court as temporary dengue ward.

He, however, clarified that as of press time, the hospital’s permanent dengue ward can still accommodate patients.

“Kas makita tayo awan pay pasyente idiay covered court ita nga agdama ngem naksaganan a mausar no umadu pay iti pasyente nga ma-admit,” Mr.Mangati noted

Of the hospital’s 355 dengue cases, those from this city has the biggest number with the others coming from different parts of the province. The hospital has discharged several patients but more patients are also coming in.

The hospital also reported that there are already two casualties.

Mr. Mangati said the hospital considers the two casualties and the number of cases as “alarming”

To correct this, he stressed that prevention should always be the first consideration.

To do this, he said all health officials should intensify the Dept. of Health dengue prevention campaign dubbed “4S Laban sa Dengue”—search and destroy; self-protection; seek for early consultation; and say no to indiscriminate fogging”.

He added that residents need to remove all stagnant waters in containers that are possible mosquito breeding areas.

“Ta narigrigat a tiliwen dagitay lamok a tumayaben ket as early as itlog da paylaeng, dapat maibelleng ken maawan dan,” Mr. Mangati said.

He also advised children to wear protective clothing, use mosquito nets at night and mosquito repellants.

He also asked parents to bring their children to a health facility if the child suffers fever for two days. He stressed that fever is one of the first symptoms of dengue.

He also cautioned against fumigation saying authorities should only do this in areas where an outbreak is declared.

As of press time, Mr. Mangati said that most of the dengue victims ranges from 6 to 15 years old, with the hospital admitting an average of 5 to 10 patients daily on suspected dengue cases.

Aside from designating a temporary dengue ward, the Batac hospital has also implemented emergency purchase of needed medical supplies and has requested the DOH for additional cot beds and privacy curtains.

The Provincial Health Office, meanwhile, will provide mosquito nets once the temporary dengue ward becomes operational.

Mr. Mangati added that the hospital is also open to donations from the public. He said this may be pillows, blankets, cot beds and other necessary items.

Earlier, the MMMH&MC put up a fast lane for dengue patients.

Meanwhile, Laoag City health officer Dr. Renato Mateo confirmed that the one casualty from MMMH-MC is from Laoag, particularly at Brgy. Cataban. He said the victim was six years old.

The Laoag City Health Office records show that as of July 18, 2019 there are 119 dengue victims in the city, including the one casualty reported by the MMMH&MC.

Mr. Mateo added that a CHO team discovered presence of dengue-carrying mosquito larvae at the residence of the victim, which made them decide to conduct fumigation operations in the area.

DPWH INED II district engineer Mathias L. Malenab along with assistant district engineer James P. Ferrer, the section chiefs of DPWH-INSDEO and project engineer Ryan Cloyd R. Bundoc lead the groundbreaking for a two-storey eco-friendly building and a DPWH 2019 Standard Designed Ilocos Norte Second District Engineering Office in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte located just in-front of the current INED II office building. The project has a total area of 1,090 square meters and has a first release contract amount of PHP35,986,319.19 under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) C.Y 2019. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) central office has allocated an estimated PHP900 million worth of infrastructure projects for the Ilocos Norte Engineering District II for this year 2019.

DPWH INED II district engineer Engr. Mathias L. Malenab said the amount covers 43 multi-million infrastructure projects for the province’s second district.

The allocation comes from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2019.

Mr. Malenab said that these projects consist of rehabilitation, improvement, construction of roads, bridges, flood controls, road widening and others.

The said amount includes the construction of a two-storey eco-friendly building and a DPWH 2019 Standard Designed Ilocos Norte Second District Engineering Office in San Nicolas located just in-front of the existing INED II office building.

The project has a total area of 1,090 square meters and has a first release contract amount of PHP35,986,319.19 under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) C.Y 2019. The second release is scheduled next year.

Mr. Malenab said they will still use the old building for quarters and office after they finish new building.

DPWH-INED II held the groundbreaking ceremony for the project earlier, spearheaded by Mr. Malenab, assistant district engineer James P. Ferrer, the section chiefs of DPWH-INSDEO and project engineer Ryan Cloyd R. Bundoc.

The event was also graced by the contractor of the project, Engineer Joseph A. Padayao of JLP Construction & Supply also attended the groundbreaking along with the employees of DPWH-INSDEO.

DPWH projects in Dingras

Dingras Vice Mayor Erdio Valenzuela, who was Dingras mayor at the time, thanked the DPWH for including their flood control projects in the allocated 2019 DPWH projects for Ilocos Note’s second district.

The Dingras flood control projects starts at Poblacion particularly along Brgys. Peralta, Puruganan, Madamba, Albano, Dancel, Guerrero, Medina and Parado including the Madongan area in Brgys. San Marcelino, Baresbes and Barong.

Mr. Valenzuela also announced they will also soon realize the long-proposed by-pass road for Dingras after the DPWH allocated an initial funding of PHP50 million for the project.

The 2-kilometer project traverses Brgys. Bungcag and Puruganan going straight to Brgy. Guerrero.

Mr. Valenzuela said the project aims to widen the población area and give more space and opportunities for business and commercial opportunities.

“Ta ngamin adu agngayangay nga umay ag-business ditoy Dingras ngem awanen iti pagyanan dan ditoy sentro gapu ta awanspace’n,” Mr. Valenzuela explained.

The project will also hasten traffic along Poblacion area and can also serve as another route to the towns of Solsona, Banna, Marcos and Nueva Era without passing through Dingras’ business district anymore.

Mr. Valenzuela also announced the approval of the PHP40 million tourism concreting road project leading to Madongan Dam from San Jose to Madongan.

The original proposed budget of said project was pegged at PHP80 million intended for the concreting of road and its facilities but so far only the approval was only for the road project.

OFC leaders and members from Ilocos Norte (blue shirt), Ilocos Sur (red shirt), La Union (pink shirt) and Pangasinan (yellow shirt) join in the celebration of 24^th Migrant Worker’s Day on June 7, 2019 at Fr. Burgos Gymnasium, Saint Louis College, San Fernando City, La Union. (OWWA)

San Fernando City, La Union—The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office I (OWWA RWOI) recently celebrated the 24^th Migrant Workers’ Day or Araw ng Pasasalamat on June 7, 2019 at Saint Louis College in this city.

More than 600 OFWs and dependents from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan participated in the event.

As one of OWWA’s institutional events and as a tribute to all the migrant workers, OWWA RWOI made sure that this year’s celebration will be successful with the theme, “Salamat sa tapang, sipag at pagmamahal mo, Kabayan”.

The activity started with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Fr. Romeo Aquino Jr., CICM held at the Transfiguration of our Lord Chapel (SLC Chapel) which was attended by OWWA staff and OFC leaders and members. An intensive Zumba followed next at the SLC Fr. Burgos Gymnasium joined by fitness enthusiasts to boost their energy and prepare themselves in the fun-filled activities at stake.

This time, OWWA RWOI conducted an Original Song Composition showcasing the talents of OFWs and/or their dependents in lyrical composition and musical arrangement. As a criterion, it should depict the lives of the OFWs, their sacrifices and success. The four provinces have an entry for this competition and resulted to astounding and meaningful presentations.

On the Spot Photography Contest was orchestrated by amateur photographers from each province and were given a specific time to take pictures based on the theme. All contenders were able to capture fun and heartfelt photos during the event.

In partnership with Dr. Evamarie D. Madayag and Philippine College of Occupational Medicine-La Union Chapter, free medical consultation, bone density screening, pulmonary function test and fasting blood sugar were also simultaneously offered to interested participants. Those who consulted and detected with high sugar level were given medical advice and proper dietary plan.

To keep up with the latest trend, OWWA RWOI also included “Viral Challenge”, specifically the “Dalagang Pilipina Video Challenge” wherein OWWA RWOI staff and netizens casted their votes through social media; “Switch It Up Dance Challenge” for ladies and gentlemen in their 50’s; and “Buwan Singing Challenge” for those who has high singing voice.

To raise the awareness level of the audience, a quiz bee was also played by 15 participants per province. The questionnaires were mostly culled from OWWA and its programs and services.

A classic “Hep Hep Hooray” and “Catch the Ball” filled the venue with fun, excitement and laughter.

On his message, OWWA RWOI OIC Director Gerardo Rimorin expressed his great pleasure to celebrate Migrant Worker’s Day, “angOWWA kabilang ang buong Kagawaran ng Departamento ng Paggawa, ay lubos na nagagalak na ipagdiwang ang araw na ito na puno ng pasasalamat, at pagbibigay kilala sa lahat ng migrante sa buong mundo.”

OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac also sent a message to give honor and tribute to the sacrifices of the Filipino Migrant Workers and emphasized, “saludo tayo sa kanilang sipag at tapang na harapin ang hamon ng pakikibaka bilang dayuhang manggagawa sa ibang bansa at iwan ang kanilangcomfort zone dahil sa pagmamahal sa kanilang pamilya.”

On behalf of DOLE RO1 Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra, Assistant Regional Director Honorina G. Baga delivered a sincere gratitude to everyone who joined in the celebration. She also gave her tribute to OFWs as well as to their families for having strong ties despite distance.

The Migrant Workers’ Day is an annual celebration every 7th day of June commemorating the signing of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995, which institutes policies of overseas employment and establish a higher standard of protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers and their families and overseas Filipinos in distress. (OWWA)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY— The Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) is warning clients with bank accounts at the state-run of a new online scam.

In a June 23, 2019 memorandum from police Colonel Marlou Roy Alzate, chief of the Regional Finance Service Office of the National Police Commission addressed to all concerned government agencies, he cautions LBP cardholders not to click the link of an alarming notice through email that the recipients Landbank account has been “Locked” and it needs to click a link and provide some personal information to access the account.

“The email or text could contain phishing software that may steal sensitive data on personal information such as banking and credit card details and online passwords,” Mr. Alzate said in his letter noting an urgent advisory from the government bank.

Landbank clients are reminded not to disclose sensitive information via email and should there be any concern regarding their accounts, clients are encouraged to go to the nearest LBP branch or direct it through their 24/7 customer care hotline at (02) 405-7000 or 1-800-10-405-7000 (PLDT domestic toll-free number) and customercare@mail.landbank.com.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—With thebarangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections set on May 11, 2020, the Sangguniang Panlungsod here is urging all first-time voters in the city to register at the local Commission on Elections office.

The council passed a resolution in pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10549 which declared the registration period from August 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019.

For the barangay elections, new voters should be at least eighteen (18) years old and have resided in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place wherein they will vote or at least six months of the preceding year.

On the other hand, any Filipino Citizen who is not yet a registered voter but will be turning 15 years old on May 11, 2019 and residing in the Barangay for at least six months on or before the election can now register for the purpose of SK elections.

SK voters should be at least 15 years old on the date of the elections until 30 years old.

Based on the said Comelec Resolution, the registration period starts on August 1 to September 30, 2019; from Mondays to Saturdays including holidays from 8 am to 5 pm at the Comelec Office or any satellite offices.

Laoag elections officer Atty. Julius Balbas thanked the city council for passing the resolution as it helps them disseminate the continuing registration.

Mr. Balbas said his office will be accepting all types of applications including applications for registration, transfer of registration record, change/correction of entries, reactivation of registration record, inclusion of registration record and reinstatement of name in the list of voters.

Express lane for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant applicants will also be provided for their convenience.

Mr. Balbas likewise appealed to barangay officials to remind their constituents regarding the continuing registration and to come early to avoid the influx during the deadline.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—A councilor from this city and two from Batac City are set to square off for the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Ilocos Norte Chapter presidency.

Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon officially announced Laoag councilor Handy T. Lao as his candidate in the PCL-Ilocos Norte chapter elections in September.

Mr. Keon strongly believes that Mr. Lao deserves the position based on his experiences in the city council.

Mr. Lao, meanwhile said he was surprised and did not expect Mr. Keon’s announcement.

He thanked the Laoag mayor though for his support and promised to do his best in case he gets the chance to lead the local PCL chapter

He added that leading the PCL in the province is one of his dreams as it would widen his horizon for he would then be serving the entire province and not just this city.

Mr. Lao also mentioned that should he win, he will further promote tourism, agriculture and sports as his flagship programs with the help and support of all the councilors in the province.

Set to challenge Mr. Lao are Batac councilors Bismark Quidang and Lucky Bunye.

Mr. Quidang, in an interview, confirmed his intentions to run for the top PCL-Ilocos Norte post but since he belongs to a political party, he believes that there might also be other councilors from other areas who also has the same intention and with the same party.

“Kas pinang respeto iti partido nga ayan ko ita numan pay adda talaga tay kalikagom tayo, kayat ko met a mangegan iti opinion dagitay party leaders tayo iti probinsiya no siasino met tay mapispisil da nga agbalin a president iti PCL,” he explained.

As of press time, Mr. Quidang said he has yet to officially confirm if he will run for the said post.

“Ta ur-urayek pay iti sarita dagitay party leaders mi no man pay free ak latta kuma ngem res-respetarek itipartido nga ayan ko itatta. Ket no anan to man iti agbalin a desisyon no addan to man ket respetarek to. Ngem no awan detay mai-endorsar, siguro ipursigik met iti kalikagum ko,” Mr. Quidang noted.

Likewise, Mr. Bunye also earlier announced his intention to run for the same position.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—On a bright sunny day, hundreds of Laoag City government employees wearing red shirts joined for the first time the Provincial Capitol flag raising ceremony, which is just a few meters away from the city hall.

Officials and employees of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the City Government of Laoag were seen together singing the national anthem as they vowed to work together as “one province”.

After decades of being ruled by the Marcos and Farinas families of the province, the new Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc and his uncle, Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon announced they will make sure to unify all programs and projects of the provincial and city governments to promote better collaboration to the best interest of Laoagueños.

The two families have been alternately allies and rivals since 1998 when the Marcoses returned to Ilocos Norte and reclaimed their old political turf after being politically dormant following the exile and death of the late former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos in Hawaii in 1989.

But during the May 13, 2019 elections, Mr. Keon ended the Fariñas family’s grip on their Laoag’s stronghold when two-term Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas lost her bid a third and final term.

“This is a symbolic and historic day for us as we look like the Philippine flag. As we all know, it’s been a long time since the city and the provincial government has been on the same page. With me and Tito Mike, expectations are very high and we hope to prove to you all that we can fulfill our promise as a united province no matter who hired you or where your loyalty belongs,” said Mr. Manotoc as he enjoined all government workers in the province to work hand in hand for a progressive ‘One-Ilocos Norte’.

Like the “Solid North” during the term of former President Marcos, the “One-Ilocos Norte” campaign of the Marcos children envisions to foster unity among all leaders in the province.

In his speech before Capitol and City Hall employees, as well as other government workers from the different national government line agencies who attended the flag raising ceremony, Mr. Keon said, “The city government will stand with you in implementing various plans and projects together.”

According to Mr. Keon, among the first collaborative projects that Laoag residents may expect is to address traffic woes in downtown Laoag.

As of the moment, Mr. Keon reported workers from the city and provincial government will sit down together to discuss possible measures to ease traffic congestion.

The pioneer batch of Ilocos Norte's first medical school incorporated the abel Iloko in their graduation gown signifying their commitment to becoming as Doctors for Ilocanos. (Photo courtesy of Jhey-ar Mangati)

BATAC CITY—Embracing their culture, the 14 pioneering members of the graduating class of the Mariano Marcos State University-College of Medicine (MMSU-COM) incorporated abel Iloko (traditional Ilocano textile) in their graduation gown.

The graduation of MMSU-COM’s pioneer batch was held last June 24, 2019 at Teatro Ilocandia here.

In an interview, Dr. Gretchen Ranada, associate professor of MMSU-COM and consultant of Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC), explained that the incorporation of the abel Iloko “represents the significant role of culture in health care.”

Known for its superior quality, the abel Iloko has been a part of the Ilocano’s life cycle covering one’s birth, adulthood up to death.

“We have always known the abel cloth to be intrinsic to Ilocano culture and Dr. Ricardo Guanzon, the dean of MMSU-COM, saw that it was fitting to incorporate this textile in celebration of this momentous event for the pioneering batch,” highlighted Dr. Ranada.

She further mentioned that the placing of the abel Iloko on the graduation gown signifies the commitment of the graduates to becoming as “Doctors for Ilocanos”.

“The medical students of MMSU are scholars of the state, hence, we have instilled to them the value of becoming Doctors for Ilocanos by training them to become subservient healthcare providers to the Ilocanos most specially the less fortunate and the needy,” upheld Dr. Ranada.

Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, Medical Center Chief of MMMH&MC, echoed during her inspirational message at MMSU-COM’s commencement exercises the importance of having more Doctors for Ilocanos.

“In the past years, we did not have enough doctors in MMMH&MC to cater to the growing number of patients, thus, we tried to invite resident doctors from big hospitals in Metro Manila to fill the gap but this was only a temporary solution to our problems back then,” Dr. Otayza lamented.

She, however, expressed gladness over how the partnership and efforts of various people and government agencies led by MMMH&MC and MMSU produced fruitful results leading to MMSU-COM’s establishment in 2015 and the graduation of its pioneer batch this year.

“Establishing MMSU-COM was our solution to the scarcity of doctors in Ilocos Norte and we wanted to have Ilocano doctors who shall commit to stay here in the province and we are assured that they have the energy, love, and compassion for their fellow Ilocanos,” emphasized Dr. Otayza.

Dr. Otayza further revealed that through the establishment of MMSU-COM, various doctors currently working in MMMH&MC expressed their intention to give-back to the community through teaching.

As MMMH&MC is now gearing up for its increase to 700-bed capacity, Dr. Otayza challenges the graduates of Ilocos Norte’s first medical school to “set high standards and refuse mediocrity in serving the people.”

The MMMH&MC also serves as a based hospital for internship and training site for the medical students of MMSU-COM. (John Michael Mugas)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Batac CITY—With the adverse impact of climate change in Ilocos Norte, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte in collaboration with various national government agencies and the extension directorate of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University continues to empower farmers and teach them practical ways to sustain crop productivity in climate vulnerable areas.

Through the establishment of Science and Technology Community-Based Farm (STCBF) on Climate Resilient Technologies, farmers groups are being trained at the MMSU-University Training Center to assist them how to improve their farming practices across the province.

Following a recent farmers training in Batac City and attended by some 40 farmers representing at least four Zanjera organizations in the towns of Solsona, Marcos, Vintar, and Piddig, MMSU President Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis urged farmers to adapt to the current challenges posed by climate change.

“You are the backbone of the economy. Without you, no one will feed the nation. I hope that you are ready to prevent if not mitigate the impact of climate change,” said Dr. Agrupis.

As of this posting, personnel of the MMSU extension directorate is popularizing the use of carrageenan plant growth regulator and seed inoculants to farmers.

A carrageenan plant growth regulator (CPGR) has recently been found to increase rice yield up at an average of 25-30 percent. Carrageenan is an indigestible polysaccharide (carbohydrate) from red seaweeds and was further degraded through modified irradiation technology that elucidates growth promotion in plants. Studies conducted in the different areas of the country show enhanced yield even at low concentrations, making it a very effective organic fertilizer.

According to farmers who tried the technology, it is a great help especially to those who have limited financial capability.

“Immadu ti apitko idi nagusarak iti organiko nga abuno ken ti panangyaplayko kadagiti nasursurok iti panagsanay. Sapay la koma ta saanda a maum-uma a mangtultulong kadakami,” a cooperator from Nueva Era said.

On the part of the provincial government, farmers associations in the province are also given agricultural products and equipment including seeds, tractors, water pumps, backpack sprayers to enhance their productivity.

Chino Aguinaldo, one of the recipients of water pumps and backpack sprayers in Pasuquin town thanked the provincial government for helping the farmers.

Moreover, local government units are also working on the development and improvement of agricultural infrastructure such as small farm reservoirs, small water impounding projects and diversion dams.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—Several employees of the Provincial Capitol building were alerted on the morning of August 5, 2019, following a bomb scare at the east wing of the Capitol compound.

At about 8:20 a.m., a maintenance staff noticed an unattended bag left near the Capitol 3-G generation park, which prompted guards on duty to call the police.

Capitol employees and other visitors however kept going about their work while a bomb squad with a sniffing dog cleared the area.

“We are thankful it’s negative,” said Michael Pe Benito, of the Provincial Resiliency Office under the provincial government of Ilocos Norte who saw the incident.

The police traced the bayong to be owned by travelers bound to Pangasinan as they left their belongings in the area while waiting for a ride.

It’s the latest false alarm in Laoag as residents were told to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information in social media platforms that may cause panic.

Also, on the same day, Major Ericson Bulosan of the North Luzon Command clarified an alert memo being circulated in the internet is for “internal consumption of Nolcom only” which is subjected for verification by the intelligence unit.

In the memo, intelligence units of Nolcom were ordered to “heighten intelligence monitoring” in their area of responsibility amid the reports about establishments and churches being targeted for a terrorist attack.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—The police here filed on murder charges against a janitor of Save More Market in this town, who is the prime suspect in the killing of 26-year-old Juvilyn Bardiaga from Santiago, Isabela, assistant store manager of the said establishment on July 15, 2019.

Police Major Paul Benedict Parado, San Nicolas police chief confirmed this on following the filing of charges against the suspect identified as John Mariel Dador aka “Tisoy” at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Based on the testimony of 16 witnesses including a CCTV footage taken at the victim’s apartment at Barangay 2, this town, the suspect was allegedly seen forcing his way through the apartment’s restroom window. The victim was found dead with a rice cooker cord in her neck in the morning of July 16, 2019.

Fellow workers of the victim also narrated that after the victim scolded Mr. Dador, he uttered threatening words against her.

As of press time, the San Nicolas police is still searching the whereabouts of the suspect as he has no known permanent address.

Mr. Parado likewise appealed to the public to coordinate with the police should they have any information about the suspect.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to have online presence to ensure sustained growth of their business as thousands of new users continue to go online each month, according to an internet marketing expert.

Denise Gamo-Halagueña, Google Philippines' head of ads marketing for large customers, said the online world is the new venue for small firms to drive business and revenue growth.

But it is not just a matter of staying online, but also about knowing your customers and how they act and behave digitally.

To effectively use the internet, businesses must make sure they are relevant. Being relevant, Ms. Halagueña said, means that they must be useful based on what the customer needs. This entails firms providing details that will lead to action, such as putting the address and business hours prominently, and including the telephone number of the physical shop online "so that people can just click on the button and call."

Ms. Halagueña suggested using Google My Business, a free business tool that small companies can use to have a business profile that shows up on both Google Search and Google Maps.

She also shared other interesting outcomes from researches and studies done by the company. One of these is that "intent"—"the deep-seated interest that people act on”—is now a better indicator of consumer behavior than "identity," as she pointed out that gender stereotypes are no longer effective in identifying buyers.

"If you just take a look at trends and behavior it already tells you a lot," she said.

Meanwhile, on Philippine online users specifically, Ms. Halagueña noted company data showing how in the past five years Filipino internet users have more than doubled. Of the 106 million Filipinos, 76 million are now online, with 83% going online via their mobile phones.

Further data indicate that the connected Filipino spends more than 10 hours online, and not just to do social messaging. The executive noted how 58% of the 10 hours spent online is done outside social messaging and involves activities ranging from doing job, education and product searches to video watching and staying connected with family and friends.

On another study tracking the path to purchase of Filipinos, Ms. Halagueña said 74% of online Pinoys do a search prior to purchase, 57% of them conducting the search on a smartphone, and making about six searches on average before actually making a decision or action.

Finally, Filipinos are "in the moment," said Ms. Halagueña, with 92% searching online "on the day of" itself, especially when it comes to dining, accommodations, local attractions and shops, with 62% doing a search even at the point of sale when just about to pay.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Batac City—After ordering former Dingras Mayor Marynette Gamboa’s arrest, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 17 Presiding Judge Felix C. Salvador has also handed down another order for the immediate release of Mrs. Gamboa on July 23, 2019.

The release order stemmed from a pending appeal at the Office of the President.

The former Dingras mayor appealed the Ilocos Norte provincial prosecutor’s finding of probable cause against her as a co-conspirator in the killing of the late Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative board president Lorenzo Ruiz on September 4, 2009.

Judge Salvador immediately ordered the former mayor’s release on July 23, 2019 pending the appeal.

The order further states that proceedings against the accused in this case should be suspended until her appeal in the said office is finally resolved with finality.

With the new court order, the warrant of arrest issued against the former mayor was effectively set aside.

The court order was served on July 24, 2019, after which Mrs. Gamboa was released.

BJMP Batac J/Sr. Insp. Antonio Sapaden confirmed the release of Mrs. Gamboa based on the release order issued by Judge Salvador.

Mr. Sapaden in an interview said the BJMP “never gave any VIP nor special treatment to the former mayor”.

“Ditoy BJMP ket awan tay VIP wennu special treatment a makunkuna ket tunggalPDL [person deprived of liberty] ket agpapada iti treatment a maipapaay kadakuada,” Mr. Sapaden said.

Mr. Sapaden is also hoping that the former mayor would find a solution for the jail’s long-time problem of lack of water supply as she promised to help once she is released.

Earlier, the police arrested former Dingras Mayor Marynette Romero Gamboa, 55, is now at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in this city to face multiple charges filed against her related to the 2009 killing of a former Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative board president.

Ms. Gamboa was on a hospital arrest for more than a week after her blood pressure shot up in a court trial before the sala of RTC Branch 17 Judge Felix Salvador in this city.

In a radio interview, J/Sr. Insp. Antonio Sapaden Jr., Batac BJMP jail warden confirmed that Ms. Gamboa is under their custody and there is no special treatment accorded to the former town mayor.

Earlier, Judge Salvador ordered Gamboa’s attending physician, Dr. Quintin Cocson Jr. to discharge the patient from the hospital and turn her over to the BJMP here.

“The sickness for which the accused was diagnosed does not require prolonged confinement. Many people have been found out to be suffering from such ailment and they do not stay long in any hospital. Besides, the accused has stayed in the hospital long enough for any medication adjustment,” said the July 10, 2019 order signed by the presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 17.

The Eastwood police station and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of the Police Regional Office 1 arrested Ms. Gamboa at a condominium in Quezon City by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Salvador for allegedly masterminding the botched ambush of current Dingras Mayor Joefrey Saguid and the killing of INEC board president Lorenzo Rey Ruiz in 2009. (with a report from Leilanie G. Adriano)

101. Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon hands over checks worth PHP100,000 each to centenarian awardees Encarnacion Basilio-Quitola, 101 years old of Barangay 1; and Remedios Pastor-Ramos, also 101 of Barangay 54-A, both in Laoag City. Mr. Keon handed over the check from DSWD on July 8, 2019 at the Laoag City Hall. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—The city government here honored two centenarians with plaques of recognition and PHP100,000 in check.

New Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon personally handed the checks to the two centenarians on July 8, 2019 at the Laoag City Hall.

The first centenarian awardee is Encarnacion Basilio-Quitola, 101 years old and the wife of the late Domingo Quitola.

Mrs. Quitola in her early years was a laundrywoman and her late husband was a farmer.

The Quitola couple, who hails from Barangay 1, this city was blessed with eight children, 51 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

According to Mrs. Quitola, she loved her family very well as “her children, grandchildren and great children are the love of her life”.

She said her secret of reaching this age is eating vegetables and having her big family care for her.

The second centenarian awardee hails from Barangay 54-A, this city, Remedios Pastor-Ramos who is also 101 years-old.

Mrs. Ramos and her late husband were blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Ramos believes that she already accomplished a lot upon reaching this age.

Her secret to a long and happy life according to her is keeping a positive outlook of life and keeping herself busy doing by something worthy.

According to her, she does not eat sugar and bagoong. Instead, she eats more vegetable than meat.

The mayor, for his part, congratulated the two centenarians.

The PHP100,000.00 check handed to them came from the national government through the DSWD.

Record shows that aside from the PHP100,000.00 given by the DSWD, the city government will also give the same amount thru a city ordinance authored by former city councilor Atty. Franklin Dante A. Respicio.

The ordinance originally called for PHP20,000 cash incentives from the city government; the late Laoag Vice Mayor Michael V. Fariñas, however, suggested to raise the amount to PHP100,00o, which the council unanimously approved.

The said city ordinance was originally based on Republic Act No. 10868, which was enacted into law in order to honor and grant additional benefits and privileges to Filipino Centenarians.

The law also mandates all local government units to award a plaque of recognition and cash incentive to each centenarian as an epitome of an individual with a healthy lifestyle, not to mention their contribution in the preservation of culture and traditions.

Said ordinance further states that all Laoagueños, who reached the age of 100 years old whether residing in the Philippines or abroad shall be honored with a plaque of recognition from the city mayor and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for his/her longevity and a cash incentive in the amount of P100,000.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte continues to attract more tourists each year. This time, tourism officials are grooming the province as a destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE).

Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Martin Valera in an interview that there is an increasing demand for conferences in recent years and Ilocos Norte along with other neighboring provinces in the region has a great potential for this specialized segment of the tourism market.

“Various regions are becoming competitive and each province has their own convention. For Ilocos, it offers huge potential because of good infrastructure and support facilities so we are good for regional and national conventions,” said Mr. Valera as he underscored there is a need to perfect the hosting of visitors for the first time to have repeat visitors.

To date, the Northern Luzon Convention and Visitors Bureau is taking the lead to promote meetings in the north while local government units are also investing in convention facilities such as the Vigan Convention Center in Ilocos Sur and the Fort Ilocandia and Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center in Ilocos Norte.

At the forum attended by around 50 participants from DOT-accredited accommodation establishments in the region as well as local government units at the Java Hotel, this city, Mr. Valera hopes the first of a kind MICE forum in the region will inspire tourism stakeholders on the potential of MICE industry and share strategies to make Ilocos region a MICE destination.

According to Charisse Marie Fajardo Lacson, convention services officer of the Tourism Promotions Board and one of the speakers at the forum said hotels need to improve its marketing and promotions to the global market in order to sell the country as a MICE destination.

“Let us assess our resources for MICE and work towards meeting venue standards for the ASEAN market,” said Ms. Lacson as she presented the country’s MICE Roadmap 2030.

Among the key strategies is to provide enabling policies and institutional support, accelerate infrastructure improvements, develop a highly competitive human resource and strengthen research and development.

According to the AMR International’s Globex 2017 Report, the Philippines is the fastest-growing trade fair market in Asia in 2016, where space sold jumped by 9.6 percent and a MICE delegate spends nearly six times more than what an average leisure tourist spends.

For now, Manila, Cebu and Davao are identified as key MICE destinations in the country.

Ilocos Norte, on the other hand is also on the process of updating its Metro Ilocos Development Plan as it is expected to have its share in the MICE industry in the future.

Ilocos Norte officials led by Governor Matthew M. Manotoc offers a prayer to victims of the Batanes quake. (Alaric Yanos)

Laoag City--The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the initiative of Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc donated PHP500,000 as cash assistance to provide relief to almost 3,000 victims of twin earthquakes in Batanes.

The two devastating earthquakes hit the Itbayat Island of Batanes on July 27, 2019, recording magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9, respectively. The earthquakes left more than nine hundred families affected, eight people dead, one person missing, and serious damages to ancestral houses, health facilities, and schools, among others.

During the flag raising ceremony on July 29, 2019, Mr. Manotoc mentioned that the Governors League will deploy aircraft carrying relief goods for Batanes.

“The Governors League has been coordinating over the weekend and we will be arranging aircraft that will take off from Laoag International Airport to provide assistance in Batanes, since it is the closest airport.”

Moreover, he is hopeful for the quick recovery of the quake victims, saying, “We sympathize and pray for them [Ivatans] and remember that they are part of ‘Solid North’ and that ‘Solid North’ is alive and well.” (Blessing Angel Agliam)

Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta–Marcos

Laoag City—Hopeful to continue the initiatives of her late husband, former Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Mariano “Nonong” V. Marcos II, new Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta–Marcos sees the importance of continuing the advocacy of preserving and protecting the environment through the anti-plastic ordinance.

The late Mr. Marcos served as chairperson of the Committee on Environment from 2016-2019. He sponsored Provincial Ordinance No. 056-2007, also known as the Enactment of Ilocos Norte Environmental Code of 2007 which aims to provide framework of norms, standards, and requirements in the restoration and sustainability of nature in the province.

“I am very passionate about the ordinance since my husband is the one who sponsored Ilocos Norte’s environment code and right now we talk about the issue about single-use plastic and how to penalize violators,” Mrs. Marcos said.

According to her, the provincial board is currently “researching” ways to transform the single-use plastics into useful tools before the ordinance’s full implementation.

Moreover, she commended the “Basura Exchange School Tiangge” Program of Burgos Central Elementary School, an initiative encouraging students to collect garbage such as chip packets, plastic cups and bottles, and Styrofoam packages in exchange of school supplies or grocery items. Collected plastic wastes are molded to make eco-bricks.

“I heard about the program and it is parallel to my advocacy— for the local government units to incentivize individuals who collect garbage. If there is no incentive, they will not be motivated to do anything about the plastic [wastes],” she expressed.

As stewards of the environment, Mrs. Marcos urges the whole Ilocano community to support the efforts of the Provincial Government and work hand in hand in combating the environmental problems, specifically the mismanagement of single-use plastics. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)

A health worker checks on a child. (Alaric Yanos)

Laoag City—Alarmed by the increase of dengue-related deaths throughout the country, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) distributed Dengue NS1Ag, an early dengue diagnostic predictor; larvicides; and insecticides, as preventive measure for possible outbreak, to different rural health units and district hospitals in the province.

This is in response to the “National Health Emergency” declaration of the Department of Health (DOH) on July 20, 2019 following the deaths of at least 491 people due to the mosquito-borne disease.

On July 15, 2019, the DOH said the Ilocos Region is among those they are closely monitoring for exceeding the dengue alert threshold.

As of July 3, 2019, there are 353 cases reported in Ilocos Norte, alone—an 18.9% increase compared to last year’s record. DOH clarified that the alleged outbreak in the Ilocos province were confined to specific barangays only and not the whole province.

Most of the cases came from Laoag City (94), Badoc (43), Batac City (29), Pagudpud (21), and Dingras (20).

According to Dr. Josephine Ruedas, PHO officer-in-charge, there are still patients confined at the Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (7), Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos District Hospital (2), Dingras District Hospital (4), Bangui District Hospital (4).

Moreover, PHO organized a meeting with the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) attended by Rural Health Sanitary Inspectors, Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit staff and Provincial DOH Office staff.

Dr. Rosario Pamintuan, RESU Head, emphasized on the importance of “information dissemination and surveillance” to combat dengue.

As part of its information dissemination campaign, the DOH stresses on its 4-S strategy: “Search and destroy” mosquito-breeding sites, employ “Self-protection measures”), “Seek early consultation”, and “Support fogging/spraying” only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

PHO also lent fogging machines to various cities and municipalities, further strengthening the province’s preventive measures against dengue outbreak. (Edison Justin B. Deus)

Progress continues in Batac

DAR Ilocos Norte holds RPS

MMMH turns covered court to dengue ward

DPWH allocates P900M projects for INED-II

OWWA RWOI celebrates the 24th Migrant Workers’ Day

Landbank warns clients on new email, text scam

Comelec urges first-time Laoag City voters to register

3 eye PCL-Ilocos Norte presidency

Synergy between Ilocos Norte, Laoag City gov’ts to benefit residents

Ilocos Norte’s 1st med school grads wear abel Iloko gowns

Ilocos Norte farmers learn adaptation strategies vs climate change

Bayong creates bomb scare at Ilocos Norte Capitol building

Police files murder raps vs alleged San Nicolas store manager’s killer

Digital economy driving growth, revenue of small businesses, says exec

Batac court orders former Dingras mayor’s release

Laoag City honors 2 centenarians

Ilocos Norte eyes share as MICE destination

PGIN sends 500K cash assistance for Batanes quake victims

Environmental protection tops new Ilocos Norte vice governor’s priorities

Ilocos Norte gov’t steps up drive vs dengue