The Ilocos Times

One-centavo price ceiling on SMS proposed

Sen. Imee R. Marcos

Manila—One peso is way too much to pay for every text message you send.

Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos has filed Senate Resolution No. 6 strongly urging the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to immediately reduce and set a strict one-centavo price ceiling on the “exorbitant” cost of text messages.

“We must balance the business interests of our telco providers and make sure that they abide by the global trend toward cheaper and faster services to the public,” Ms. Marcos said.

Although the recent entry of a third telecommunications provider Dito Telecommunity is likely to lower customer fees charged by industry rivals Smart and Globe, Ms. Marcos said that the public should already enjoy lower charges, particularly on the short message service (SMS) or text messages.

"Even if text messages cost only one centavo each, the three telco providers would still be able to profit from that," Ms. Marcos explained.

Text messaging services are "a practically costless forwarding service" that piggybacks on a readily available signal, she noted.

The so-called 'handshake' or persistent communication between a cellular communications tower and a handset allows the delivery of text messages, which are small and simple relative to more data-intensive internet-based communications.

"The overhead cost of forwarding text messages is far less than real-time mobile data transfer," Ms. Marcos added.

Despite the billions in profit raked in by telco providers from text messaging, internet speed available to Filipinos lags behind that in other Southeast Asian countries.

Lower SMS fees will reduce the cost of doing business, particularly among small-scale entrepreneurs, who frequently communicate with their customers through text messages.

The flow of information and knowledge-sharing among lower-income users will also be encouraged.

"Cheaper text messages and a strict price ceiling are long overdue," Ms. Marcos concluded.

Newly installed Batac chief of police P/Lt. Col Michael Rae Arcustano (left) pays a courtesy call at the Sangguniang Panlungsod during their regular session while discussing some of his plans and programs for the city. Batac councilor Bismark Quidang (right) asks some questions while other Batac councilors and Batac Vice Mayor Windell Chua listen to the discussion. Mr. Arcustano started his term in July 1 2019. He was previously assigned at the Highway Patrol Group Assistant Regional Chief in Region IV prior to his new assignment here. (Doms dela Cruz )

As the country gears for a possible shift to a federal form of government, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. underscored the important role that media has to play in ensuring that Filipinos make an informed choice on the issue.

Mr. Pimentel, a member of the consultative committee tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to propose changes to the 1987 Constitution, acknowledged that many Filipinos still do not understand the concept of federalism.

Nene Pimentel

“This is why we need the media to play its role of educating our people. We need a free media to ensure that the dissemination of information is not controlled,” he said in his keynote speech during the 23rd National Press Forum of the Philippine Press Institute at Hotel Jen in Manila.

Former Commission on Elections chairman and 1986 Constitutional Convention member Christian Monsod agreed: “Media has a big role to play, especially in education campaign and in providing the people with real news, not fake news.”

Mr. Monsod said a free and vibrant press is crucial in ensuring that developments in the political scene translate into tangible benefits for all Filipinos.

“The biggest divide in our country is not culture or identity or territory but the divide between the rich and the poor...How can we best fulfill the promise of a new social order that serves the interests of the poor, who are supposed to be the center of our development?”

Christian Monsod

Mr. Monsod was cautious, though, of the proposed federal form of government, adding that in this part of the world, unitary systems such as Japan, South Korea, China and Indonesia) have proven to be successful models.

“Federalism is a risky, intricate political experiment that is vulnerable to unintended consequences,” he said.

Mr. Pimentel, however, maintained that a federal system under a presidential form of government was meant to “advance the welfare of the people, speed up their development. and hopefully dissipate the causes of rebellion in this country.”

In the same vein, but more on the political and economic aspects, Noel de Luna, founder and chairman of Kusog Bicolandia, an agenda-based regional political party that is aimed to focus more on local or domestic interests, “resolved to serve the common interest of fellow Bicolanos by endeavoring, first of all, to be both self-reliant and dynamic."

"Can we be an autonomous state? Can we be part of a progressive unified group of islands called the Philippine archipelago under a Federalist state?", he addressed the PPI members during the fellowship dinner.

Erwin Caliba, chief of the Legal, Legislative and Linkages of the Policy Advisory Office of the Commission of Human Rights, said the quest for autonomy is also a “mechanism to address exclusion and enhance the participation of minorities.”

Cheryl Daytec-Yangot, former Justice assistant secretary and a lecturer on issues concerning Indigenous Peoples, said all stakeholders, including the media, should move to empower minorities whose voices are drowned out in the mainstream national discourse.

“Although I am not really convinced that federalism is the cure, for our indigenous peoples in the country, it may work,” she said.

Gotz Heinicke, resident representative of PPI partner Hanns Seidel Foundation, underscored how the lack of free speech and assembly is “the greatest menace to freedom” today.

“Public discussion is a political duty...such openness results in better governance and better communities,” he said.

PPI’s New Board of Trustees headed by Manila Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo (6th from left).

Manila Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo was elected as the new chairman and president of the Philippine Press Institute.

Mr. Estabillo took the helm from former Ang Pilipino Star Ngayon editor-in-chief Al Pedroche, who described the PPI as the "most untainted media organization" in its 55 years of existence.

Mr. Estabillo, who was elected unanimously by representatives of print publications from Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon, and Metro Manila, thanked the members for their trust and confidence in his leadership.

Former corporate secretary Amelia Cabusao (Mindanao Times) was elected vice president, while Joenald Rayos (Pahayagang Balikas) was reelected treasurer and Dexter See (Herald Express) was elected as corporate secretary.

Reelected as regional trustees were Messrs. Rayos and See for Luzon; former PPI Vice President Alex Rey Pal (The Dumaguete Metropost), and Dalmacio Grafil (Leyte Samar Daily Express) for Visayas; Cabusao and Adrian Michael Amatong (The Mindanao Observer) for Mindanao.

Pedroche, during the annual membership meeting of the national organization of newspapers at Hotel Jen in Pasay on July 4, 2019 commended the secretariat of PPI, led by Executive Director Ariel Sebellino.

He likewise thanked PPI's partners, especially Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), for continuously supporting responsible journalism, especially the community press.

In his report presented to PPI members, Mr. Sebellino said the organization has consistently pushed for its advocacy to fight disinformation through its scholastic outreach program. It likewise organized three workshops on federalism with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.

On the following day, July 5, PPI hosted a National Press Forum with the theme " Governance, Democracy, Media: Building Better Communities.” Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. served as keynote speaker.

PPI capped its 23rd National Press Forum with the 2018 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards.

Vintar Vice Mayor Victor Amado Rasimo and other members of the Sangguniang Bayan discuss amendments to their internal rules of procedures for better work input as the new set of councilors begin their terms. (Doms dela Cruz)

Exporters who do not have online presence have expressed plans to do so, with the overwhelming majority of firms calling for faster internet service and lower shipping costs to improve competitiveness, according to the results of a recent survey.

The survey was conducted during the General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) attended by around 200 members to find out the state of Philippine e-commerce, as domestic and cross-border e-commerce surges worldwide and is set to become the future of business and trade.

Of the 83 respondents, 42 are engaged in e-commerce, 37 or 88% said they intend to continue, while 29, or 71%, of the 41 non-practitioners said they have plans of starting, said the report.

Among those who are into e-commerce, 22 cater exclusively to the domestic market, 10 are exclusively cross-border sellers, and six do both markets.

Social media is the most utilized tool in online selling, used by 30% of the surveyed, followed by online marketplaces Shopee and Lazada for domestic e-commerce, and Amazon and Alibaba for cross-border e-commerce.

There are also other e-marketplace platforms that respondents use, most notably BeautyMNL, Adobomall, and the companies’ own websites.

For both practicing and aspiring online merchants, the biggest challenge is internet connectivity, followed by seller protection, and electronic payment system/facility. Other issues on the list are logistics, government policies, cybersecurity, data privacy, and intellectual property rights.

For e-commerce practitioners in particular, seller protection is the biggest concern, indicating that the security of their online transactions is of paramount importance.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity garnered the lowest rating in terms of efficiency of vital components in Philippine e-commerce.

On recommendations to improve Philippine e-commerce, the biggest call is for faster and more reliable internet service.

“E-commerce relies on internet connection, hoping that the gov't can do something for a cheaper and faster connection,” said one commenter.

Several other recommendations are variations of this theme, ranging from “give more access [to] internet” and “more sufficient net reliability and friendly user system” to “improve internet connectivity, logistics cost” and “a fast internet connection nationwide.”

Other suggestions include internet in public areas; enhance ISPs or internet service providers; policies on regulations/security; business-friendly policies; internet connection should be shouldered by the government; simplify permits and clearances; better IRR for cybersecurity; implement regulations; improve, expedite infra project to ease up congestion in the metro; third telco should be utilized ASAP; more teeth to existing laws; minimize red tape transactions in gov't agencies; and better logistics environment.

Majority of the 83 respondents belong to the associate, housewares, chemicals, and holiday decor industries of PHILEXPORT.

E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet and the transfer of money and data to execute these transactions. E-commerce is often used to refer to the sale of physical products online, but it can also be used to describe any kind of commercial transaction conducted through the internet. (PhilExport news)

BJMP Batac District Jail persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) prepare the fruiting bags as one of the steps for oyster mushroom production. MMSU personnel conducted a two-days skills training on oyster mushroom production at BJMP Batac from July 23 to 24, 2019. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Batac City—The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Batac District Jail and the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) are teaming up to begin oyster mushroom production.

As a preparation, MMSU personnel conducted a two-day skills training on oyster mushroom production from July 23-24, 2019.

MMSU director for extension Dr. Aris Reynold V. Cajigal said this program is no longer new to the BJMP considering that they have launched the same for the past year and was successful.

As a result, J/Sr. Insp. Antonio Sapaden has again requested MMSU for assistance for the said project.

“Ta ngamin dagidi immunan a nag training ket nakarwar dan ket very productive itimushroom production da ditoy BJMP ta addan mushroom house dan ditoy uneg iti facility,” Mr. Cajigal explained.

Mr. Cajigal added that the venue and logistics will come from BJMP while MMSU will provide the technical assistance and trainings.

The Ilocos Times learned the BJMP first screened persons derived of liberty (PDL) to participate in the training. Jail officials stressed that they chose only those who were interested and was committed for the project.

Mr. Cajigal, meanwhile, said MMSU chose BJMP to help rehabilitate PDLs in terms of their future social reintegration.

“Isunga daytoy skills nga isursuro mi kanyada ket namnamaen mi nga intono rumwar da ket itultuloy dan to ta adda ngamin promising potentials iti oyster mushroom productions,” Mr. Cajigal noted.

This cultured mushroom has an existing retail price of PHP200 per kilo at the market. The said mushroom is a good source of nutrients.

Bolinao chicken project

Meanwhile, MMSU section chief Bella C. Gervacio also announced that they have also chosen BJMP-Batac as their first pilot area for the Bolinao chicken project in the province.

Ms. Gervacio said this is a joint project between MMSU, Ilocos Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILARRDEC) and the Dept. of Science and Technology exclusively for Region I.

She explained that Bolinao chicken is one type of a native chicken which is predominant in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

She said that the project aims to improve the breed of the Bolinao chicken, “tapnu saan nga aglalaok ta ngamin adu a klase iti native chicken ditoy Pilipinas”.

According to Ms. Gervacio, they chose BJMP to be the first beneficiary of this project because they saw the receptivity of the institution because of the existing tie up project on the oyster mushroom production; enough space for the project; enough surplus foods or remnants aside from the feeds which is only an augmentation; and most of all they are very willing to cooperate for the project.

The agencies involved will provide the poultry house worth PHP100,000. After building the poultry house, they will give five chicken families wherein one family consists of five hens and one rooster. They will also provide incubators for raising eggs.

“No didiay structure bagi dan ton ngem dagitay manok saan ta sukatan da. Masapul nga addasustainability of the project tapnun adda met maipasublat iti sabali ta ditoy to iti agbalin nga breeding house a mabalin to payen a paggapwan iti mailaku a piyek kadagiti interested buyers tayo,” Ms. Gervacio explained.

“We are trying to market the Bolinao chicken nga isu kuma iti mang dominate kadagidiay aglalaok nga breed iti manok tayo,” she added.

Reacting to this, Mr. Sapaden thanked MMSU and the other agencies for their trust in giving skills training to the PDLs.

“Ta mamati ak nga dakkel to a makatulong dagitoy nga skills training kanyada intono makarwar da ta sindadaan to latta dagiti trainers a mantulong wennu mang assist kanyada uray adda dan ton iti ruwar,” Mr. Sapaden emphasized.

Commitments tested at best

Feeling unattended, alone

Away to places unknown

Missing, anxious, bereft

A never-ending roller coaster

Old visions and dreams fading

Becoming more aware

Her spiritual being, emotional space

Looking for revelation, stability

Mélange of emotions, rushing in

Steady now, she reminded herself

On the beach hot sands

She took long strides

A mild anesthetic, dulled her pain

She made effort, found balance

Harmony within, her middle ground

Explored the endless corridors

Of her mind, searched for answers

Trusted waves of energies

That led her back to her heart

The seed she planted inside

Her eternal spark of self-love

Gave her absolute reward of tranquility

Her moods turned into different colors

She felt her own power

Evaluated the elements

That brought her fulfillment

She stepped into a new avenue

Reached the root of who she was

Allowed herself into freshness

Understood her power

She told herself, I can heal me

Only me, can feel me.

Cynthia Fonacier Capunitan

Los Angeles, California

Laoag City—Reinforcing the Provincial Government’s initiative for inclusive growth, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc promised to provide adequate assistance to local government units (LGUs) in the province during a series of consultative meetings on July 31, 2019 at the municipalities of Adams, Pagudpud, and Dumalneg.

On his statement, Mr. Manotoc assured the participants of his full support to aid problems and concerns of every municipality down to the grassroots:

“Una sa lahat, taos-puso ang aking pasasalamat sa inyong suporta noong nakaraang eleksiyon. Kaya po ako nandito ngayon upang ako naman ang makinig sa inyo. Gagawin po namin sa provincial government ang aming makakaya upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng inyong komunidad, sa tulong ng LGU,” he stated.

The meeting was attended and participated by municipal and barangay officials, headed by the mayors and barangay chairpersons, department heads, representatives from government and non-government organizations, and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Pagudpud Mayor Rafael Benemerito is thankful for the governor’s efforts in personally reaching out to every LGU in the province, saying, “Sobra kaming nagpapasalamat kayGovernor Manotoc dahil siya mismo ang bumisita upang marinig at bigyang-pansin ang ating mga problema at pangangailangan dito sa bayan ngPagudpud. Sana ay hindi ito ang una at huling pagkakataon na makaharap namin siya.”

Similar problems raised by concerned groups from the three municipalities are issues on farming; improvement of farm-to-market roads; construction of barangay halls and day care centers; and request for provision of learning materials and facilities to schools, among others. (Stewart C. Ocampo)

Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija—Farmers here have started to engage in special rice agripreneurship addressing the demand of province’s rice cake vendors and in Tarlac.

In a ceremonial activity in Brgy. Mayamot, farmer-members of PhilRice’s Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) Community Program planted special rice in a demo farm managed by the Ugat-Uhay Farmers Association (UUFA), June 21. The varieties included NSIC Rc 15 (Malagkit 2), 21 (Malagkit 5), and 402 (Tubigan 36), 428 (Sahod Ulan 19), and 430 (Sahod Ulan 20).

Joel Pascual, PhilRice community development facilitator, said the association selected special rice because rice cake vendors place a premium on this type of rice. Demand on rice flour from special rice were also raised.

With 40 farmer-participants, the program involves season-long capacity enhancement on agripreneurship and Farmer Business School to help them increase their income from rice farming.

To sustain the enterprise, farmers were encouraged to maintain their organization rallying the “Basta toGather, winner!” slogan.

According to Pascual, the slogan embeds the benefits of gathering or consolidating farmers’ palay for better prices and negotiating power.

He explained that farmers can benefit from economies of scale that lowers the cost per unit when palay is sold in bulk; which makes palay selling more attractive to bigger buyers such as consolidators and millers.

“When realized, this model will pull the farmers out of being trapped in the non-lucrative small scale palay production. Aside from palay trading, organized farmers can also try other enterprises such as labor and machine contracting, input selling, seed production, rice milling, wholesaling, and retailing,” he said.

Since wet season last year, UUFA had established demo farms in partnership with PhilRice to test and exhibit technologies including rice varieties and machines such as mechanical transplanter and drumseeder.

UUFA’s neighboring RiceBIS partner-cooperative, Pinagbuklod na Adhika Agricultural Cooperative (PAAC), already handles multiple enterprises including inputs selling (palay and fertilizers), custom service facilities provision, and processed rice products selling such as rice and mungbean brew, brown rice, and milled rice.

Formed in September 2017, UUFA is preparing to establish themselves as competitive players in the market through the RiceBIS program. Agencies in Region III such as Agricultural Training Institute, Regional Field Office of Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, local government of Zaragoza, Central Luzon State University, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, and Philippine Carabao Center also work with UUFA and PAAC. (PhilRice news)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Batac City—Due to public demand, the Sangguniang Panlungsod here passed a resolution requesting Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) through the President Shirley Agrupis to offer maritime/seaman and criminology courses.

Batac Sangguniang Kabataan federated president and council ex-officio member John Gabrielle Dominique M. Daguio and Batac councilor Bismark Angelo Quidang sponsored the said measure, with all who voted in favor it becoming co-sponsors.

Upon the motion of Mr. Daguio, all members present during the session approved the measure on its second and final reading.

According to Mr. Quidang, only private higher academic institutions offer said courses in the entire province of Ilocos Norte.

He added that with state universities now offering free tuition fee and if MMSU and other education officials grant these, “dagitay arapaap dagitay kalugaran tayo a kayat da met iti ag seamanken kayat da met iti rumang-ay iti panagbiag da al-alisto laeng nga magun-od da,” Mr.Quidang noted.

However, Mr. Quidang sees some hindrances for MMSU as its thrust in their charter say they should prioritize science and agriculture.

But with MMSU now offering the law and business courses, he hinted that MMSU officials and its board of regents may also consider this request.

Mr. Quidang further stated that students in these courses can also be accommodated as beneficiaries of the city’s scholarship program.

Batac Vice Mayor Windell D. Chua, for his part, said that there might be also competition with the schools offering said courses and that private schools might oppose the proposal.

However, there is now an open competition in the province’s education thrusts as MMSU began offering law and medicine courses, both earlier opposed by other schools but was also eventually approved.

Mr. Quidang added that there is already a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) technical working group that evaluates these proposals.

He explained that if MMSU sees that the proposal as feasible, it will be endorsed and calendared for discussion at the Board of Regents and if the latter approves, a technical working group will evaluate, “no saan met la unay maapektaran dagitay karruba nga eskwela”.

He stated further that if MMSU accedes to this, it will take them at least two years to implement the courses to satisfy all the requirements for them.

Based on what Mr. Quidang gathered, tuition fees for these courses in other universities and colleges in the province amount to approximately PHP17,000 to PHP25,000 per semester.

“Adu metten iti ag interest nga agbalin a policeman because starting salary of a PO1 is approximately PHP30,000.00 per month without allowancesken talaga pay nga agkur-kurang tayo iti pulis as manifested by the chief of police in Batac,” Mr. Quidang emphasized.

“Ken bayat iti pinagsorsorsor tayo kadagiti kailyan tayo, adu a talaga iti mangayat nga agbalin a seaman ta siguro mainspiraran da dagitay karruba da a seaman a dadakkel iti bal-balay da ken no tay da,” Mr. Quidang added.

MMSU President Agrupis, meanwhile, welcomed the proposal proposals but stressed that this will not happen in a short period of time.

Mrs. Agrupis said there are processes they need to follow for them to offer additional courses.

She said this includes a feasibility study and other requirements much like what they did when they offered the law and medicine courses. She stressed that it took MMSU years to implement them.

She also said that MMSU will also need additional faculty staff, buildings and facilities.

She also not4ed that it will be CHED which will decide whether that can offer the said courses or not.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—At least 20 Filipino teachers representing eight regions in the country are currently making waves in Korea to teach young Koreans about the Philippines rich history and culture.

For a 39-year-old public school teacher Chandler Ibabao from a remote village in Pudtol, Apayao, visiting Korea to participate in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) Teacher Exchange Program is far from her wildest imagination.

Under the program, some selected teachers from the Philippines will teach their major subjects, along with Philippine history and culture, to elementary and middle school students in various regions of South Korea.

Similarly, Korean teachers will also be in the Philippines next month to teach Filipino kids.

Elated of her three-month long teaching experience at the Daejeon Jeonmin Elementary School in South Korea, Ms. Ibabao said she is eager to go back to the Philippines and share what she learned to fellow educators and students.

In her farewell speech to her host school, which she posted on Facebook, Ms. Ibabao said, “I will be forever grateful and indebted for making me feel at home away from home. Thank you for giving me multiple opportunities as to work, travel and cultural exposure which made me a better individual.”

She added her remarkable learning experience with the Korean school makes her more inspired to teach young minds.

The Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Program was launched in 2012 which aims to promote international understanding and peace through education with the support of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Idauluan ni Eddie Bueno, tubo iti San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, dati a kameng ti hunta direktiba iti Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) dagiti baro nga opisiales ti Gumil Oahu 2019-2022 babaen iti pannakaannong ti eleksion a naangay idi Agosto 8, 2019 kas panangipakaammo da Silvino V. Bermisa, Jr., immediate past presesident ken ni Ric Agnes, mamagbaga, iti Jessie's Restaurant iti Honolulu, Hawaii. Nagpapaay ni Mr. Bueno a bise presidente sakbay a nabotosan a president. Maysa kadagiti kaaktibun nga opisial ti GO, dakkel ti akemna iti sarsuela, drama ken cultural presentation. Nagadal ni Mr. Bueno iti Divine Word College of Laoag, Laoag City.

Kadua ni Mr. Bueno a nabotosan da: Celerina Fernandez internal vice president; Gladys Mae Menor, external vice president; Dolores Saddo, recording secretary; Emelyn Damo, corresponding secretary; Nana Bueno, treasurer; Divina Menor, assistant treasurer; Myrna Villegas, auditor; Delia Nartatez, assistant auditor; Eddie Agpalza, Maryvic Dumlao, Virgie Fariñas,

Tessie Tabios, public relations officers.

Board of Directors: Amado Yoro, Rizal Fernandez, Emmie Ortega Anderson, Lina Domingo, Tony Nartatez, Estrella Pada Taong, ken Tessie Vigilla.

Silvino Bermisa ti IPP.

Security officers: Paul Taong, Eddie Villegas, ken Joe Dumlao.

Advisers: Judge Artemio Baxa (retired), Rev. Danny Laeda, Cles Rambaud, Richard Agnes ken Rafael Alimbuyuguen.

Gumil Filipinas president vice governor Remy Albano

Taldiap ti GUMIL Oahu

I AM HUMBLED to be part of GUMIL OAHU, organized on Aug 13, 1996 at the Kambingan Restaurant-Westgate Waipahu. I was elected as first (founding) president, interim, then elected as permanent president until July 2001 when my successor Gladys Mae Menor was sworn in and took the reins; then to apo Rafael Alimbuyuguen, then Gladys back for another term , then short-termed Sandy Lasquero, succeeded by Rizal Fernandez, to President Silvino V. Bermisa Jr

Modesty aside, Gumil Oahu is one of the more than organizations we organized, and/or co-organized as we got involved in this community of Hawaii (OAHU) mostly, name some active and non-active, member or non-member of OFCC/UFCH; Sinaitenians of Oahu Oct 1973; Gumil USA 1973; Tapao Aid Organiaztion of Hawaii (TAOH) 1975; Aloha Saluyot Group 1976; Ilocos Surian Assn of Hawaii [ISAH] Feb 27, 1977; Honolulu Fil-Am Lions Club 1978; Tri Media Council Jan 1979; Vigan Association of Hawaii & Associates Aug 1983; Divine Word College of Laoag Alumni Assn of Hawaii May 1990 [founding president] Isabela Hawaii Association July 1992; Sinait National High School Alumni of Hawaii July 1996; Hawaii Fil-Media Council July 1996; Federation of Filipino -American Media and Affiliates USA and Canada; Aug 1996; Annak Ti Sinait Iti Hawaii Dec 1997, others. with co-organizing members. [Assisted the formation of INCAT by request of Mr. Larry Ramirez, first president; helped formation of Bannatiran of Hawaii by request of Kit Tabaniag and Bobby Morales president and VP].

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—Almost 3,000 farmers and fisherfolks in Ilocos Norte will get free insurance coverage courtesy of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

From July 11 to 31, 2019, field workers from the Office of the Provincial Agriculture will reach out to registered farmers and fisherfolk associations in the entire province to conduct technical briefing among target beneficiaries.

For life insurance premiums pegged at PHP375 per beneficiary, the Ilocos Norte government allocated over P1 million for 2019.

Meanwhile, the PCIC will shoulder the crop, fishery and livestock of the program beneficiaries.

“The insurance program will be of great help to our farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries since it guarantees that they can recoup farm losses that they may incur due to natural calamities,” said Dr. Luz Tabora, Provincial Agriculture Office officer-in-charge.

Ms. Tabora explained the insurance program covers farmers’ crops damaged by diseases, pest infestation, and natural calamities, such as typhoons, floods, drought, tornado and earthquakes.

Recently, Ilocos Norte has experienced moderate to heavy rainfall brought about by typhoon Falcon.

Fortunately, this has been an answered prayer to farmers who had been longing for the rain so they could start planting rice again after the dry season.

To date, an estimated 19,709 hectares out of the 51,273 irrigated rice land in the province has been planted while most farmers in rainfed areas take advantage of the amount of rainfall to start planting anew.

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte—A little known historical marker located at Brgy. Puyupuyan in this town has become viral in social media after a photo was posted online of its new look.

Some old Pasuquin residents claimed that after the rehabilitation works, they could hardly recognize the old watchtower built during Spanish colonial period due to its “modernized look”.

“Restoration is very different from renovation. The historic value of the place has been lost. I hope this will not happen with the on-going restoration of our town’s bell tower,” said Edison Agcaoili, a concerned citizen from neighboring Bacarra town.

Earlier, the local government unit of Pasuquin has called for the rehabilitation of the Puyupuyan watchtower, formerly used as outpost for sentinels tasked to warn residents of pirate attacks.

In 2015, the structure was declared a “National Cultural Treasure” by the National Museum. The same government agency also funded its restoration this year.

However, even the National Museum admitted the restoration works could have been made better.

“We are as dismayed as many here, and I can share that the contractor proceeded rapidly in some key aspects without the National Museum’s approval, particularly the overly-heavy and clumsy application of lime plaster and the installation of the metal grill gate—these would not have been approved by us,” said Jeremy Barns, a spokesperson of the National Museum, who apologized for what happened.

Mr. Barns assured the public the National Museum will do something to rectify the error as he noted, “Don’t be particularly alarmed, because all work that has been undertaken, is thankfully reversible.”

Dinah Dumlao, Science teacher of the PNHS

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Piddig, Ilocos Norte—Student-researchers at the Piddig National High School in Ilocos Norte are being taught to become innovative by applying science and technology-based concepts into practical inventions to make lives easier for the people.

According to Dinah Dumlao, Science teacher of the PNHS, she said their students in junior high school are currently engaged in investigatory projects as part of their Science classes, to prepare them to a higher concept of scientific skills.

“Learning Science has never been easy. Students learn in their Science classes to explain principles, theories, and concepts behind inventions,” said Ms. Dumlao.

In preparation for the annual conduct of the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the school launched the so-called “Innovate, Create and Collaborate” (ICreCo) program to prepare their students.

Under this program, Grade 12 students under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand are guided to make various experiments to solve specific problems in the community.

For now, Ms. Dumlao said they take pride in their student-inventors like Neil Bryant I. Lucas, Brian V. Alberto and Jayferson R. Manuel who invented the BRYSON portable leaves shredder.

This machine was made to help maintain and promote cleanliness in the school through waste segregation. Collected leaves are shredded to decompose easily which students in agri-crops production use in vermiculture.

On the other hand, to help farmers in eradicating siam weed commonly known as “Martial Law” plant in the locality, Justin John A. Gacad, Kristal May E. Pablo and Angelito M. Portillo made use of siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) as a lotion.

Siam weed contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The availability of paragis(Eleusine indica) made the researchers decide to come up with “paragis soap”. Paragis is declared to have protein and its leaves have silicon monoxide, calcium oxide, and chlorine compounds.

Other student-researchers like Jennifer C. Yabes, Alliyah Winnette G. Gaoaten and Mia Fhanny S. Dorotan were also inspired to utilized locally abundant sambong (Blumea balsamifera) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) as herbal cream because study shows it has expectorant, antispasmodic and antidiarrheal benefits.

Meanwhile, Roxanne V. Tumaliuan, Noela Jane P. Baliclic and Aslei Joyce C. Baniaga also invented a portable multi-purpose “pulverizer” to make bread and pastry products.

Backed by the local government unit of Piddig, Ms. Dumlao shared the students’ inventions have great potentials in solving problems of the community.

“The inventions of the students maybe just simple but their self-motivation in helping others is a fulfilling experience and a source of joy thus, promoting happy school movement in PNHS,” said Ms. Dumlao citing the school gives priority to this program in support of the students’ future as stated under Republic Act No. 7459 known as “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines”, a state policy to focus on invention and utilization of the country’s available resources to promote common good.

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—The city government her is set to implement an electronic licensing system for local business.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution authorizing Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Depat. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the implementation of the Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System (EBPLS) in a special session held July 15, 2019.

DICT deploys the EBPLS in collaboration with the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as recognition of good governance performance particularly in the adoption of good local governance.

The DICT is a government agency mandated by law to be the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development plan.

Under Section 11 (c) of RA 11032, “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient government Service Delivery Act of 2019”, it provides that cities/municipalities are mandated to automate their business permitting and licensing system or set up an electronic “Business One Stop Shop” (BOSS) within a period of three years upon the Act’s effectivity for a more efficient business registration processes.

City interior and local government officer Janet Duarte thanked the city government for passing the resolution, which is mandated by law and one way of helping the business sectors for easier transactions with the local government units particularly in the issuances of business permits and licenses.

Ms. Duarte said the DICT will provide the software of the EBPLS free of charge with the participation of the DILG and the DTI working together to come up this system.

With this system, Ms. Duarte said that it will no longer be the businesspersons who will process their business permits but it will the system which will process them.

“It will no longer be the responsibility of the businessman a mapan mangsurot-surot wennu mangbitbit dagitay papeles nan to avoid the presence of fixers in the transaction process,” Ms. Duarte said.

However, she stressed that all requirements needed for business permits, either for new businesses or permit renewal should be complete and submitted to the receiving officer.

With this new system, Ms. Duarte said the “Zero Contact Policy” will be implemented because the businesspersons can also pay at Landbank and not only at the city treasurer’s office.

The Ilocos Time learned that Laoag City will be the first LGU in the province of Ilocos Norte to use this new system.

Laoag councilor and businessperson Handy Lao said this new system will be of great help to the business sector considering that this will help all business owners secure their business permits and licenses easier and they will no longer carry documents from one place to another.

Laoag City—As part of the province’s efforts to encourage and acknowledge the exemplary efforts of young athletes representing the province in national sports events, 18 student-athletes received their stipend from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc who authored Provincial Ordinance No. 005-2016, also known as the Sirib Athletic Scholarship, was present to lead the stipend distribution.

The program was established to cater to underprivileged yet deserving athletes from elementary to tertiary level to continue improving their athletic skills in their chosen field, without neglecting their studies.

The Sirib Athletic Scholarship, including Sirib Academic Leaders, Sirib Community Leaders, and Sirib Youth Leaders are among the scholarships offered by the Provincial Government.

On the same day, 393 beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and 100 tourism ambassadors also received their salary at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City.

The recent batch of SPES workers rendered a 20-day community service which started on June 3, while the tourism ambassadors started on May 6, 2019 and ended on June 2, 2019.

PGIN’s SPES Program was awarded as the provincial and regional-level winner in the SPES and Job Placement categories by the Department of Labor and Employment - Region 1 last year. Also last year, the inclusive character of PGIN’s tourism ambassador was cited by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP). (Stewart C. Ocampo)

EDC-Burgos Wind Power Corporation together with its employees celebrated BINHI Day and environment month by planting critically endangered native trees at the Nagsurot Tree Park in EBWPC Wind Farm.

Burgos, Ilocos Norte—Even a company as “green” as the country’s biggest wind power facility can still become “greener”. The EDC-Burgos Wind Power Corporation (EBWPC) proved this as its employees celebrated BINHI Day and environment month in June through various activities.

BINHI is EDC’s greening legacy program that focuses on the rescue of 96 threatened Philippine native trees. A total of 88 critically endangered native trees were planted, adding to the 51 seedlings that were planted last year in Nagsurot Tree Park at the EBWPC Wind Farm in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. This environmental stewardship project has been supported by EBWPC employees who took care of the trees that they planted last year.

In addition, the company launched the “Basura Exchange School Tiangge” project or BEST together with Barangay Poblacion’s local government unit, and Burgos Elementary School (BCES).

This project aims to encourage students and community members to reduce plastic pollution by collecting plastic waste. They can convert their collected plastic waste into points which they can exchange with school or household supplies. The store will also accept eco-bricks made out of plastics stuffed in 1.5 plastic bottles which they can exchange for a kilo of rice. The eco-bricks will be utilized by EBWPC as construction materials for its planned toilet project.

EBWPC ended its green month celebration by participating in a Fun Walk and Clean-up Drive in Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, an annual event organized by Barangay Poblacion, on June 29.

EDC, which owns EBWPC, has been known not only as the country’s biggest purely renewable energy company but also for its forest restoration and rescue of endangered native trees through BINHI. In recognition of its BINHI efforts, EDC is the only private company in the Philippines that was tapped by the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) to be its tree assessor under its Global Tree Assessment (GTA) Program. (EDC)

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc (Alaric Yanos)

Laoag City—Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc culminated his first 30 days in office through an accomplishment report on August 1, 2019.

Presenting the report in front of the members of the media, he was accompanied by Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos alongside the heads of the different departments of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN).

“I already met with our department heads after my very first flag-raising ceremony [as governor]. I gave them guidelines. One of the main points was to reconsider and rethink everything that we do: our organizational structure, systems, and procedures to make sure that we are as efficient as possible,” Mr. Manotoc remarked.

Among his first initiatives as governor is ordering the Human Resource and Management Department to assess employees’ status.

“We are looking at filling in the most necessary and essential positions while also abolishing ‘yong mga hindi na kailangan. The ultimate goal is to equip our departments fully and accomplish our objectives. If we fill in these key positions, I am sure our departments will be more effective,” he explained.

Moreover, also included in the list of his accomplishments are his attendance in a three-day training with other provincial governors conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); election of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP); and the first regular session of the 18^th Congress, followed by the President’s State of the Nation Address.

Further discussing his accomplishments, Mr. Manotoc reiterated his battle cry: Salun-at a sigurado, umili produkto [A healthy community is a productive community].

On top of his priorities are strengthening the province’s bid to develop healthcare offerings through providing quality services and facilities, and reinforcing its commitment to promoting sustainable measures for the protection of environment.

Conducting a series of meetings and consultations with various agencies and local government units, Mr. Manotoc looks forward to addressing issues on road safety and traffic congestion; solid waste management and sanitation; and land revitalization and improvement of irrigation facilities, among others. (Edison Justin B. Deus)

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