By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter
Laoag City—The consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Ilocos Norte and Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino (FIRC) donated an x-ray baggage scanner for the use of the Laoag International Airport on October 12.
The security equipment was personally handed over by officials of the Chinese consulate and FIRC to LIA manager Ronald Estabillo with Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos also present.
Mr. Estabillo thanked the Chinese officials led by consul and head of post Zhao Qiaoliang, and FIRC general manager Justine Yang for the donation.
The baggage scanner, Mr. Estabillo said will be used for international arrivals.
The LIA head also thanked Ms. Marcos for taking time to attend the turnover despite her hectic schedule.
Meanwhile, Mr. Qiaoliang also expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the people of Ilocos Norte for welcoming Chinese tourists from Guanzhong.
This is the main reason, he said they wanted to donate a security equipment for international arrivals as a sign of friendship between the Chinese and Ilocano peoples. He added that it also signifies the ties between China and the Philippines.
Aside from this, Mr. Qiaoliang also announced that the Chinese government will also donate medical equipment to the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital soon.
With these, Mr. Qiaoliang is hopeful that the relationship between the Chinese people and Ilocos Norte will grow deeper.
Earlier, Mr. Qiaoliang also announced that the Chinese consulate also donated five tons of China hybrid rice seeds for the farmers of San Nicolas, Laoag City and Sarrat.
Ms. Marcos, for her part, also thanked the government of China for donating a very important equipment for LIA. She pointed out that this has been a problem for the international arrival section as it takes them a long time to inspect baggage.
She added that this will resolve issues for international travelers arriving at LIA.
The governor also mentioned that the Chinese donations to Ilocos Norte have resulted in better ties between China and Ilocos Norte.