The Ilocos Times

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The Social Security System (SSS) intensified its campaign against erring employers in the city in line with the 8 th Regional leg of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE). SSS president and chief executive officer Emmanuel F. Dooc, along with other SSS officials, personally visited some reported delinquent establishments and employers in the city to instill awareness of their obligations under Republic Act    8282 otherwise known as the Social Security Law. “ Ang RACE ay nakatuon sa mga employers na hindi tumutupad sa kanilang mga obligasyon para mabigyan ng social security protection ang mga mangagawang Pilipino sa pribadong sektor, ” Mr. Dooc said. He stressed that this is also to educate employers to become responsible through full compliance to the Social Security Law and focus this strategy in order to create a significant impact on contribution collection. Under the said law, employers shoul

  A Damilian , born in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, aka “Siudad Ti Banga” or paglakuan ti daga nga awan ti titulona; a St. Paulian as an active member of St. Paul’s Church of Honolulu under the stewardship of Rev. Canon Randolph VN Albano, vicar, a native of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.   Solah won the title of Mrs. St. Paul’s Church as part of the 59 th anniversary celebration of the church organized in August 1959. “My goal is to win the title; and to help the church,” Solah said this before and during the canvassing on July 7, 2018. And it was done; her dream came true. Solah with her Royal Court Princess Trinity Gabriel Cabigon and Princess Jannette Agustin were crowned during the coronation was held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on August 26, 2018. Also part of the program was the awarding of the 5 Bishop’s Awardees 2018: Carlos Viernes, Nenita Agbayani, Phyllis Miller, Paul Cyrus Adapon and Danilo Duldulao. The well attended program with about 500 guests was emceed

Sarindaniw No Maugotanen Ti Daga iti Asin Sarindaniw Amado Yoro Senario Dos:panagsursuro ken pannakatubay Inayatdaka kas tarabay ken sanggir dagiti nabangon a rangtay a kamang ti ungto ti bullalayaw iti panagsukisok iti karaberan dagiti nabunga nga ubas dagiti natubbog ken nasam-it nga unas ken pinia uray iti panagkallautang iti ibabangon kas kadagiti mapaamo a karnero Dagiti mapaamo nga urbon a sumrek iti koral Imasenda ti makapagsepsep iti asin Iti daga ket kunnotenda ti mungay Iti panagsursuro ken pannakatubay Ngem anian, anian dagiti gundaway Ti anag ti asin napukawen kas iti nagpsepsepan Dagiti immuna a nagtagi-aklo main-inutdan A maipaigid ti dalan Iti panagmaymaysada malnaawandan Nga agkutkutimermer Iti pannakabaybay-a Ken pannakaipusing Ta awanen ti anag ti asin A nagkunnotan Dagiti kattungbol a parmata Iti panagsursuro nga umaskaw Kadagiti dalan iti kasamekan ta nanglaylayen ti sabong nga ukkor dagiti kassangpet

Setiembre 3, 2018 Labor Day Sarindaniw Amado Yoro Senario Uno:   panangrugi ti panagsana Ala, anusam Angkuan Deppa Kutkotem ti kadaratan igid ti sabangan Mangimuntarka ti dalikan ken karaang Isamiram latta a kuroban ti kadaratan Pakaurnongan ti masagat a danum baybay Itakom ti sudo wenno sabot ti niog Yallatiwmo iti sinublan wenno siliasi A paglutuan ti aramidentayo nga asin. Kiwar, ala, kiwarem pay Agburbureken ti nasagat a danum Iti kinuroban a kadaratan Kasta ti biagtayo nga agsansana iti igid ti baybay iti sirok ti kalapaw karuantayo ti agaramid ti asin imbag la nga intayo imaro iti kaarrubatayo a barbario dagiti sitio ken purok asin ti nabirtud a rekado pakbet man, dinengdeng wenno inabraw paimasenna la ketdi ti pammigat, pangaldaw ken pangrabii man Nabannog kadin dagiti agsansana iti sabangan   awanen ti rangen ti anawang ken karaangda nga agpaburek iti nasagat a danum nabannogda kadin kadagiti panagpuyat iti kaltaan

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY —The Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation (EDC) based in Burgos, Ilocos Norte donated at least 15 brand new units of laptop computer to several schools in the province hardly hit typhoon Mangkhut [Ompong]. Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Mariano “Nonong” V. Marcos II, who received the donation from the wind power company said it is a good start for several schools in the province with damaged computers. Over a hundred students at the Bingao National High School are attending their classes at the covered court while there is an on-going repair at the newly-constructed Senior High School Building 2. Marilou Pasalo, BNHS officer-in-charge reported, that the second floor of the building which was just constructed last year was affected with 42 computer units destroyed at the height of typhoon Mangkhut when strong winds blew away its roofing and smashed its glass windows. Earlier, provincial officials here led by G

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —In a move to further shore up Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “war on drugs,” the Sangguniang Panlungsod here passed an ordinance that prohibits the entry of illegal drugs and paraphernalia; firearms and ammunitions; bladed weapons; cellular phones and similar devices for communication; cigarettes, tobaccos and electric cigarettes; and liquor and other intoxicating beverages on October 22, 2018. The prohibition ordinance carries penalties for violators. Laoag councilor Roger John C. Fariñas, principal author of the ordinance, said violators of the ordinance concerning illegal drugs and deadly weapons face a six-month imprisonment, a one-year ban from the penal institution and a PHP5,000 fine for first-time offenders. Succeeding violations carry a PHP5,000 ban, one-year imprisonment and lifetime ban from entering the jail premises. On the other hand, persons caught smuggling cellular phones and similar devices used for co

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Luna (Apayao), Inc. who have not filed their claims for deposit insurance may do so at the PDIC Public Assistance Center, 3rd Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City until August 17, 2020. Claims may also be filed by mail. When filing deposit insurance claims at the PDIC Public Assistance Center, depositors are required to submit directly to PDIC their original evidence of deposit and present one (1) valid photo-bearing ID with signature of the depositor. It is recommended, however, to bring at least two (2) valid IDs in case of discrepancies in signature. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose their original evidence of deposit and photocopy of one (1) valid photo-bearing ID with signature together with a duly accomplished and notarized Claim Form which can be downloaded from the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph . PDIC

Length of Service Award.  Assistant Secretary Presidential Communications Operations Officer Atty. Mitchel Kristian Ablan hands over a certificate of recognition to Genedine D. Jambaro, an employee of the provincial government during the 118 th  anniversary of the Philippine Service Commission held at the Laoag City Hall Auditorium. Mr. Ablan served as the guest of honor and speaker for the 1st district of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Norte vice Governor Angelo M. Barba (AM) for the second district. At least 900 government officials and employees were given certificates during the awarding ceremony. ( Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —In celebration of the 118 th Philippine Civil Service (PCS) anniversary, at least 900 government officials and employees in the province of Ilocos Norte received a certificate of recognition for the “Length of Service Award” in a program held at the Laoag City Hall Auditorium on September 27, 2018. PCS r

Laoag City— Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos filed her certificate of candidacy for senator at the Commission on Elections office in Intramuros, Manila on October 16, 2018. In filing her candidacy for the May 19, 2019 midterm elections, she said, “ Naniniwala tayo na malaki ang maitutulong natin sa bansa sa usapin ng ekonomiya lalo na ngayon na halos walang patid ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin . Inflation ang pangunahin nating problema sa kasalukuyan at nasasaktan lalo ang mahihirap dahilan sa 60% ng kanilang kita ay napupunta sa pagkain .” “ Kaya naman ipinaglalaban ko ang agarang pagsuspindi sa VAT kahit isang taon lamang, para agad-agad na mapagaan ang bigat ng sobrang taas ng presyo ng petroleo at pagkain na nagpapahirap sa ating mga kababayan ,” the governor added. She also showcased Ilocos Norte as a proof of her public service after the province became one of the fastest and most efficient in reducing poverty rates in the whole

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —Police Chief Supt. Dominic Guerrero warned the public against believing several attempted kidnapping reports posted on social media recently. He dubbed such social media posts as “fake news”. He said all the alleged kidnapping reports are unverified and no alleged victim has reported such to the police. In view of this, Mr. Guerrero appealed to the public to be more vigilant on the veracity of information and not to disinform and misinform anyone so as not to create panic and anxiety among citizens. He vowed that the Laoag police will always be on top of these issues and matters specially for the safety and security of everyone in the city of Laoag. Relative to this, the Laoag police issued anti kidnapping tips in order to avoid this kind of reports and these are: avoid same routines; screen and choose your personal staff; make friends with neighbors; secure your home; keep emergency numbers accessible; chec

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Dingras , Ilocos Norte—Provincial officials want learners in the province to remember that reading books is sometimes better than relying on information from the internet. Om October 12, 2018, the provincial government turned over at least 8,000 books featuring various subjects over to the 24 public elementary schools of this town. Led by senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, chairperson of the committee on education, he said he hopes the distribution of more books for public schools in the province will develop children’s love for reading and learning. Speaking at the Dingras West Central Elementary School, Mr. Manotoc challenged teachers and students to maximize the use of the reading and instructional materials.   “In the age of computers and cellphones, I hope that the children will develop healthy and strong reading habits,” Mr. Manotoc said citing this is just the first step for students to learn t

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently trained about 300 rice-based growers in Marawi, Lanao del Sur to help them resume farming, which was left for almost a year due to the city’s siege. Teodora Briones, head of PhilRice’s Corporate Services Division, said farmers in the area expressed interest in going back to farming after Ramadan. However, the farmers have yet to restore their livelihood and regain capital to start again. “Farmers’ present priority includes having enough food for their family’s everyday needs. Through rice-based farming, they will eventually recover,” Ms. Briones said. Farmers were given about 376 sacks of quality rice seeds after the training. Rainfed cultivators in the villages of Patani and Sugod received NSIC Rc 286 seeds while upland farmers in the villages of Kilala and Banga were provided with Alo-al and Dapolog seeds. Moreover, three sacks of organic and inorgani

Journalists from Luzon and the NCR agreed that a Filipino or “Filipinized” type of federalism that acknowledges the country's diverse cultures, traditions, religions, and regional dynamics will be applicable to the Philippines. Amidst differing beliefs and apprehensions over the proposed federal form of government during the two-day seminar-workshop on Understanding Federalism in the Philippine Context conducted by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) in Manila on October 11-12, with support from Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and in partnership with the Pimentel Institute of Local Governance (PILG), thirty publishers, editors, and reporters expressed support for good governance no matter the form of government. "Let's look at the CAR experience. We’ve been talking about autonomy for the longest time. In fact, our different tribes up there are the ones very much affected with all these issues on having an autonomous region," said Sonia Daoas, PPI trustee

LAOAG CITY  police officers conduct a drug awareness lecture and the salient features of RA 9165 and the RA 10627, otherwise known as the Anti Bullying Act of 2013 to first year college students of a Laoag school. The lecture aims to raise students’ awareness on the intensified campaign plan of the city police to eradicate illegal drugs and to achieve a drug-free Laoag City. It also focuses on improving strategies and responses to incidents of bullying and help avoid the recurrence of said acts.  (Photo courtesy of Laoag PNP)

  Laoag City —Recognizing and incentivizing successful Ilocano families, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Gender and Development (GAD) Office awarded the 2018 Model Families on September 28, 2018, at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, this city. Congratulating the awardees and finalists, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo M. Barba said, “ Kayong lahat ay may kanya-kanyang kwento ng hirap at tagumpay . We are proud to see you here today, the overcomers, the victors, now triumphant over everything that threatened your families. “You have each won a battle for the very foundation of our society.” Model Families is an annual program for families who have successfully trumped socio-economic difficulties as well as involve themselves in the community and are responsible in environmental and waste management. It comprises three categories: professional, non-professional, and o

Rice constitutes a huge portion of a regular diet of every Filipino. On average, a Filipino consumes 114 kilograms of rice every year. Rice, however, does not have much nutrients. It contains largely carbohydrates. To make it healthier and to help address the pressing malnutrition problem in the country, Golden Rice is being developed. According to Dr. Reynante Ordonio, PhilRice Healthier Rice Project lead, Golden Rice is a new type of rice that contains beta carotene in its grain.   He said this nutrient, similar to what is found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables, is converted to vitamin A only as needed by the body. Dr. Ordonio stressed that micronutrient malnutrition, such as vitamin A deficiency (VAD), is a serious public health problem affecting 2 billion people globally.   In the Philippines according to the 2013 report of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 2.1 M children Filipinos aging 6 months to 6 years are affected by VAD. Moreover, the report