The Ilocos Times

Laoag City —The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) spearheaded by Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc led a series of cash-for-work payout distribution on April 2, 2024 as Ilokano farmers concluded their environmental preservation services. PGIN, in partnership with the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development, allotted a budget for the program totaling to PHP54,810,900 which helped 13,212 beneficiaries in the first quarter of this year. Since Manotoc was elected as governor of Ilocos Norte, he has prioritized the promotion of environmental preservation which can be seen from his province-wide campaign “Narimat nga Aglawlaw” that focuses on implementing solid waste management and anti-pollution programs. This cash-for-work program is one of the foundations that builds the bridge towards improved quality of environment in the province and this is manifested in his speech during the cash distribution in Vintar, Ilocos Norte: “Rest assured itutuloy po namin itong programa

LAOAG  Councilor James Alcid defends his measure requesting the removal of plant boxes and overlay pavement which has effectively suspended the construction of a bike lane along the bypass road. (Inset) The suspended construction of a bike lane along the bypass road in Laoag City.  (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —The construction of A bike lane along the Rodolfo C.G. Farinas Jr. bypass road remains suspended following another resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod here. Laoag councilor James Bryan Alcid requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-Region 1 office) to remove the plant boxes and overlay pavement of the suspended government project launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), along the Rodolfo C.G. Fariñas Jr. bypass road, which he said should to be replaced by thermoplastic paint with solar studs and to be painted with cautionary color scheme. The Philippine Highway Network under the Philippine

TOURIST ARRIVALS. Tourists arrive at the Laoag International Airport in this undated photo. The peak day was recorded on March 29, 2024 with 84,824 visitors. ( Lei Adriano) By Leilanie G. Adriano LAOAG CITY—More local, domestic and foreign tourists are visiting Ilocos Norte, securing its spot as one of the premier tourism destinations in the country. Tourist arrival data released recently show that the province welcomed nearly 342,000 visitors during the Holy Week, Xavier Ruiz, officer-in-charge of the Ilocos Norte Tourism, said in a statement. "This marks a 5 percent increase from the same period in 2023 and a significant 48 percent jump compared to 2022, further exceeding pre-pandemic levels,” he said. Day-visitor arrivals, measured based on attractions, saw an increase to 341,953 while the peak day was on March 29, 2024, or Good Friday, with 84,824 visitors. Topping the list of the province's most visited attractions include the UNESCO-world heritage site of St. A

BURNING OF FARM WASTE IN LAOAG CITY . The Bureau of Fire Protection dubbed the number of forest fires in the first quarter this year as alarming, after these have reached 26, higher than the 21 incidents in the whole of 2023. ( Lei Adriano) By Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY—An inter-agency task force has been formed in Ilocos Norte to address causes of forest fires which have reached 26 to date. The group is composed of representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte. Fire Supt. Roxanne Annie Parado, provincial fire marshal, in an interview   said the task force will conduct foot patrols in the forest fire-prone areas while providing alternative source of livelihood to honey bee collectors, wildlife hunters and kaingeros (or those involved in slash and bu

Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba speaks during the Street Pageantry and Showdown Competition of this year's Abel and Bawang Festival 2024 in Pinili. ( Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Pinili , Ilocos Norte—Ilocos Note  2nd District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba (AMB) graced this year’s Abel and Bawang Festival 2024 in Pinili with the theme ‘’Panangtagiben Iti Pakasaritaan, Biag Ni Nana Magdalena Pagsarmingan, Salukag Ken Gaget Ni Pinileno, Raniag Iti Masakbayan’’. Barba, who served as the guest of honor and speaker during the Street Pageantry and Showdown Competition on April 3, 2024, said in his speech that this year’s festival will not only celebrate the Pinileños tradition through the art of dance but also to embark on a captivating journey of the municipality’s beloved Inabel especially the National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo and the Ilocos Pride ‘’White Gold’’, the precious Ilocos garlic. Barba added that this year’s theme re

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is ramping up its digital transformation efforts this year to streamline operations and deliver top-notch customer experience. Since assuming leadership in May 2023, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz has prioritized the adoption of new technologies across the Bank’s operations to elevate customer convenience and accessibility to financial services. “We are heavily investing in enhancing our digital infrastructure to ensure seamless service delivery across our online banking channels and traditional touchpoints. Our priority remains steadfast in delivering solutions and exceptional service to our valued customers,” said President and CEO Ortiz. This year, LANDBANK aims to reduce over-the-counter transactions in its branches by encouraging customers to maximize the Bank’s digital banking channels. These include the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, the iAccess online retail banking channel, and the Link.BizPortal web-based payment c

Badoc, Ilocos Norte—This town’s Liga Ng Mga Barangay (LMB) President and Sangguniang Bayan ex-officio member Virgilio Calajate expressed his full support in the conduct of the first semi-annual barangay general assembly in all the barangays here with a theme ‘’Barangay At Mamamayan, Sama Samang Nagtutulungan Sa Pagtaguyod Ng Maayos, Maunlad At Mapayapang Pamayanan Tungo Sa Isang Bagong Pilipinas”. In expressing his full support for the conduct of the semi-annual general assembly as the “father” of all the Punong Barangays in this town, he said this would let their respective constituents about their accomplishment, especially on their plans, programs and activities for the barangay as well as their financial conditions. Calajate likewise emphasized his support for the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., as the administration’s brand of governance and leadership which focuses on all-inclusive plans for economic and social transformation. “

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is ramping up its digital transformation efforts this year to streamline operations and deliver top-notch customer experience. Since assuming leadership in May 2023, LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz has prioritized the adoption of new technologies across the Bank’s operations to elevate customer convenience and accessibility to financial services. “We are heavily investing in enhancing our digital infrastructure to ensure seamless service delivery across our online banking channels and traditional touchpoints. Our priority remains steadfast in delivering solutions and exceptional service to our valued customers,” said President and CEO Ortiz. This year, LANDBANK aims to reduce over-the-counter transactions in its branches by encouraging customers to maximize the Bank’s digital banking channels. These include the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, the iAccess online retail banking channel, and the Link.BizPortal web-based payment c

Dingras Mayor Jeofrey Saguid, Dingras Vice Mayor Erdio Valenzuela and several members of the Sangguniang Bayan lead the Floral/Grand Parade with all the participating barangays, NGOs, NGAs and schools during the celebration of this year's 21 st  Ani Festival 2024. ( Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Dingras , Ilocos Norte—Another successful fiesta celebration was once again witnessed in the municipality of Dingras, the 21 st Ani Festival 2014 with a multitude of programs and activities with the  theme “Nabuslon Nga Ani, Sarikedked Dagiti Umili’’. The 11-day fiesta celebration that ran from March 14 to 24, 2024 kicked off with Bless Dingras; Opening of the Agro Industrial, Commercial and Trade Fair; and a Worship Celebration. On March 16-18, 2024, the Elementary and Secondary Day was staged wherein a Floral parade was conducted in the morning followed by the coronation of their respective King and Queens for 2024 while the coronation of the Ms. NGA’s/N

VINTAR  residents revive loom weaving that once thrived in the community. (Photo courtesy of Erwin Suguitan) By Leilanie G. Adriano Vintar, Ilocos Norte—A vintage photo of a woman manually spinning thread in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, documented by an American writer in 1920, has sparked interest among residents to revive a cultural gem that once flourished in this landlocked municipality. Vintar, located some 330 miles north of Manila, was once known for Abel Iloco or Inabel, the traditional loom weaving industry. "A good friend sent this photo to me and I thought what a glorious way to display the history and culture of Vintar,” municipal tourism officer Erwin Suguitan told The Ilocos Times . He said the industry was said to have flourished “in the north of the river,” citing as proof a loom weaving machine displayed at the Museo de Siwawer at Brgy. Abkir. “And now, here comes this picture and its writeup that was copyrighted by a certain H. V. Rohrer and taken from the US

  MR.  Laoag ABC 2023 and newly crowned Mister Teenager Universe 2024 Lloyd Figueras receives a Plaque of Congratulations from Laoag Mayor Michael Keon and a “Resolution of Commendation” from the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod represented by PCL National President Handy Lao. By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —For the first time in this city’s history, a Laoagueño won this year’s Mister Teenager Universe 2024 pageant held in Bali, Indonesia. Lloyd Figueras, Mr. Laoag ABC 2023, represented the country in the prestigious universal search. Figueras, in his courtesy call and speech to the city hall particularly during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod said, he felt “overwhelmed with gratitude with the unwavering support the city government bestowed upon him throughout his journey in the pageant world”. He stressed that the encouragement given by the people of Laoag has been his “wind beneath his wings” in pushing him towards this remarkable experien

Laoag City —The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) sustained its position as the Regional's Best PESO for 2023 during the Dept. of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Year-End Performance Assessment and Planning Exercise cum 2024 Congress in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, on March 13, 2024. PGIN-PESO also received the same recognition in 2017, 2019, and 2022. It  was also recognized for achieving the “Highest Number of Individuals Reached through Labor Market Information”, the “Highest Number of Hires on the Spot during Job Fairs”, the “Highest Number of Applicants Placed”, being the “Best Implementer of the TUPAD Program”, having the “Highest Number of Registered Employers”, winning the “Kabuhayan Awards 2023 for Implementing Livelihood Programs”, being the “Top Performing PESO in Career Development Support Programs”, receiving “Special Citations for Implementing Job Start Philippines”, and for “Timely and Complete Submission of Sta

Laoag City —The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) sustained its position as the Regional's Best PESO for 2023 during the Dept. of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Year-End Performance Assessment and Planning Exercise cum 2024 Congress in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, on March 13, 2024. PGIN-PESO also received the same recognition in 2017, 2019, and 2022. It   was also recognized for achieving the “Highest Number of Individuals Reached through Labor Market Information”, the “Highest Number of Hires on the Spot during Job Fairs”, the “Highest Number of Applicants Placed”, being the “Best Implementer of the TUPAD Program”, having the “Highest Number of Registered Employers”, winning the “Kabuhayan Awards 2023 for Implementing Livelihood Programs”, being the “Top Performing PESO in Career Development Support Programs”, receiving “Special Citations for Implementing Job Start Philippines”, and for “Timely and Complete Submission of St

LAOAG CITY—The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Ilocos Norte has reached its PHP3.2 billion collection target for 2023 due partly to compliance among taxpayers. In a media interview, revenue district officer Aldrin Camba said he is thankful for the taxpayers for making the Ilocos Norte bureau one of the country’s top performing revenue districts. “(This transpired because of) the cooperation of Ilocano taxpayers and through the intensified tax enforcement operations, which paved the way in hitting the annual target,” he said. For this year, the local BIR chief vowed to duplicate or even surpass last year’s success through intensified enforcement activities such as the imposition of stiff fines and filing of tax evasion charges against tax cheats, if any. In support of the implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, he said, "the district has started accelerating its digitalization initiatives to deliver prompt, efficient, and excellent taxpayer service, ensuring tha

FROM  left:. Bb Marcos 2 nd  runner up Charlene Miguel Bayudan (Brgy. Elizabeth), Miss ABC Stephanie Malilay (Pacifico), Miss Marcos 2024 Ma. Ninotcha Ericka Jenee Diza (Mabuti), Miss Tourism Lyca Mae Dumaoal (Valdez) and 3 rd  runner-up Sharies Mae Argell (Daquioag) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Marcos , Ilocos Norte – Thousands of Marcoseños has successfully joined and participated in this year’s 7 th Mannalon Festival, held March 9-14, 2024, with the theme “Rambak iti Panagsalukag’’. Marcos Mayor Antonio Mariano expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to all the people behind the success of this year’s festival especially to the participants in all the activities. MARCOS  Mayor Antonio Mariano announces the success celebration of the 7th Mannalon Festival in Marcos in an interview with the members of the media. (Doms dela Cruz) The festival kicked-off with a motor show on March 9 followed by the launching of “Tiangge ni Tatang Hub”, “TESDA Day” and “Thanksgiving Night” o

Laoag City —The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) officially established a sisterhood partnership with the City Government of Danao through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on March 7, 2024. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc and Danao Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano led the MOA signing at the Provincial Capitol Auditorium along with government officials from Ilocos Norte and City of Danao. “This is more than a sisterhood agreement. It is a friendship and a strong everlasting bond between families and now one that has culminated in this official MOA signing. This is an earnest and hopeful invitation for you to come back anytime because Danaoanos will always be most welcome in Ilocos Norte. May both the Province of Ilocos Norte and the City of Danao prosper,” Manotoc stated. This relationship between Ilocos Norte and the City of Danao signifies a commitment to solidarity, friendship, and shared progress, as both government units strive to trans

Laoag City —In a bid to enhance the firefighting capabilities and response readiness in Ilocos Norte, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over 11 newly-acquired fire trucks to the province on July 17, 2023. The towns of Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Currimao, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Sarrat, Vintar, and the cities of Batac and Laoag were the recipients of the new firefighting vehicles. "These fire trucks will undoubtedly bolster our firefighting capabilities. Prevention remains to be the first defense against fire hazards," F/Chief Supt. Leonida Gumanab-Rosales, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Region 1 remarked. Over the past months, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc closely coordinated with DILG and BFP in assessing the capacity of Ilocos Norte’s component Local Government Units, requesting the provision of fire trucks to priority towns. During the turnover event, Manotoc expressed his gratitude to th

Laoag City —Aira Cassandra S. Castro, a scholar of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte's (PGIN) Doctor of Medicine Scholarship Program, topped the recent March 2023 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) with a grade of 89 percent. Castro made history by becoming the first medicine graduate from the Mariano Marcos State University College of Medicine (MMSU-COM) rank first in the board examination. Along with Dr. Castro, Dr. Christian Alvin Arca, Dr. Marianne Shem Caraang, Dr. Neil Justine dela Cruz, and Dr. Mida Dorothy Manayon also passed the PLE and achieved a 100% passing rate, giving the university its seventh straight perfect record in the board exam for medical doctors since it began fielding examinees in 2020. The Doctor of Medicine Scholarship was an initiative of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, which aims to provide Ilokano doctors who will ensure the delivery of healthcare service in the province, particularly in far-flung areas. Aside from m