The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Laoag City —The week-long study tour of Ilocos Norte mayors to the popular tourism destinations of Bali in Indonesia and in Singapore gave them a new perspective explore other opportunities for investment. Led by Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, the League of Mayors of the Philippines-Ilocos Norte chapter with their spouses flew to Bali on May 26 and then to Singapore on May 29 for an eight-day study tour. Piddig mayor Eddie Guillen of Piddig said both countries they visited has widened their horizon to become more “aggressive” in terms of pursuing investment opportunities in their respective towns and cities. “Comparing our infrastructure and tourism investment potentials, we are highly competitive. We only have to advertise and become more aggressive in promotion,” Guillen said in a telephone interview on after their arrival in Laoag City. According to Mr. Guillen, their field visits and technology shopping fr

(Ang panggugulo ni Almario; the mess of Joel Lopez) All Philippine languages are actually under attack, but Ilokano has become most vulnerable and is now at the center of a raging battle, no thanks to the treachery of one man and the fascist ways of a national artist. The controversy has been raging since January, and the plot thickens day after day. It started when Dr. Joel Lopez, assistant division superintendent and MTB-MLE (Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education) coordinator of DepEd Ilocos Norte, singlehandedly introduced changes to Ilokano orthography or spelling system that will be taught in schools. He never conducted consultations with language stakeholders. Professional Ilokano writers and Ilokano language experts in the academe were quick to object. Under the MTB-MLE Implementing Rules and Regulations, stakeholder participation is necessary in drawing up a working orthography for any and all Philippine languages. Various groups—including GUMIL and Nakem

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) forecasts increased volume of foreign direct investments by US high-technology manufacturers due to the delisting of the Philippines from the Special 301 Watch List of the US Special Trade Representative. “Many US manufacturers of high-technology products would be encouraged to locate here because of USTR findings that Philippine laws provide adequate protection of intellectual property rights,” said Alfredo M. Yao, president of the country’s biggest business organization.  “The delisting would signal effective enforcement against counterfeiting, piracy and other IPR violations.” Mr. Yao listed examples of high-technology companies such as those engaged in pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, software and information technology, chemicals and cosmetics and personal care products, machinery and equipment, automotive components, electronics, and research and development. The USTR announced last month the deletion of the

Hermie as we fondly call her is always ready and willing to help in certain community projects. She is one of the participants in my Mission Day Service regular quarterly Adopt a Highway project; walk for fun and medical mission. She is one of the volunteers for the April 25, 2014 Mini Medical Mission to Sinait, Ilocos Sur, and the construction of the Marker for Sto. Cristo Milagroso, also known as Black Nazarene, at Logo, Dadalaquiten Norte, Sinait, Ilocos last April. Her family has donated a 625 square feet parcel of land where the marker was constructed. Hawaii State Representative Rida Cabanilla, Amado Yoro, Herminia Gaspar, Gloria Yoro Personal Achievements:  In February 2012 “I took a more challenging position at Wahiawa General Hospital as Manager for Peri-operative services (Operating room, Ambulatory, PACU, anesthesia), Central Supply and Transporters. She also manages at least 34 employees; oversees employees department orientations, competencies, edu

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—“This is the new age of recruitment,” said Nicole Rudio, provincial manager of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) as the Ilocos Norte Jobs Portal, a one-stop access with superior job-matching capabilities with extensive reach was officially launched on June 6 at the La Tabacalera function hall here. Attended by industry players that included private employers and local business owners, the new website administered by the Information Technology department of the Ilocos Norte government features an accessible, easy to use and free of charge website that aims to match up job applicants and employers in just a few click of the mouse. For employers who would want to post a job, Ms. Rudio said the locos Norte Jobs portal can help you reach more qualified candidates than ever before. Simply go to: www.ilocosnorte.gov.ph/jobs , register and submit the necessary requirement to the provincial PESO email:  locosnorte@

Women dominated the headlines this week. Two women members of President Benigno Aquino’s cabinet, plus a Commission on Audit officer, who’d been repeatedly bypassed, were confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA). But not before the CA itself was severely trounced   for political partiality. The three were Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and Commission on Audit’s Heidi Mendoza. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje also got the CA’s nod, despite Sen. Sergio Osmeña’s no vote. No member of the CA objected when separate motions were made to endorse the confirmation of COA commissioners Heidi Mendoza and Jose Fabia. Ms. Mendoza’s term will expire on February 2, 2018 That vote reflect reactions from readers our Inquirer column on “Wishbone or Backbone”. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales didn’t dally for the standing ovation that erupted after she hauled, into the anti-graft court, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla and Jinggo

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—“We do not allow and support any black sand mining project in the province.” This was the reply of Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos to the letter of Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba on the issue on whether to allow back sand mining in the province or not. The governor’s letter, dated June 9 and addressed to Bishop Mayugba, has assured the Ilocos Norte government’s commitment to counter black sand mining activity in an effort to “preserve and protect God’s wonderful creations, mindful of the divine mandate to safeguard nature and our people.” In October 2013, the provincial government through the initiative of Ms. Marcos and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Provincial Resolution No. 016-2013 which completely bans black sand mining in the province. Said resolution, authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Joel Garcia. The resolution not only prohibits the issuance of permits but also urges the recall of