Difference between revisions of "Ilocos Norte News"

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==SMEs attend DOLE seminars in Ilocos Norte==
==Ilocos Pride at Summer Trade Fair in Ilocos Norte==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=341334113648
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=341336705501
*By: Carlo P. Canares
*By: PIA
*''April 12, 2012''
*''Friday, May 11, 2012''
 
LAOAG CITY- Proprietors of small and medium enterprises attended seminars conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment in Ilocos Norte recently to inform them of labor laws and standards and find out if they are complying with these.
 
DOLE Information Officer Leonavella Dadiz said that rather than the DOLE inspectors going to these establishments, the department had them come together for the Technical Assistance Visit seminars at Texicano Hotel in Laoag City.
 
“The DOLE has inspectors checking on all business establishments, big or small. But since we lack inspectors to cover all establishments, the department decided to just conduct the seminars for the smaller businesses. This is our solution to inspect them at the same time,” Dadiz said.
 
Seventy-nine establishments, all employing not more 10 workers, attended the seminars.
 
DOLE Provincial Chief Engracio Bailon and other officials discussed various topics which included general labor standards (GLS); providing and promoting a child labor-free workplace; providing just compensation and related benefits; and establishing a safe and healthy workplace.


During the seminar, participants were given a checklist on GLS and action plan forms to accomplish.
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte- Experience Ilocano pride at the 5th OTOP Summer Trade Fair and Garden Show in Laoag City, this province.


Dadiz explained that through the checklist, they will be able to evaluate if the businesses are complying with labor standards.
Among the products on sale are One-Town, One-Product (OTOP) of the different municipalities of the province which include, among others, mouth-watering longganiza and empanada from Batac City; chichacorn from Paoay; seaweed noodles from Burgos; vinegar and basi from Laoag City; rice coffee from Banna; Ceramics and crispy-licious Chicharon or Bagnet from San Nicolas; binakol abel from the loom weavers of Sarrat, and shell craft from the artisans of Pagudpud.


“For example, we will know if they do not follow the minimum wage law by the answers they give on the checklist. And in case they do, we will give them six months to correct it. DOLE inspectors will be conducting follow-up visits in these establishments to monitor the implementation of their action plans,” Dadiz explained.
Other products featured at the trade fair are furniture and home furnishings, gift items and plants.


“These seminars provided the participants a greater understanding of the various topics presented, hence, helping them preserve and enhance their respective business undertakings and relationship with their workforce,” Dadiz said.
According to Maricor Racela of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the trade fair “aims to promote local products not only from Ilocos Norte but also from the other provinces in the Ilocandia, especially the OTOP of the various local government units of the province.”


==DOLE-INFO conducts Job Fair to 1,224 newly grads==
The OTOP is a government program that supports small and medium entrepreneurs and LGUs to develop their products and at the same time market them.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=1911333539581
*By: PIA
*''April 11, 2012''


LAOAG CITY- The Department of Labor and Employment-Ilocos Norte Field Office (DOLE- INFO), together with the city government of Batac and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) conducted recently a jobs fair for the university's newly graduates.
“There are 40 exhibitors, of which some came from Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union and Abra. Trade fairs like this help them market their products,” Racela said.


More than 1,200 new graduates joined the fair held at the University’s Function Hall in Batac City last March 21.
The trade fair will run from until May 18, 2012 at the Dap-ayan in front of the Provincial Capitol.


Available slots opened in the fair include marketing specialist, accounting, cooperative agents, hotel and restaurant managers and other business administration positions.
It is a project of the DTI, in partnership with the Partuat ti Kailokuan Association, City Government of Laoag and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.


The activity aimed at providing immediate work for the young graduates so as to minimize unemployment in the country.
==Laoag hospital gets boost from St. Luke's Medical Center==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=331336614352
*By: Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon
*''Thursday, May 10, 2012''


A total of 663 job vacancies, were offered by the 14 participating local employers who participated in the event.
LAOAG CITY- Patients of the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH) can now expect a world class health care service with the formal entry of St. Luke’s Medical Center as its partner in making the hospital the best medical facility in the North.


At the end of the day after undergoing written examinations and interviews, 17 job seekers were hired on the spot for marketing, accounting and cooperative agents. Other applicants have to undergo further interview and examinations in order to match their qualification to the available job slots.
The partnership between LCGH and the SLMC was sealed by a Memorandum of Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding last March 31.


The Social Security System (SSS) also attended the event to provide automatic enrolment for the employees’ insurance benefit.
The agreements are effective for four years and may be renewed by both parties.


MMSU and the City of Batac is looking forward to another partnership in bringing jobs closer to young seekers hopeful for an employment after graduation.
The merger paved the way for St. Luke's to assist the city hospital in providing residents a similar total health care system that the premier medical center has been known for.


==Fisherman loses arm in dynamite blast==
Laoag Mayor Michael Fariñas said the partnership is part of his administration’s commitment to provide residents the best medical care that is affordable even to ordinary patients.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/10/12/fisherman-loses-arm-dynamite-blast
*By: Randy Meno
*''April 10, 2012''


A 48-year-old fisherman was rushed to a hospital on Good Friday after he was severely injured in a dynamite explosion in Barangay Pansian in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
For his part, Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, SLMC’s Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs, said the joint venture will enable St.Luke's to guide the the local hospital in providing quality health care and total patient satisfaction.


The injured victim, identified as Esteban Malabo, is now in stable condition at Ablan Hospital.
Under both agreements, the parties are bound to fulfill commitments of service through a referral system where the city hospital may refer its patients to SLMC for further diagnosis or treatment and vice versa.


Malabo lost his right arm in the incident and sustained wounds all over his face and body.
The parties will also undergo education and training where personnel of both hospitals will be benefitted by an exchange of relevant information through lectures, in-house trainings and research in healthcare.


He can move his body but cannot speak.
The MOU also provides that expertise development shall be afforded to LCGH doctors through international conferences, consultations through teleconferencing including visiting and rotating privileges.


Doctors said his vision may also be affected because of the blast.
The LCGH may also request for training of its personnel at SLMC in the areas of nursing, finance, marketing, among others.  


The injured Esteban was found by residents along the shoreline. Authorities said it is possible that the fisherman was just about to set sail when the dynamite exploded.
==Amid the sand dunes of Paoay, an art installation rises==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/257581/lifestyle/design/amid-the-sand-dunes-of-paoay-an-art-installation-rises
*By: CARMELA G. LAPEÑA
*''Wednesday, May 09, 2012''


The victim’s family, meanwhile, said Esteban is a carpenter who only sidelines as a fisherman.
This May, Ilocos Norte celebrates the first La Milagrosa Festival in honor of La Virgen Milagrosa, the province's patron saint.
The weeklong festival culminates on May 10 with “Himala sa Buhangin” at the Paoay Sand Dunes.


They said they did not know that Esteban possessed explosives.
The event's centerpiece is an installation by sculptor Leeroy New, whose work has been seen everywhere from alternative theater, international galleries, outdoor spaces, to apparel worn no less than US pop star Lady Gaga.
New, who says his style is influenced by science fiction, took on a different theme for this project. In a video posted on YouTube, New explains that initially the plan was to do a structure that will be burned at the end of the festival.
"It's like a giant bonfire for the festival... which is symbolic of great festivals and feasts and celebrations," said New during Pecha Kucha Night on April 28 at Samtoy Bookshop in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.


Police are considering filing charges against Esteban as dynamite are commonly used for illegal fishing.  
==Rabies control to address dog bite incidents in Ilocos Norte==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=331336364768
*By: Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon
*''Monday, May 07, 2012''


==Feature: Fire safety always starts with you==
LAOAG CITY- The rising incidents of dog bites in Ilocos Norte could now be better addressed under a three-year program to eliminate rabies in the province.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=341331008254
*By: Carlo P. Canares
*''April 06, 2012''


LAOAG CITY- Yes, fire safety always starts with you! You must be informed and involved in fire safety and prevention.
The Communities Against Rabies Exposure (CARE) program is covered by a memorandum of agreement that was signed between Governor Imee Marcos and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), an international organization, during the First Provincial Rabies Summit held recently.


This month of March the nation observes Fire Prevention Month during which fire prevention activities are done by the Bureau of Fire Protection, local government units, other agencies and various sectors. March was chosen as the month since it marks the beginning of the hot, dry season during which most fires occur.
The project seeks to support the provincial rabies control program by strengthening the following initiatives: prevention of dog bites and human rabies; elimination of rabies in dogs; establishment of surveillance and diagnostic systems; and community advocacy and education on rabies prevention into elementary schools.


The observance began in 1967 under Proclamation No. 115-A issued by President Ferdinand Marcos on November 17, 1966.
Marcos said rabies elimination is necessary if Ilocos Norte wants to maintain a visitor-friendly, healthy community, and environmentally-safe province.


The theme for this year’s observance is “Makiisa, Makialam at Makipagtulungan upang Sunog ay Maiwasan.”
Dr. Loida Valenzuela, provincial veterinary officer, said Ilocos Norte was found to be in the fifth position among provinces that recorded dog bite incidents.


All activities of the BFP in observance of Fire Prevention Month are aimed at promoting awareness and knowledge in fire safety and prevention.
She said the figures are being finalized but she noted that incidents rose by 11 percent in April this year compared to the same period last year.


Laoag City Fire Marshall Bonifacio Sacatrapos reminds you of some fire prevention measures:
Valenzuela said her office has already conducted massive dog vaccination and education among community leaders to bring down and eventually aim for a zero-rabies province.


Do not smoke in bed. Or when you are drowsy. Crush your cigarette butts thoroughly before discarding them. Or put water on butts before discarding them. Do not throw lighted cigarettes into waste baskets because there could be other flammable materials such as paper, plastic inside. Also, provide large and deep ashtray for smokers.
The provincial government also strengthened its Provincial Rabies Control Council through an executive order that would govern rabies control and elimination program.


Keep lighted candles, oil or gas lamps away from curtains, fabrics and other objects that easily catch fire. And never leave them unattended. Many fires had been caused by unattended lighted candles during brownouts.
The council is headed by Marcos, assisted by chairpersons of the provincial board’s committees on health, agriculture and laws. Members are provincial department heads, presidents of the Mayors’ League, Federation of Liga ng mga Barangay, municipal health officers, municipal agriculture officers, federated barangay health workers, senior citizens, non-government groups and the Philippine Information Agency.  


Keep matches and lighters away from children’s reach. Teach children that these are not toys to play with.
==Usec Quezon sits down with Ilocos Norte media==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=331336119565
*By: Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon
*''Sunday, May 06, 2012''


Do not use open flame decorations in the house.
LAOAG CITY- Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III arrived in the province yesterday and sat down with the Ilocos Norte media for an hour of discussion dwelling on various areas.


Be careful when cooking. Never leave cooking unattended. If you must attend to other matters in the house, make sure there are no flammable substances or items near the stove. And be sure, too, to check what you are cooking from time to time.
The topicss ranged from President Aquino’s economic agenda, the existence of supposed opposing blocs among Cabinet members, his relationship with the media, and more.


If a pot catches fire, cover it with a lid to smoother the flames and turn off the stove immediately. After cooking, extinguish all lighted charcoals and embers and turn off the burner.
Quezon said his office has been touring around the country engaging the public and the media to amplify the President’s programs and the national government’s work agenda.


Kerosene and gas stove should be checked for leakage and regularly cleaned.
“I am here to answer any questions that you might have about how the President works, his leadership style, and how he has been stirring the country since he assumed the presidency,” he said.


Make sure the kitchen is inspected before retiring at night. Check on the stove, sockets, electricity, among others.
He said he chose to engage the media to a discussion as a feedback mechanism on whether or not government programs have made an impact on the public.


Check regularly your electrical installations, and have all frayed wiring, damaged sockets, switches and other defective electrical fixtures changed or repaired by a qualified electrician.
Quezon said the President has been working on obtaining the public’s trust in the government by doing his assignment before facing the media for any information that they might want to ask.


Do not overload your electrical circuits by profusely putting extra lights and appliances.
“He doesn’t just read the news caps (news bullets) that we provide for him. He reads all papers making sure that he absorbs all the necessary data presented. He is good with data and numbers,” he said.


And if you can afford it, install and maintain smoke alarms to warn you of a fire.
He said the President’s instructions to his communications team is to answer straightforward or beg off from answering if they are not prepared to support their answers.
 
Remember, there is a lot you can do to prevent a fire.
 
==Feature: San Nicolas goes ‘Kalikasanicolas’==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=1911333335060
*By: PIA
*''April 02, 2012''


LAOAG CITY- Mang Herman Chiong, a resident of Brgy. 12, San Nicolas is worried about waste management in his town. He lives near malls and businesses centers in San Nicolas.
“He told us not to pretend to know the answer if we don’t,” he added.


“I have with me containers in which I can segregate my wastes, from biodegradable, non-biodegradable to plastic and bottles that can be sold to junk shop,” said Mang Herman while sweeping his backyard one morning.
He said the Planning Office is currently working on codifying the laws, issuances, and executive orders that each President of the Philippines had decreed during their terms.


Waste segregation should be a way of life. It’s a reflection on how the people are disciplined and organized in a community. It is a helpful way of minimizing wastes which can be a threat to the people’s health and to the environment at large.
“The President wants a complete inventory of all the documents of all the presidents who had served. This is one way of ensuring good governance,” Quezon said.


Thus, the local government of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte headed by Mayor Alfredo Valdez Jr. launched a campaign on environmental management with their tagline called ‘Kalikasanicolas’.
Quezon also made clear how the Presidential Communications Group, composed of the Presidential Spokesman, the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO), and the PCDSPO, work separately on their mandates of delivering the President’s message to the public.


The tagline is a combination of the Filipino word ‘Kalikasan’ combined with their municipal name San Nicolas.
==News Feature: DOLE supports P-Noy’s labor agenda with nationwide Jobs Fair on Labor Day==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=331335776480
*By: Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon
*''Tuesday, May 01, 2012''


‘Kalikasanicolas’ dealt with the strict implementation of the solid waste management in their municipality. This is in line with national government’s Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
LAOAG CITY- Consistent with President Aquino’s Labor and Employment Agenda, the Labor Department in the Ilocos Region lines up today a Job and Livelihood Fair at the SM City in Rosales, Pangasinan where 8,000 job slots are up for grabs.


Each barangay shall segregate their wastes first before the garbage truck collects them. The segregation includes biodegradable, non-biodegradable, plastic, metal craft, and hazardous waste.
The jobs fair, which is happening simultaneous nationwide, showcases livelihood counseling, franchising opportunities, skills training, and livelihood skills demonstration.


The strict implementation of this program eyes for a complete zero-waste management in the place where commercial establishments continue to rise.
The government has been marking Labor Day celebrations every year with job opportunities in partnership with the private sector as part of its mandate to close the gap in the country’s unemployed.


Vice Mayor Maria Teresa Barrett said, “The residents are still coping up with the implementation. They are still adjusting with the system since before we just collect their garbage with no segregation”
This year’s Labor Day theme: “Pagtutulungan, Pagbabago, Disenteng Trabaho,” seeks to provide Filipinos local and overseas employment.


“But now our waste management board are very strict, they will not collect their waste without proper segregation”, she stressed.
In Region I alone, some 75 employers gathered together offering various positions that include: Customer Service and Technical Support Representatives, Sales Promoters, Production and Finance Supervisors, Restaurant Supervisors and Managers, HR Assistants, Service Crew, Web Developers, Clerks, Accounting Staff, Systems Engineers, IT Personnel, Drivers, Cashiers, Credit Collectors, Office Secretaries, among others.


To implement the program, the local government came up with Ordinance
President Aquino’s labor agenda is focused on investing in human resource to make it more competitive and employable while promoting industrial peace based on social justice.
No. 2011-13. Garbage collection follows a strict schedule and operation and fora are conducted in barangays to remind the locals on proper waste segregation


On the street, garbage containers for different kinds of garbage are lined up for people’s use. A material recovery facility (MRF) is also established in the municipality where proper segregation of the collected garbage are located.
On the other hand, the Department of Labor and Employment’s “Package of Reforms” has been crafted to give meaning and substance to the President’s policy agenda. It is anchored on the President’s social contract with the Filipino people and inspired by his vision of a transformed, just, and righteous Philippines.


To boost the said program, San Nicolas has also acquired a 6-hectare land for the construction of a sanitary landfill.
At least 40 other Job Fairs are happening nationwide.


Alongside with the proper waste segregation, the ‘Kalikasanicolas’ is also doing a regular tree-planting, canal clean-up in barangays, and ‘Itaktak mo’ an anti-dengue campaign during mondays.
The venues of these Jobs and Livelihood Fair are as follows: (1) National Capital Region (NCR)-World Trade Center, Pasay City; (2) Cordillera Administrative Region-Baguio Convention Center; (3) Region 2-People’s Gymnasium, Tuguegarao (tentative); (4) Region 3-People’s Center, Balanga, Bataan; (5) Camp Servillano Aquino, Tarlac; (6) Rizal Triangle, Olongapo City; (7) Nueva Ecija Provincial Capitol, Cabanatuan City (tentative); (8) Region 4-B-Calapan City, Or. Mindoro; (9) Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro (tentative); (10) Region 7-Abellana National School, Cebu City; (11) Abellana Sports Complex, Cebu City; (12) Cebu International Convention Center; (13) Tagbilaran City, Bohol; (14) Panfil B. Frasco Sports Complex-Kai Gym, Liloan, Cebu; (15) BQ Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol; (16) Municipal Hall, Balamban, Cebu; (17) University of San Carlos South Compound, Cebu City; (18) Region 8-Tacloban City Convention Center, Tacloban City; (19) Region 9-Pagadian City; (20) Western Mindanao State University Gymnasium, Zamboanga City; (21) Region 11-Abreeza Mall; (22) Gaisano Mall, Davao City; and (23) Region 12-KCC Mall, Gen. Santos City; (24) North Cotabato Field Office; (25) Sultan Kudarat Field Office; (26) Cotabato City Field Office; (27) Grand Gaisano's South Cotabato Field Office; (28) SARGEN Field Office; and (29) CARAGA-AMA Computer Learning Center, Butuan City.


Mang Herman is very grateful of the program, since the people can now have an avenue for a clean and green society. He now throws his garbage in receptacles along municipal roads on specific days as his participation to the program.
The rest of the DOLE regional offices, namely Regions CAR, 1, 4-A, 5, 6, 10, and 11 will hold their Job and Livelihood Fairs in 24 SM branches in Baguio City; Rosales, Pangasinan; Marilao and Baliwag, Bulacan; San Fernando and Angeles City, Pampanga; Tarlac City; Rosario, Molino, Dasmarinas, and Bacoor City, Cavite; Sta. Rosa City, Calamba City, and San Pablo City, Laguna; Lipa City and Batangas City, Batangas; Taytay and Antipolo City, Rizal; Lucena City, Quezon; Naga City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.


Barrett also hopes that these continuing programs of their municipality instill total awareness to its people for the love of environment. She looks forward for a clean, green and safe municipality to live in.
Other DOLE Regional Job and Livelihood Fairs are taking place in four Robinson’s Place branches in Imus City, Cavite; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; Tacloban City; and General Santos City.

Latest revision as of 14:51, 11 May 2012

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Province of Ilocos Norte - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Ilocos norte capitol 01.jpgIlocos Norte Provincial Capitol

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Ilocos Pride at Summer Trade Fair in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte- Experience Ilocano pride at the 5th OTOP Summer Trade Fair and Garden Show in Laoag City, this province.

Among the products on sale are One-Town, One-Product (OTOP) of the different municipalities of the province which include, among others, mouth-watering longganiza and empanada from Batac City; chichacorn from Paoay; seaweed noodles from Burgos; vinegar and basi from Laoag City; rice coffee from Banna; Ceramics and crispy-licious Chicharon or Bagnet from San Nicolas; binakol abel from the loom weavers of Sarrat, and shell craft from the artisans of Pagudpud.

Other products featured at the trade fair are furniture and home furnishings, gift items and plants.

According to Maricor Racela of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the trade fair “aims to promote local products not only from Ilocos Norte but also from the other provinces in the Ilocandia, especially the OTOP of the various local government units of the province.”

The OTOP is a government program that supports small and medium entrepreneurs and LGUs to develop their products and at the same time market them.

“There are 40 exhibitors, of which some came from Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union and Abra. Trade fairs like this help them market their products,” Racela said.

The trade fair will run from until May 18, 2012 at the Dap-ayan in front of the Provincial Capitol.

It is a project of the DTI, in partnership with the Partuat ti Kailokuan Association, City Government of Laoag and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.

Laoag hospital gets boost from St. Luke's Medical Center

LAOAG CITY- Patients of the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH) can now expect a world class health care service with the formal entry of St. Luke’s Medical Center as its partner in making the hospital the best medical facility in the North.

The partnership between LCGH and the SLMC was sealed by a Memorandum of Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding last March 31.

The agreements are effective for four years and may be renewed by both parties.

The merger paved the way for St. Luke's to assist the city hospital in providing residents a similar total health care system that the premier medical center has been known for.

Laoag Mayor Michael Fariñas said the partnership is part of his administration’s commitment to provide residents the best medical care that is affordable even to ordinary patients.

For his part, Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, SLMC’s Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs, said the joint venture will enable St.Luke's to guide the the local hospital in providing quality health care and total patient satisfaction.

Under both agreements, the parties are bound to fulfill commitments of service through a referral system where the city hospital may refer its patients to SLMC for further diagnosis or treatment and vice versa.

The parties will also undergo education and training where personnel of both hospitals will be benefitted by an exchange of relevant information through lectures, in-house trainings and research in healthcare.

The MOU also provides that expertise development shall be afforded to LCGH doctors through international conferences, consultations through teleconferencing including visiting and rotating privileges.

The LCGH may also request for training of its personnel at SLMC in the areas of nursing, finance, marketing, among others.

Amid the sand dunes of Paoay, an art installation rises

This May, Ilocos Norte celebrates the first La Milagrosa Festival in honor of La Virgen Milagrosa, the province's patron saint.

The weeklong festival culminates on May 10 with “Himala sa Buhangin” at the Paoay Sand Dunes.

The event's centerpiece is an installation by sculptor Leeroy New, whose work has been seen everywhere from alternative theater, international galleries, outdoor spaces, to apparel worn no less than US pop star Lady Gaga.

New, who says his style is influenced by science fiction, took on a different theme for this project. In a video posted on YouTube, New explains that initially the plan was to do a structure that will be burned at the end of the festival.

"It's like a giant bonfire for the festival... which is symbolic of great festivals and feasts and celebrations," said New during Pecha Kucha Night on April 28 at Samtoy Bookshop in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Rabies control to address dog bite incidents in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY- The rising incidents of dog bites in Ilocos Norte could now be better addressed under a three-year program to eliminate rabies in the province.

The Communities Against Rabies Exposure (CARE) program is covered by a memorandum of agreement that was signed between Governor Imee Marcos and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), an international organization, during the First Provincial Rabies Summit held recently.

The project seeks to support the provincial rabies control program by strengthening the following initiatives: prevention of dog bites and human rabies; elimination of rabies in dogs; establishment of surveillance and diagnostic systems; and community advocacy and education on rabies prevention into elementary schools.

Marcos said rabies elimination is necessary if Ilocos Norte wants to maintain a visitor-friendly, healthy community, and environmentally-safe province.

Dr. Loida Valenzuela, provincial veterinary officer, said Ilocos Norte was found to be in the fifth position among provinces that recorded dog bite incidents.

She said the figures are being finalized but she noted that incidents rose by 11 percent in April this year compared to the same period last year.

Valenzuela said her office has already conducted massive dog vaccination and education among community leaders to bring down and eventually aim for a zero-rabies province.

The provincial government also strengthened its Provincial Rabies Control Council through an executive order that would govern rabies control and elimination program.

The council is headed by Marcos, assisted by chairpersons of the provincial board’s committees on health, agriculture and laws. Members are provincial department heads, presidents of the Mayors’ League, Federation of Liga ng mga Barangay, municipal health officers, municipal agriculture officers, federated barangay health workers, senior citizens, non-government groups and the Philippine Information Agency.

Usec Quezon sits down with Ilocos Norte media

LAOAG CITY- Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III arrived in the province yesterday and sat down with the Ilocos Norte media for an hour of discussion dwelling on various areas.

The topicss ranged from President Aquino’s economic agenda, the existence of supposed opposing blocs among Cabinet members, his relationship with the media, and more.

Quezon said his office has been touring around the country engaging the public and the media to amplify the President’s programs and the national government’s work agenda.

“I am here to answer any questions that you might have about how the President works, his leadership style, and how he has been stirring the country since he assumed the presidency,” he said.

He said he chose to engage the media to a discussion as a feedback mechanism on whether or not government programs have made an impact on the public.

Quezon said the President has been working on obtaining the public’s trust in the government by doing his assignment before facing the media for any information that they might want to ask.

“He doesn’t just read the news caps (news bullets) that we provide for him. He reads all papers making sure that he absorbs all the necessary data presented. He is good with data and numbers,” he said.

He said the President’s instructions to his communications team is to answer straightforward or beg off from answering if they are not prepared to support their answers.

“He told us not to pretend to know the answer if we don’t,” he added.

He said the Planning Office is currently working on codifying the laws, issuances, and executive orders that each President of the Philippines had decreed during their terms.

“The President wants a complete inventory of all the documents of all the presidents who had served. This is one way of ensuring good governance,” Quezon said.

Quezon also made clear how the Presidential Communications Group, composed of the Presidential Spokesman, the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO), and the PCDSPO, work separately on their mandates of delivering the President’s message to the public.

News Feature: DOLE supports P-Noy’s labor agenda with nationwide Jobs Fair on Labor Day

LAOAG CITY- Consistent with President Aquino’s Labor and Employment Agenda, the Labor Department in the Ilocos Region lines up today a Job and Livelihood Fair at the SM City in Rosales, Pangasinan where 8,000 job slots are up for grabs.

The jobs fair, which is happening simultaneous nationwide, showcases livelihood counseling, franchising opportunities, skills training, and livelihood skills demonstration.

The government has been marking Labor Day celebrations every year with job opportunities in partnership with the private sector as part of its mandate to close the gap in the country’s unemployed.

This year’s Labor Day theme: “Pagtutulungan, Pagbabago, Disenteng Trabaho,” seeks to provide Filipinos local and overseas employment.

In Region I alone, some 75 employers gathered together offering various positions that include: Customer Service and Technical Support Representatives, Sales Promoters, Production and Finance Supervisors, Restaurant Supervisors and Managers, HR Assistants, Service Crew, Web Developers, Clerks, Accounting Staff, Systems Engineers, IT Personnel, Drivers, Cashiers, Credit Collectors, Office Secretaries, among others.

President Aquino’s labor agenda is focused on investing in human resource to make it more competitive and employable while promoting industrial peace based on social justice.

On the other hand, the Department of Labor and Employment’s “Package of Reforms” has been crafted to give meaning and substance to the President’s policy agenda. It is anchored on the President’s social contract with the Filipino people and inspired by his vision of a transformed, just, and righteous Philippines.

At least 40 other Job Fairs are happening nationwide.

The venues of these Jobs and Livelihood Fair are as follows: (1) National Capital Region (NCR)-World Trade Center, Pasay City; (2) Cordillera Administrative Region-Baguio Convention Center; (3) Region 2-People’s Gymnasium, Tuguegarao (tentative); (4) Region 3-People’s Center, Balanga, Bataan; (5) Camp Servillano Aquino, Tarlac; (6) Rizal Triangle, Olongapo City; (7) Nueva Ecija Provincial Capitol, Cabanatuan City (tentative); (8) Region 4-B-Calapan City, Or. Mindoro; (9) Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro (tentative); (10) Region 7-Abellana National School, Cebu City; (11) Abellana Sports Complex, Cebu City; (12) Cebu International Convention Center; (13) Tagbilaran City, Bohol; (14) Panfil B. Frasco Sports Complex-Kai Gym, Liloan, Cebu; (15) BQ Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol; (16) Municipal Hall, Balamban, Cebu; (17) University of San Carlos South Compound, Cebu City; (18) Region 8-Tacloban City Convention Center, Tacloban City; (19) Region 9-Pagadian City; (20) Western Mindanao State University Gymnasium, Zamboanga City; (21) Region 11-Abreeza Mall; (22) Gaisano Mall, Davao City; and (23) Region 12-KCC Mall, Gen. Santos City; (24) North Cotabato Field Office; (25) Sultan Kudarat Field Office; (26) Cotabato City Field Office; (27) Grand Gaisano's South Cotabato Field Office; (28) SARGEN Field Office; and (29) CARAGA-AMA Computer Learning Center, Butuan City.

The rest of the DOLE regional offices, namely Regions CAR, 1, 4-A, 5, 6, 10, and 11 will hold their Job and Livelihood Fairs in 24 SM branches in Baguio City; Rosales, Pangasinan; Marilao and Baliwag, Bulacan; San Fernando and Angeles City, Pampanga; Tarlac City; Rosario, Molino, Dasmarinas, and Bacoor City, Cavite; Sta. Rosa City, Calamba City, and San Pablo City, Laguna; Lipa City and Batangas City, Batangas; Taytay and Antipolo City, Rizal; Lucena City, Quezon; Naga City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.

Other DOLE Regional Job and Livelihood Fairs are taking place in four Robinson’s Place branches in Imus City, Cavite; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; Tacloban City; and General Santos City.

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