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Difference between revisions of "Ilocos Norte News"

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==Youth attend fun-filled summer classes in Laoag==
==Ilocos Pride at Summer Trade Fair in Ilocos Norte==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=341335318936
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=341336705501
*By: Carlo P. Canares
*By: PIA
*''April 25, 2012''
*''Friday, May 11, 2012''
 
LAOAG CITY- Like other children, Jeaspher is on summer vacation. But more than just having a fun vacation, Jeaspher is also learning. That is because this 10-year old is into badminton. Every morning, he goes to the Laoag City Basketball Court to join 19 other kids to learn to play the sport.
 
Jeaspher and 19 other kids are part of the more than 2,000 youth from Laoag City and nearby towns in Ilocos Norte who are attending fun-filled summer classes as “Sama-Summer Together with MVF” begins.
 
Now on its 8th year, the Sama-Summer is a free activity geared in developing the youth of the city through the conduct of sports clinic, art workshops, and tutorials. A brainchild of Mayor Michael V. Farinas, this activity aims to discover and polish talents in sports, arts, and enhance the academic abilities of the youth in mathematics, creative writing, and computer applications. This also keeps them away from drugs and bad habits, and from being idle.
 
Hipolito Salva, City Sports and Games Regulations Officer, said the participants are enrolled either in Sports, Arts, and Academic Tutorials.
 
Aside from badminton, there are those enrolled in regular sports like basketball, badminton, volleyball, football, taekwondo, chess, lawn tennis, table tennis, among others.


Others are enrolled in painting and drawing, dancing, guitar lessons, basic photography, personality development, creative writing, singing/voice lessons, and public speaking; while other participants are having daily tutorials in General Mathematics.
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte- Experience Ilocano pride at the 5th OTOP Summer Trade Fair and Garden Show in Laoag City, this province.


The classes are being held in various venues throughout the city and will run for one month.
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.


==Laoag City govt offers free circumcision==
Other products featured at the trade fair are furniture and home furnishings, gift items and plants.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=341335146228
*By: Carlo P. Canares
*''April 23, 2012''


LAOAG CITY- As part of its Programs for Adolescents and Reproductive Health, the City Government of Laoag is offering free circumcision this summer.
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.”


According to Felicitas Santiago, City Population Program Officer, everything will be free for the patients, including antibiotics and pain relievers needed for post-surgery.
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.


“We are targeting 500 males, including adults who want to be circumcised,” Santiago said.
“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 activity will be conducted in the following venues: Barangay 59-A, April 23; Barangay 42, April 25; Barangay 49-B, April 30; Barangay 28, May 2; and Laoag City Hall, May 7.
The trade fair will run from until May 18, 2012 at the Dap-ayan in front of the Provincial Capitol.


“Those interested need not enlist as this will be done on a ‘first-come-first serve’ basis. Those from other barangays only have to go to the nearest venue,” Santiago said.
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.


Doctors from the newly-upgraded Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH) and City Health Office (CHO) will conduct the minor surgery. They will be assisted by nurses from the CHO, Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).
==Laoag hospital gets boost from St. Luke's Medical Center==
 
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=331336614352
The activity is conducted in cooperation with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Laoag, LCGH, CHO, DPS and PNRC.
 
==Bangko Sentral upgrades learning center for students, researchers==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=331334907287
*By: Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon
*By: Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon
*''April 21, 2012''
*''Thursday, May 10, 2012''


BATAC CITY– The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has strengthened its Economic and Financial Learning Center (EFLC) to fully serve its clientele who are in need of information in the areas of central banking, economics and finance.
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 EFLC is a one-stop shop where researchers, students, visitors can access data that are produced and monitored by the BSP.
The partnership between LCGH and the SLMC was sealed by a Memorandum of Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding last March 31.


The center, located at the BSP Batac branch office, will be re-launched on May 14.
The agreements are effective for four years and may be renewed by both parties.


“The center symbolizes our commitment to institutionalize and sustain a comprehensive financial education program for all Filipinos,” Matias, galido, Jr., BSP-Batac Deputy Director, said.
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.


On same day, the BSP will also open the Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP) which brings together the BSP’s outreach educational activities under one flagship program.
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.


The program is meant to promote greater awareness on economic and financial issues to help the public generate knowledge and develop the skills that would guide them in their financial decisions.
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.


After the twin launch, BSP will be conducting a briefing on recent economic developments and the role of the BSP in the economy.
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 briefing will focus on the three pillars of central banking which include price and financial stability and efficient payments and settlement systems. A discussion on the new generation Philippine currency will be included.
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.


Other activities lined up after the launching are the following: Financial Empowerment Course for the Academe on May 15; Financial Learning Campaign for Overseas Filipinos and their Beneficiaries on May 16; Financial Empowerment Course for the Workforce also on may 16 and Financial Learning Seminar for Microfinance Clients and the Unbanked on May 16.
The MOU also provides that expertise development shall be afforded to LCGH doctors through international conferences, consultations through teleconferencing including visiting and rotating privileges.


==News feature: More reasons to visit Ilocos Norte this summer==
The LCGH may also request for training of its personnel at SLMC in the areas of nursing, finance, marketing, among others.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=341334886022
*By: PIA
*''April 20, 2012''


LAOAG CITY- More culture. More glorious food. More street pageantry. More hospitality. More fun.
==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''


There are more reasons to visit Ilocos Norte this summer as its towns celebrate festivals amidst eco-tourism wonders, historical pilgrimage sites, cultural treasures and sports-adventure playgrounds.
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.


Badoc, the province’s first town to welcome the wide-eyed traveler, will celebrate the Bado-Badoc Festival from April 19-26. The town is home to the pilgrimage site of the Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady Cause of Our Joy or La Virgen Milagrosa church. For this year’s festival, the town promotes its products made out of corn husks and Bado-Bado grass, which is indigenous in its riverbanks. These raw materials can be fashioned into baskets, table-runners and decorations. There will be parades, street dancing, pageantry and a trade fair showcasing the town’s beauty, talent and products.
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.


Pinili, the next town north of Badoc, celebrates Bawang Festival from April 16 to 20. The festival is a tribute to the town’s major product, Garlic. Street dancing, parades, an agro-industrial trade fair will meet locals and tourists alike to the town’s grand event.
==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''


Not far from Badoc is the town of Currimao, famous for its ‘kakanin’ and beautiful beaches. A coastal town, it pays tribute to its fishermen and primary industry and gives homage to the Almighty for the rich marine life as it celebrates Dinaklisan Festival from April 29 to May 1. People come together for the float parade, street dancing, and the coronation of the town’s loveliest maiden, among others. And on May 1, there will be a grand fluvial parade where fishermen throw their nets into the sea to catch fish (daklis in Iluko) after which the catch will be grilled and shared by the townspeople along the shore.
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.


In nearby Batac City, farmers and the bountiful harvest are the focus of the Farmers Festival of Rural Barangays. Beginning May 1 until May 6, there will be talent contests, an agro-industrial fair showcasing the various products from 30 rural barangays, a Farmers Ball where farmers and their families get together for a night of dancing, a cooking fest focusing on the taste of ‘old Batac’, a carabao-painting contest, a parade of carosas bearing lovely muses from the barangays, a street dancing contest interpreting the various agricultural products and the crowning of Balasang ti Away (Dalagang Bukid) or Farmers Festival Queen of Rural Barangays.
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.


For those who want to trek into the breathtaking mountains of Ilocos and witness the great tribal culture, the town of Adams celebrates Tadek-Bagat Festival until the 20th of April. Tadek is Yapayao word for ‘tribe’ and bagat means ‘celebration.’ The town is home to the Yapayaos and Kankana-eys.
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 province of Ilocos Norte is among the top tourist destinations in the country. Tourism and the preservation of the rich culture and heritage of the province are among the priorities of Governor Imee Marcos. The provincial tourism office has recently unveiled its ‘Paoay Kumakaway’ tourism pitch in the local and international market to attract more tourists. Gov. Marcos is pushing for tourism as one of the province’s largest employer as it consistently generated more jobs and revenues and spawned industries.
Marcos said rabies elimination is necessary if Ilocos Norte wants to maintain a visitor-friendly, healthy community, and environmentally-safe province.


==Indigenous women in Nueva Era trained to processed fruits==
Dr. Loida Valenzuela, provincial veterinary officer, said Ilocos Norte was found to be in the fifth position among provinces that recorded dog bite incidents.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=1911334627893
*By: Cherry Joy S. Discaya
*''April 19, 2012''


LAOAG CITY- At least 35 indigenous women from various rural women organizations were trained to process in-season ripe fruits in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte.
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.


Packed in class and style, women in the said village introduced a food product they called "Salukag Food." Salukag is an Ilocano vernacular meaning strong and healthy.
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.


Venturing into processing fruits helps local farmers to at least return their capital when local market gives low prices to their crops during peak season.
The provincial government also strengthened its Provincial Rabies Control Council through an executive order that would govern rabies control and elimination program.


Fruits like native mangoes are processed into mango pure concentrates, mango jam, and candies.
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.  


A combination of local fruits are also being processed by the women, such as candies named "mangorind," a combination of mango and tamarind and "camorind’ which is a combination of camote and tamarind.
==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''


All their home-made products are tastefully made with a dip of natural honey harvested from their forest with no preservatives.
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.


Nueva Era Vice Mayor Carolyn Garvida, who led the program, encouraged women in their village to venture into food processing for an additional family income.
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.


“Mothers like us are not only concerned on how to take care of our home and family. We have also talents and skills to augment our family income”, she said.
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.


Initially, the local government of Nueva Era shelled out P90,000 to finance the project. Their government aims to provide livelihood assistance to women using what is abundant in their area.
“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.


The local government of Nueva Era hopes to develop a market niche to promote their locally-made food products ready to compete in international market.  
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.


==680,000 tourists arrived in Ilocos Norte for Holy Week==
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.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=1911334284228
*By: Cherry Joy S. Discaya
*''April 16, 2012''


LAOAG CITY- Around 680,000 international and domestic tourists visited Ilocos Norte last Holy Week, a staggering 300 percent increase from last year's number.
“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.


This is based on the records from the owners of hotels, home stay, lodging houses, traffic and tourist centers from around the province.
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.


Based on the province’s official website, hotels and other accommodations were fully booked and others who were not able to reserved were accommodated by private houses while other tourists set-up tents along the shores.
“He told us not to pretend to know the answer if we don’t,” he added.


Governor Imee R. Marcos was overwhelmed with the unexpected increase of tourist visits in the province. Marcos said she did not anticipate that kind of number of tourists to visit the province this year.
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 provincial government gives credit to the television advertisement launched this year, the “Paoay Kumakaway” that has reached millions of viewers aired internationally and locally.
“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.


Tourism campaign through advertisements and online promos also contributed to the success of tourism this year.
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.


Among the most visited destinations in the province were the Kapurpurawan rock formation in Burgos, Rock Formation of Burgos, Pagudpud beaches, Bangui Viewdeck, and the Windmills.
==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
Tourists also got hooked with sand boarding in Paoay and La Paz San dunes. While the Marcos museum in Batac, where the remains of late President Ferdinand Marcos are located, was filled with thousands of tourists.
*By: Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon
 
*''Tuesday, May 01, 2012''
The provincial government continues to beef up the marketing tourism brand of Ilocos Norte to attract more tourists to visit Ilocos Norte and its fine sceneries.
 
The remarkable number of tourists brought livelihood to the locals especially those who sell Ilocano food/ cuisine and souvenir items.
 
Last year, tourists arrivals in the province during the holy week was recorded at 191,300.
 
==Graduating students undergo career, employment coaching==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R01&article=341334284147
*By: Carlo P. Canares
*''April 13, 2012''
 
LAOAG CITY- Graduating students from various colleges of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City attended the Career and Employment Coaching Program conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment recently to guide them in their job search. A total of 1,679 graduating students attended the seminar at the university’s Teatro Ilocandia.
 
Leonavella Dadiz, Information Officer of the DOLE-Ilocos Norte Field Office, said that through the program, they are able to coach the students on employment and provide them with knowledge on labor markets.
 
“We help them prepare themselves in applying for a job. We teach them on how to prepare their resume, how to handle job interviews, and the like,” Dadiz said.
 
The DOLE likewise presented to the graduating students an overview of the labor market – which careers are in-demand and where to apply.
 
“We have an oversupply of graduates from nursing and education that is why they should know what other options they have for their careers. The most in-demand are still in information technology,” Dadiz explained .
 
With the conduct of the above activity, MMSU is confident that their graduates are equipped with the vital and necessary guidance, information and techniques they need in search for employment.
 
==SMEs attend DOLE seminars in Ilocos Norte==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=341334113648
*By: Carlo P. Canares
*''April 12, 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.
 
Dadiz explained that through the checklist, they will be able to evaluate if the businesses are complying with labor standards.
 
“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.
 
“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.
 
==DOLE-INFO conducts Job Fair to 1,224 newly grads==
*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.
 
More than 1,200 new graduates joined the fair held at the University’s Function Hall in Batac City last March 21.
 
Available slots opened in the fair include marketing specialist, accounting, cooperative agents, hotel and restaurant managers and other business administration positions.
 
The activity aimed at providing immediate work for the young graduates so as to minimize unemployment in the country.
 
A total of 663 job vacancies, were offered by the 14 participating local employers who participated in the event.
 
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 Social Security System (SSS) also attended the event to provide automatic enrolment for the employees’ insurance benefit.
 
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.
 
==Fisherman loses arm in dynamite blast==
*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.
 
The injured victim, identified as Esteban Malabo, is now in stable condition at Ablan Hospital.
 
Malabo lost his right arm in the incident and sustained wounds all over his face and body.
 
He can move his body but cannot speak.
 
Doctors said his vision may also be affected because of the blast.
 
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.
 
The victim’s family, meanwhile, said Esteban is a carpenter who only sidelines as a fisherman.
 
They said they did not know that Esteban possessed explosives.
 
Police are considering filing charges against Esteban as dynamite are commonly used for illegal fishing.
 
==Feature: Fire safety always starts with you==
*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.
 
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 observance began in 1967 under Proclamation No. 115-A issued by President Ferdinand Marcos on November 17, 1966.
 
The theme for this year’s observance is “Makiisa, Makialam at Makipagtulungan upang Sunog ay Maiwasan.”
 
All activities of the BFP in observance of Fire Prevention Month are aimed at promoting awareness and knowledge in fire safety and prevention.
 
Laoag City Fire Marshall Bonifacio Sacatrapos reminds you of some fire prevention measures:
 
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.
 
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.
 
Keep matches and lighters away from children’s reach. Teach children that these are not toys to play with.
 
Do not use open flame decorations in the house.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Kerosene and gas stove should be checked for leakage and regularly cleaned.
 
Make sure the kitchen is inspected before retiring at night. Check on the stove, sockets, electricity, among others.
 
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.
 
Do not overload your electrical circuits by profusely putting extra lights and appliances.
 
And if you can afford it, install and maintain smoke alarms to warn you of a fire.
 
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.
 
“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.
 
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.
 
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’.
 
The tagline is a combination of the Filipino word ‘Kalikasan’ combined with their municipal name San Nicolas.


‘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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