80 MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES FOR 80 BARANGAYS: ALCID ADMINISTRATION DELIVERS FOR LAOAG CITY

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE — In a major boost to grassroots service delivery, the City Government of Laoag under the administration of City Mayor James Bryan Alcid is set to distribute 80 brand-new Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) to all 80 barangays of Laoag City.

One barangay, one multi-purpose vehicle — this is the commitment fulfilled by the Alcid administration under its flagship governance mantra "ALISTO ASENSO PROGRESO."

The 80 units of brand-new Isuzu MPVs, as seen lined up and ready for turnover, will serve as vital service vehicles for each barangay. Each unit is equipped with emergency blinkers, roof racks, and is clearly marked with its respective barangay, ensuring it can be utilized for various frontline services.

These vehicles are expected to be used for emergency response, medical transport, disaster operations, delivery of basic services, and other barangay-related activities — bringing government service closer and faster to every Laoageño.

According to the City Government, this is one of the largest single barangay support programs in the history of Laoag City. It aims to empower barangay officials and make them more responsive and mobile in addressing the needs of their constituents.

Mayor James Bryan Alcid emphasized that strengthening the barangays is strengthening the city itself.

The official turnover and blessing of the 80 MPVs is expected to be held in the coming days at the Laoag City Government complex.

This project proves that under the leadership of Mayor James Bryan Alcid, no barangay will be left behind.

• Bernard Ver @ BNC 

ILOCOS NORTE SIZZLES AT 37TH PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART: P32M+ IN SALES, P575K IN EMPANADAS AND MSME PRODUCTS

PASAY CITY – Ilocos Norte brought more than just destinations to Metro Manila – it brought the taste, charm, and heart of the province to the 37th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), and the results speak for themselves.

The Province of Ilocos Norte recorded over P32 million in sales and potential hotel and tour bookings, along with P575,000 in actual sales of Ilocos Empanada and MSME local products during the three-day travel expo held at the SMX Convention Center.

“But beyond the impressive numbers, what truly made the Ilocos Norte booth stand out was the experience,” said Mr. Xavier Ruiz from the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office.

The idea behind the booth: bringing the familiar charm of an Ilocos empanadahan into the middle of Metro Manila. Simple, familiar, and a part of the everyday landscape and culture Ilocanos grew up with.

Crowds didn’t just stop by to inquire about destinations and travel packages. They stopped to eat empanada, discover local products, and experience a little piece of Ilocos Norte in the heart of the metro.

From its vibrant display to the irresistible aroma of freshly cooked empanadas, the Ilocos Norte booth became a crowd favorite – a reminder that the best travel memories often begin with food, stories, and genuine hospitality.

With this strong showing at the country's biggest travel mart, Ilocos Norte once again proves why it remains one of the Philippines’ top destinations – where every visit is not just a trip, but a taste of home.

Shout: “Ilocos Empanada, ano tara? Mangantayon!”

• Bernard Ver @ BNC

#IlocosNorte #TravelMartPH #PTM #SeeIlocosNorte 

Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba joined local officials and DOST stakeholders for the inauguration of a new Hybrid Solar Power System at the Laoag City Pyrolysis Facility.

The project integrates solar energy with the city’s waste-to-energy pyrolysis operations to reduce reliance on the grid, lower operating costs, and support Laoag’s sustainable waste management program. The hybrid system is designed to power key facility equipment using clean, renewable energy while maintaining operational reliability.

DOST Secreatay Dr. Renato U. Solidum noted that the system is expected to cut energy expenses at the facility and improve the overall efficiency of waste processing, helping keep Laoag cleaner while advancing climate-resilient projects.

Mayor James Bryan Alcid reaffirmed his support for programs that promote renewable energy, solid waste solutions, and innovation-driven development in the City of Laoag. via Bernard Ver #AMB #AMBilis #Alisto⚡️

SAND BOX unboxing with Sandro Marcos

 https://youtu.be/Jf_QBW-d6HI

Couple teachers, died in road mishap in Apayao Town | 𝚒𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚊

APAYAO – The couple educators riding on a motorcycle met an accident in Barangay Mataguisi, Pudtol, Apayao while on their way to school early today, October 30, 2020.

The victims were identified as April Mark Abad Ventura and Jaysa Tadlang Agustin Ventura, Barangay Dagupan, Luna, Apayao. Both died while on life revival in the Far North Hospital and Cagayan Valley Medical Center, respectively after head-on collision with a dump truck from a private company.

According to Police Senior Master Sergeant Michael Ulep, Case Investigator, the said truck was in a hurry with fellow trucks that witnesses claimed that they were having a competition. The said truck on a high speed lost its control near the sharp curve lane where the motorcycle traversing in an opposite direction that resulted to ‘head-on collision’.

The driver immediately surrendered to the Philippine National Police and identified as Reynaldo Aquino Maruquin from Sta. Marcela Apayao. Maruquin will face charges against Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) or reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide. He shall be punished with the penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods. # Bernard Ver, RMN News

Bike and Surf Zipline in Vintar, Ilocos Norte | Bernard Ver

NCAA, PIA commence Heritage Caravan 2018

https://bernardver.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/ncaa-pia-commence-heritage-caravan-2018/

LAGUNA – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) in cooperation of the Philippine Information Agency launches Heritage Caravan 2018 in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) province in Sulyap Hotel in San Pablo, Laguna.

The NCAA and PIA officials gather together with media practitioners, bloggers, vloggers, and writers for a four-day cultural heritage caravan from seven regions namely CAR, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and the host region Calabarzon for November 15 to 18 coverage.

In the opening program, Cristina Arzadon, PIA Director in the Calabarzon region, said that the heritage caravan is year-long promotions of NCCA and PIA that showcase cultural sites in Region IV-A ranging from historical towns, homegrown industries, museums of national artists, a renowned festival, including a tour of traditional Filipino culture.” Arzadon introduced also the participants from the different regions and the members of the PIA force.

A welcome dinner was served for the participants prepared by the NCCA and PIA in Sulyap Hotel here. The name ‘Sulyap’ means the glimpse of the past, wherein, you can still witness the old Spanish style house from roof to floorings. The food are plain Filipino cuisine like pancit molo soup, ensaladang pako (fern salad), bistek tagalog (beefsteak), kulawong puso ng saging (banana heart in coconut milk) and karekareng oxtail. Lanzones and rambutan from Quezon province served as panghimagas (dessert).

Meanwhile, Quezon Provincial Tourism Officer Jun Bay initiated the “tagayan” – an old traditional wine tasting in the “umpokan” (crowd) of a “piging” (celebration). Bay taught every participant on how to execute it during ‘umpokan’ using Lambanog (coconut wine). According to him, it must be celebrated with respect, love, and equality. Everybody must taste it. The participant must say “naay po” (cheers) before drinking and the crowd responses with “pakinabangan po” (with a value).

The program ended successfully. The evening continues and some of the participants spare their time taking pictures and some preparing for their good night sleep — ready for the activities the next day.

Last year, a similar caravan tour covering Luzon regions from Regions 1 to 3 and the Cordilleras highlighting their rich cultural heritage and preservations since the colonial era lasted in the Philippines.

Bernard Ver, Ilocos Times

#ArtPride #PrideOfRace #ProudOfHeritage #HeritageCaravan#NCCAPIAHeritageCaravan #PIARegion1

Municipal Council of Piddig ratifies R.A. 7171 resolution | PcoNet Work

Piddig, Ilocos Norte – The Office of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Piddig, Ilocos Norte ratified a resolution from the Municipal Development Council to dole out tobacco excised tax share for the local farmers on Friday (April 27, 2018).

The fund is amounting to 125 million pesos from R.A. 7171 (Tobacco Excised Tax) is apportioned for local government unit (LGU) of Piddig for the year 2018.

Seven (7) members of the legislative body cast their votes for the approval namely: SBM Hershey Mandac, SBM Lendell Chua, SBM Wilbor Bringas, SBM Marianito Foronda, SBM Romulo Helario, Sr., SBM Rey Nicolas and ABC Federated President Florentino Soriano. The lawmakers believe that the excised tax’s share must be cast-off for agricultural development.

Meanwhile, two (2) councillors strike down and voted “no” to the said resolution namely: SBM Quezon Alejandro, SBM Onofre Bayag — they’ve still wanted to obligate more time in assessing the fund and scrutinize it well, in aid of legislation.

Though, municipal mayor Georgina Salazar-Guillen expressed her appreciations for the second time around to the members of the Sangguniang Bayan on their munificent effort.

“It is necessary for us (the LGU) to give what are due to our town-folks especially the farmers, and I thank all the members who in one way or another gave their efforts on this resolution. Rest-assured that we will implement all the projects for the betterment of Piddig ” added Mayor Guillen.

The allotted funds from the excise taxes (RA 717) are divided among beneficiary provinces. The laws says, must have an average annual production of leaf tobacco of no less than one million kilos.

It can only be utilized to develop the capacity and capability of tobacco farmers through: Cooperative projects, Livelihood projects, Agro-industrial projects and Infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads to ease transportation and lessen costs.

“Session is adjourned and the resolution was adopted and approved by the body!” – Vice-Mayor Generoso Aquino, Presiding officer. ###

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

#FOI #RA7171