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

New PNP Station breaks ground in Piddig - Ilocos Norte

Piddig Ilocos Norte – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional and Provincial Office together with the local government unit (LGU) of Piddig fronted by Hon. Mayor Georgina Salazar Guillen, LGU consultant Engr. Eddie Guillen and Piddig PNP personnel thru P/Sr.Insp. Jephre Taccad administered the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the PNP building of the town on Thursday morning [April 5, 2018].

Mayor Georgina Salazar-Guillen on her speech says that “the LGU is very thankful for the opportunity handed over by the PNP that aims to protect the lives and properties of Piddigenous.” Adding her statement, LGU Piddig consultant Engr. Eduardo Eddie Guillen said that “It’s a long due, but, the wait is over and we will be having our new police station here.”

Gracing the occasion is Director Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula represented Regional PNP Logistics Director P/Sr.Supt. Adolfo Rafanan; DILG Piddig Officer Lea Estabillo; P/Sr.Supt. Jose melencio Nartatex, Jr., represented by P/Supt. Jojie Del Prado and P/Supt. Jay De Guzman.

Rafanan in lieu of Sapitula said that the program is under the capability enhancement strategies of the PNP regional office. He emphasized that the said station will be managed by the local PNP under the umbrella of their provincial office.

The building is a “Class-C” PNP model, a two-story structure that cost around 5 million pesos with a counterpart of the LGU amounting to 1 million pesos for the site development and another fund to be allotted for their office supplies.###

Bernard Ver

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DSWD: Piddig Town Consultant Eddie Guillen shares Best Practices in Convergence Forum || by Bernard Ver

Quezon City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office conducts forum on convergence initiatives to showcase the practices and leanings of the convergence strategy implementation in the country held here on Wednesday [March 14, 2018].

Piddig Consultant Engr. Eduardo “Eddie” G. Guillen, former Mayor of the town in full support of Mayor Georgina Salazar Guillen, shares the convergence initiatives with different national government agencies implemented in the municipality.

Guillen highlighted the support of the stakeholders on their Hands-On Training, Entrepreneurial-Planning and Value Adding on Products in Piddig town -- addressing the convergence project of the government.

Gracing the occasion is the DSWD Under Secretary Maria Lourdes Turalde-Jarabe, DA Assistant Director Edna Samar, NAPC Convergence Model Director Ferdinand B. Hombrebueno, former DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, UP Associate Professor Ebinezer R. Florano and DSWD Director Christian Thomas R. Deloria.

In the meantime, Piddig Ilocos Norte is National Champion for Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development.

(Bernard Ver) 

️

#DSWDMayMalasakit #DSWDParaSaNakararami #PCOO #PartnerForChange#DWCI

RA 7171 fund for LGU Piddig approved – Sangguniang Bayan | by Bernard Ver

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 Monday (February 26, 2018).

The fund is amounting to 125 billion pesos fund from R.A. 7171 is apportioned for local government unit (LGU) of Piddig this year.

Four (4) members of the legislative body agreed namely: SBM Hershey Mandac, SBM Lendell Chua, SBM Wilbor Bringas and SBM Marianito Foronda. The lawmakers believe that the excised tax’s share must be cast-off for agricultural development.

Meanwhile, three (3) councillors strike down and voted “no” to the said resolution namely: SBM Quezon Alejandro, SBM Onofre Bayag and SBM Romulo Helario, Sr. -- they’ve wanted to obligate more time in assessing the fund and scrutinize it well.

In the other hand, SBM Rey Nicolas waved his right to abstain and had no opinion of the said purpose. Also, ABC Federated President Florentino Soriano was absent during the regular session due to a convention he have had attended in Clark, Pampanga.

Nevertheless, municipal mayor Georgina Salazar-Guillen expressed her appreciations to the members of the Sangguniang Bayan on their munificent effort.

 “It is high-time and indeed necessary for the LGU to give what is right to our town-folks especially the farmers,” 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.###

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

Gov. Imee Marcos: Ilocos Norte ready for Bi-centennial Celebration

Laoag City- “This year 2018, Ilocos Norte is set to push the boat for its 200 years of existence in the country,” Governor Imee Marcos said on a press conference held on Tuesday (January 9, 2018).

In history, the name Ylocos (Ilocos) was named by the Spanish conquistadors lead by Juan de Salcedo because of various sheltered coves (looc) in the province.

Geographically, Ilocos Norte covers a total area of 3,467.89 square kilometres (1,338.96 sq m) bordered by Cagayan to the extreme northeast, Apayao to the east, and Abra to the southeast, Ilocos Sur to the southwest, the South China Sea to the west, and the Luzon Strait to the north.

The celebration tails the Royal Decree that was signed on February 2, 1818 splitting Ilocos into two provinces: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Soon thereafter, La Union and Abra likewise became independent provinces. After the partition of Ilocos province in 1818, Sarrat was designated as the capital of Ilocos Norte until its transfer to Laoag within the year.

On the other hand, the Neo Classical-designed Provincial Capitol building that was erected in 1918 under the administration of Governor Florencio Castro turns 100 years old too. The Capitol was enlarged and remodelled in 1957 during the governorship of Antonio Raquiza and was inaugurated on December 28, 1958, under Governor Toribio Peralta.

Meanwhile, this year’s festivity will be participated by 21 municipalities and 2 component cities: Laoag and Batac thru the Tan-ok (Greatness) Dance Festival that is well thought-out by Governor Imee Marcos and tourism officer Aian Raquel showcasing traditions, culture, and beliefs Ilocandia has.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

#ILOCOSNORTE200 #BiCentennial

LGU Piddig attends Year-end Food and Agribusiness Confab

Manila – The Center for Food and Agri Business (CFA) of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) holds ‘Year-end Food and Agribusiness’ conference with the theme “Sustainable Philippine Food and Agribusiness: How to shape the future?” on December 5, 2017 at Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

The first speaker is DR. ROLANDO DY, Executive Director, Center for Food and Agri Business (CFA) to envision the Agriculture Scenarios in 2017-2018; 2^nd topic is Sugar Industry by Ms. ROSEMARIE GUMERA, Planning Manager, Sugar Regulatory Administration, 3^rd is Food Service Industry by MR. PHILIP MORAN COO and General Manager - Amici Foodservice Ventures, Inc., 4^th is Aquaculture Industry by MR. PHILLIP ONG - President, Santeh Feeds Corporation, 5^th is the Animal Health and Nutrition Industry by MR. EDWIN MAPANAO, Chief Marketing officer, Univet.

Among the 6 (six) presenters of the said forum, one of them is Engr. Eddie Guillen, former mayor, now, municipal consultant of the local government unit (LGU) of Piddig, Ilocos Norte who shares LGU’s best practices entitled: “Local Government as Enablers in Agribusiness.” Back on, the town was recognized on its fulfilment to the convergence project of the different environmental agencies in protecting the ecosystem and upbringing consolidated farming in the province.

“This year’s CFA year-end forum focuses on Industry performance of selected commodities as key challenges in sustainable agriculture outlook and strategies in the year to come, 2018” - DR. ROLANDO DY

Meanwhile, the group is planning to have a bench-marking on sustainable agribusiness to LGU Piddig in coordination of Mayor Gina Salazar-Guillen.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

Guillen exhorts Sustainable Consolidated Farming

Ilocos Norte – The Farmers’ Cooperative in Piddig town spearheaded by Municipal Consultant Engr. Eddie Guillen reiterates the importance of consolidated farming to its members and villagers in a forum.

Using advance methodology of farming, Guillen urges the farmers to use the time-table plan and run on the usage of organic fertilizer for the second cropping before year [2017] ends.

“We should bear in our mind and hearts the essence of having a good system using the cooperative, let us work together and give momentousness in a centralized way of farming” – Engr. Eddie Guillen

Aside from that, the cooperative has the capability to lend a money to the members for a period of time with a promise that it will be paid back. Some members took their loan for additional farm supplies, and others for their basic needs.

Beforehand, the municipality of Piddig is recognized globally for best practices in pursuing the convergence project launched by distinctive government organizations–to acquire quality of goods and services for the people.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

#Piddig #IlocosNorte #AgritayoDito #OnlyinPiddig

#Agricuture #Philippines

DENR: Integrating Guissit Subwatershed Sustainable Development

Ilocos Norte – Engr. Sheila Camagong of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Ilocos Norte presents project profile and analysis for Guissit Subwatershed on sustainable development held at the Municipality of Piddig.

Camagong said that “the DENR aims to preserve the water-impounding project in the ecosystem by protecting it from water pollution, soil erosion and providing more trees around it.” The realization of the said proposal is through the collaborative effort of different agencies and stakeholders including the beneficiaries [farmers and town-mates].

The Guissit Sub-watershed serves as water harvesting, storage and designed for flood control by holding as much water during the rainy season for two towns namely; Piddig and Carasi.

Meanwhile, Piddig Consulatnt Engineer Eddie Guillen urges the agency to give more importance on the implementation, not just plans alone. “We are all indeed aware of what is happening in the environment. This (watershed) is one of our solutions for climate change, all our plans are good yet we need to walk our talk from here.”

However, Guillien express thanks to the government agencies and stakeholders in preserving the sub-watershed in the ecosystem and providing additional knowledge to the agronomists of the said towns.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

#DENR #PBS #ParaSaBayan

SB Sec of Sarrat Town on Preventive Suspension from office

Ilocos Norte – The office of the local chief executive of Sarrat Town Engr. Remigio Medrano serves Preventive Suspension against Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Dennis Dante Ribuyaco on the issue alleging the latter on misconduct for his actions caused insult to the integrity of the Sangguniang Bayan and of the municipality.

The issue started on the queries to prove that there is an existing ordinance of the legislative body declaring 22 quarry permitees to hold excavation of gravel and sand at the Padsan River, wherein, the LCE found out that only 5 amongst the 22 granted permitees are registered and legitimate.

The Philippine National Police served the directive last Friday (November 17,2017), yet Ribuyaco was on-leave. Although, Ribuyaco is ready to accept face the suspension and praying for a due process of law provided by the disciplining authority.

Hark back to the ordinance; the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan Vice-Mayor Atty. Edito Alberto Balintona who was then the local chief executive said that “there should be due process before releasing such order.”

Meanwhile, former vice-mayor Esteban Agoy and the rest of the members of the law-making body during that period were called, yet, no one has a clout to speak-out for the allege faults.

For legality, according to the Local Government code of 1991–the Preventive Suspension may be imposed by the Disciplining Authority at any time after the issues are joined; when the evidence of guilt is strong; and given the gravity of the offense, there is great probability that the respondent, who continues to hold office, could influence the witnesses or pose a threat to the safety and integrity.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

Two Execs from Ilocos Norte finished Agri-Business Executive Program | UA&P

Manila – Mayor Remigio Medrano from Sarrat and Pagudpud town Mayor Marlon Sales graduated Agribusiness Executive Program from University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P) on Saturday [November 11, 2017].

Dr. Rolando Dy, ‎Executive Director, Center for Food and Agribusiness -‎University of Asia and the Pacific administered the commencement exercises early today.

A total 46 studes completed the Agribusiness Executives’ Program (AEP) in 6-months [three-day classes every month (Thursday to Saturday)] and receive certificate. The program designed to develop the managerial, analytical and strategic thinking skills of executives and managers in their own community in collaboration with agribusiness industry practitioners and experts.

After completion, they should apply management tools of benchmarking and competitiveness analyses and provides an in-depth understanding of global markets and supply/value chains. The AEP Graduates are considered alumni of the UA&P and are eligible for lifetime membership with endless opportunities for further learning, networking, and enjoyment.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos expresses her warm congratulatory message to Mayor Medrano and Mayor Sales. “It is indeed a great opportunity for our town mayors in availing this kind of program. A continuous development to strengthen their core management skills and leadership,” said Marcos.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

#UAP #Agribusiness #LMP #Sarrat #Pagudpud #IlocosNorte

Sarrat Employees receives Loyalty Cash Award (LCA) - Medrano

(Mayor Remigio Medrano)

Ilocos Norte – Sarrat Town Mayor Remigio Medrano guarantees distribution of Loyalty Cash Award (LCA) for employees who are working for the government.
Medrano said that the cash award will be given before the end of October this year. More than Php 400,000.00 budget to be dispersed based on the Commission on Audit Circular (COA) No. 2013-003.

As per circular order is concern, the cash would be depending on the years of service rendered in a local government unit (LGU) and detailed as follows;

10th year from P5,000.00 to P10,000.00
15th year from P2,500.00 to P5,000.00
20th year - from P2,500.00 to P5,000.00
25th year - from P2,500.00 to P5,000.00
30th year - from P2,500.00 to P5,000.00
35th year - from P2,500.00 to P5,000.00
40th year - from P2,500.00to P5,000.00

“This is good enough in acknowledging their [government employees] efforts and sacrifices on their service for the people, yet, they should be rest-assured to do their job accordingly of what they’d pledged on their oath of office,” added Mayor Merdano.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

IBP-Ilocos Norte holds free Legal Aid in Piddig Town

(Atty. Cherrie Bareng Asistin with the IBP members) 

Piddig, Ilocos Norte – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Ilocos Norte Chapter spearheaded by Atty. Cherrie Grace Bareng-Asistin who initiated a ‘Legal Aid’ [legal consultation] for town folks for free.

Less than 20 participants attended the said activity and more of their queries are concerning on land disputes and ownership. Other participants availed the free public notary on their legal documents.

Attorney Asistin emphasized that this activity is part of the local bar association in their Law Week Celebration with the theme “IBP: Promoting Justice through the Rule of Law.”

“We (IBP) are here to help our "kababayans [countrymen]" in the entire province (Ilocos Norte) with their dilemmas and other concerns on the laws of the land -- under the Republic of the Philippines and our office is open for everyone,” Asistin added.

As part of their notable projects, the IBP has been active in safeguarding the integrity of the bar exams; promoting ethical practices of lawyers, judges, lawyer-politicians, and lawyer-government officials; refraining from any partisan political activity especially during local and national elections; developing legal education and research in law schools and continuing legal education centers; and expanding legal aid offices throughout the country to provide free legal services to indigent Filipinos.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

#IBP #IlocosNorte #Piddig #ParaSaBayan

DOH Health Check-up Caravan now moving in Sarrat

ILOCOS NORTE – The Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with the rural health unit (RHU) of Sarrat town hit the road for the ‘Health check-up’ for free in the 24 barangays of the said place.

DOH Local Health Officer Dr. Cheryl Rasalan-Laguatan said that the caravan is funded by the DOH and incorporated with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), to help the unfortunate and sick villagers especially on medication purposes.

In fact, most of the recipients are from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the office the President. The members must be registered under PhilHealth at least as one of their (patients) requirements.

The said project is in line also with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of the province of Ilocos Norte thru Governor Imee Marcos in maintaining health care and promoting clean environment for Ilocanos.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)

#Parasabayan  #Sarrat #IlocosNorte #Health
#DOH