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) 

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#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

LGU Piddig buys rice straws, yields fertilizer

ILOCOS NORTE - The local government unit (LGU) of Piddig in the province of Ilocos Norte buys “garami [rice straw]” from farmers to produce organic fertilizer using the method of vermicomposting.

Agriculture and municipal consultant Engr. Eddie Guillen says that “the municipal agriculture office will collect the dry stalks from the farmers and will pay them for more or less Php 5,000.00 per farmer who manages the land.”

The bale of hays will undergo composting or grass-cycling to produce organic fertilizer and the finish product will be given back to the farmers’ cooperative for free.


“The project aims not just to help the farmers on their daily needs to include farming, but, encouraging them also to save the Mother Earth–not to burn rice straws,” said Mayor Gina Salazar Guillen.

In the year 2007, an ordinance banning the burning of rice straw was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte. However, strict implementation in the entire province of Ilocos Norte must be unyielding.

(Bernard Ver, PBS/DWCI)
       #ParaSaBayan

Differently abled Man enters grade school at 40 

ILOCOS NORTE – Jay Calivoso, 40, member of PWD from Apaya Village in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte enters grade school at his age.

He was warmly welcomed at AMAROSA Elementary School on his first day yesterday.

Braced with confidence and perseverance, Calivoso enters grade one and met his classmates on their orientation day.

"Kayat ko ti makasursuro ken tapnu ‘di dak to uy-uyawenen [I want to learn so that they will never bully me anymore],” Calivoso said.

Jay, a Poliomyelitis victim often called ‘polio’ (infectious disease caused by the poliovirus) suffers to walk on his way to his destinations. His righ foot was affected.

Nevertheless, his primary aim is to finish studies even in elementary level only, as long as he can and believes that there is no greater achievement than education.

Meanwhile, Calivoso is currently living with his aunt together and does farming in a land owned by a private family near the city. 

 -Bernard Ver/Frances Alegre, Bombo Radyo Philippines

IMELDA MARCOS: Ilocos Norte is self-supporting province

LAOAG CITY - Ilocos Norte 2nd District Congresswoman Imelda Romualdez Marcos broke her silence and share some thoughts on how the province (Ilocos Norte) worked-hard and show their potentials to survive after the death of her husband, the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.

Imelda Marcos with Ilocos Norte Press Corps

"Mula noong yumaon si President Ferdinand Marcos, napag-iwanan na ang Ilocos Norte, nalimutan at naging self-supporting pero naipakita ang galing at potensyal ng Ilocano," Marcos said.

This is her observation after 3 decades and believes that that the only hope of the country is to be united as one and not to fight to foul others.

Meanwhile, she was surprised when heard that some presidential candidates are willing to support Senator Bongbong Marcos on his race to vice-prexy.

She just smiled to the media and said; "We were able to unite and to show to the world the potential of Ilocos Norte [pertaining to BBM]. Let us all be together and win together."

Imelda Marcos, 86, known to be one of the strongest women in the world, still down to earth talking and she never wanted to throw muds against critics of her family. - Bernard Ver, Bombo Radyo Philippines

Binay's visit up north

Almost an hour, when Presidential Candidate Jejomar “Jojo” Binay visits Ilocos Norte Capitol.

Press conference follows at the Office of the Governor.

“Depende sa kapatid ko… Kapag tinanung mo sya, depende sa Manang ko…” (It depends upon my brother… if you ask him; It depends upon my Eldest Sister) - Governor Imee Marcos answers the question if his brother (Bongbong Marcos) will support Binay.

Moreover, Binay’s followers in Ilocos were felt during his stay…
- Bernard Ver, Bombo Radyo Philippines

#BomboRadyoPhilippines
#BomboRadyoLaoag
#TheVote2016
#IlocosNorte

News IN (Ilocos Norte)

News IN (Ilocos Norte)

News IN (Ilocos Norte): SUSPENSION ORDER IMPLEMENTED AGAINST THREE EXECS IN ILOCOS NORTE

News IN (Ilocos Norte): SUSPENSION ORDER IMPLEMENTED AGAINST THREE EXECS IN ILOCOS NORTE

EDSA Anniv: Marcos loyalist, emotional

Laoag City – Tears fall down from a loyalist of Marcos family as he tells story of their visit in Hawaii during EDSA revolt.

Mr. Napoleon Marcos, former barangay chairperson of Dibua South Village in Laoag City got emotional during an interview at Bombo Radyo. Marcos remembers the last visit of the late president Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. in Makiki Heights-Hawaii during exile.

The former added that their money during that time including some personal documents was confiscated by the Consul General of Hawaii. He further stated that they only eat less and no financial stability.

However, friends of Marcos and other Ilocano immigrants helped the family in their daily needs by sharing some money from their monthly salary and personal income.

Meanwhile, Mr. Napolen Marcos stayed in Laoag City for good.

Remembering Epifanio de los Santos Avenue

3 decades after the unforgettable February 25, 1986 when the People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986) surprised the world.

Series of demonstrations in the Philippines thru campaign of civil resistance against allege Marcos’ violence and electoral fraud that led to the departure of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines during that time felt the presence of Yellow Revolution. They tied yellow ribbons on trees and other civilians put it on their head as a sign of democracy. Some Filipinos believes that a 20-year running authoritarian, President Marcos was involved in the assassination plot of the late senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., but up to this date, no proof that confirms such.

At present, President Benigno Aquino III urges the Marcos family to say sorry and mentioned vice-presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos to admit the fault even if it was the head of the family. (Bernard Ver – Bombo Radyo Philippines)

SUSPENSION ORDER IMPLEMENTED AGAINST THREE EXECS IN ILOCOS NORTE

The Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan - Ilocos Norte affirmed its order of suspension for six (6) months against Solsona Mayor Jonathan L. De Lara, Vice-Mayor Joseph E. De Lara and Councillor Edison E. De Lara for Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct, and Conduct Unbecoming Public Officers.

The Order approved on 10 December 2015 stated that it is “final and executory after the lapse of thirty (30) days from receipt of copies thereof by the respondents, and considering further that a copy thereof was received by all the respondents on November 10, 2015.” The said Order released by SP was signed by Governor Imee Marcos.

Meanwhile, a photocopied Stay Order from the Office of the President posted in front of the Mayor’s office stating that a Most urgent Ex Parte plea for a Stay of Execution Order. Wherein, stated also “to prevent the appeal of the respondents from becoming moot and academic, and to enable the office of the President to sufficiently consider the merits thereof, the execution of the Decision dated 09 November 2015 of the Sangguninag Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte is hereby stayed pursuant to Section 9 of Administrative Order No. 22, series of 2011.” So ordered and signed by Deputy Executive Secretary for legal Affairs, Menardo I. Guevarra.

Moreover, the Office of the Mayor (Jonathan De Lara) was closed and nobody is present to receive the Suspension Order from the Sangguninang Panlalawigan, although, it was posted on the entrance door of the said office.

The De Laras’ were not seen around the Municipal Building and no one is present also in their houses. However, their legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Agustin states that “the Stay Order from the Office of the President is valid and there is no more explanation about it and it is clear under the law, with due respect to the Executive Body of the Philippines that mandate such.” (Bernard Ver - Bombo Radyo Philippines)

Flitches of Narra Tree found abandoned, recovered by PNP

SOLSONA, Ilocos Norte.

Recovered flitches of Narra Tree (Pterocarpus indicus).

82pcs of alleged illegally cut Narra tree, abandoned along brgy road of sitio Cabatakan, Barangay Sta. Ana, Solsona.

Authorities spearheaded by PSr.Insp. Leonardo Tolentino including local government officials lead by Mayor Jonathan de Lara inspected the area and discovered that it was placed near the house of Sta. Ana Barangay Chairperson Nestor del Castillo.

Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) forest rangers conducted the evaluation of the flitches. They obtained a total of 1,384.13 board feet and if it will be multiplied by 95 (estimated average market value) the grand total would be Php. 131,492.25.

"The investigation is still in progress and we need to have a witness in order for us to file a case against the perpetrators.," Tolentino said.

However, Solsona Councilor Mark del Castillo as the committee chairperson on environment urged to have a thorough investigation together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

Although, PNP is now preparing for some documents ready to be filed in the prosecutors office against the suspect once busted due to violation of PD 705 also known as "Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines." (Bernard Ver - Bombo Radyo Philippines)