The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter The Department of Education (DepEd) Ilocos Norte Division Office is all set for the opening of classes on June 2. With the launch of Brigada Eskwela on May 19, education officials, parents and other volunteers proved that the “bayanihan” spirit in the province is very much alive. During the event, construction materials were brought by parents and volunteers to help prepare classrooms and other facilities for the June 2 opening of classes. Ilocos Norte division officer-in-charge Joel Lopes said the Ilocano spirit of bayanihan becomes more visible in times like this when all concerned education stakeholders take time out to help out during the week-long Brigada Eskwela program. “Brigada Eskwela encourages the cooperation and volunteerism among stake holders to partake in the preparation of schools. “I am happy to spend a little time to my school Alma Mater this morning for the Brigada. In the service of men for the Glory of

NOW THE shoe is on the other foot. After executing a tell-all affidavit complete with the list of names of those supposedly involved in the pork barrel scam, Janet Lim Napoles have seemed to have taken the chair from under those lawmakers investigating the scam. Now, everyone—well, mostly everyone—is now being accused of involvement in the scam. How this saga degenerated into a battle of “lists” is a source of amazement. And we cannot help but wonder if this is the work of savvy and cunning individuals to confuse the public and put doubts on the integrity of those investigating the scam. The problem with the situation now is Ms. Napoles seems to have taken the front seat in the issue. Now it seems, it is her who has become credible and trustworthy. She now even has the gall to ask for immunity for her to “tell all”. And as it all pans out, we now no longer need to wonder how Ms. Napoles almost got away with the scam—with ruthless cunning and the uncanny ability to turn t

Their right hands were raised as they recited the oath of office—in solemnity and grace—so help me God. These officers have their own individual leadership styles; yet, they can pledge to work together towards one common ground and one common goal. The ISAH’s slogan: “Working together to Rebuild our communities and Our Homeland” combined with the theme: Taldiap Ti Probinsia Ti Ilocos Sur” [A Glimpse of Ilocos Sur Province”.] Witnessed by guests and Friends of Ilocos Surian: Jean Jeremiah, Angie Santiago, Baybee Ablan, Alex Vergara, Jesse Pascual, Fred Quibol; former Mrs. Hawaii Filipina Jema Geronimo and husband Mel; Angel Dytioco, Mrs. Dytioco, Larry Ramirez, Connie Ramirez, others The oath-taking was officiated by acting Consul General Roberto Bernardo, and the guest speaker is US Senator Brian Schatz. President Danny Villaruz, from Rancho, Santa, Ilocos Sur. A community leader, a retired senior auditor of the Hawaii State Dept. of Taxation; volunteer and business

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter THE SANGGUNIANG Panlalawigan has issued a one-month preventive suspension order to Bangui Mayor Diosdado Garvida. The preventive suspension is in line with the provincial board’s ongoing of the investigation of an administrative complaint filed against the mayor. Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos confirmed the suspension order on May 23. Ms. Marcos said the board recommended the preventive suspension of Garvida as they probe the charges filed against him. Mr. Garvida was accused of allegedly firing his gun in trying to stop a quarry operator from extracting gravel and sand. The Bangui mayor said the operator was unable to show any permit for his activity. The suspension order was already served. The preventive suspension was to prevent Mr. Garvida from influencing the hearing of the charges filed against him. The charges were filed by a Kremlin Alupay, owner of the private lot where the extraction was ta

DILG regional officer-in-charge Julie Daquioag personally hands over a P3 million check to Laoag City mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas. The check is the city government’s share in the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). The turnover ceremony was held at the DILG provincial office witnessed by local DILG officials led by Roger Daquioag. (Doms dela Cruz)

Batac mayor Jeff Nalupta and Cabadbaran mayor Dale Corvera signs the sister city agreement. (Photo courtesy of Batac government) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Batac City —The cities of Batac and Cabadbaran in the province of Agusan Del Norte has signed an agreement establishing sister city links on May 4 at the Batac City Hall. The signing was of the highlights of the recently concluded 6 th Batac Farmers’ Day celebration. Batac mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta and Cabadbaran mayor Dale Corvera led the signing and was witnessed by officials of both cities. Like in the city of Cabadbaran, Nalupta said agriculture is also one of the main livelihood in Batac and its prime products are rice, corn and high value commercial vegetables. Nalupta added that Batac is preparing to become one of the most important economic centers in Northern Luzon in the next 10-20 years. In exchange for the visit of Cabadbaran officials, Mr. Nalupta said a similar delegation

If she wins as governor, her critics warned in 2010, she will probably spend more time in Metro Manila than in the Ilocos Norte Capitol.  “She will be bored here,” they said matter-of-factly. Sure, Imee Marcos had served as congresswoman for nine years but that job meant more time spent in the nation’s capital. Four years and one reelection later, the cynics, or whatever have remained of them, are silent. Many may now even be singing a different tune. Looking at how things are going on for the province, it has become increasingly difficult not to admire Imee Marcos as a leader. Highly popular and well-loved, she has attained “rockstar” status never before seen in this part of the country. Here are 10 reasons why: 1. Hands-on leadership, good governance To begin with, Imee has consistently proven, both in moments of joy and in times of disaster, that she is a hands-on governor. Even young employees at the Capitol are having difficulty keeping pace with the lady leader who