NFA Ilocos Norte opens 3 leased warehouses as buying stations

By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco

LAOAG CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) —  The National Food Authority (NFA) in Ilocos Norte taps three (3) private warehouses to serve as “buying stations” of palay in the province.

 

These warehouses are located in Callaguip in Batac City named “Johnny B. Lao’s Warehouse” and in Sta. Cecilia, San Nicolas named “Wil-lys Cereal Trading Corp. Warehouse,”  which started to operate both on Oct. 28. The third one is in Libtong, Bacarra named “Calsada Ricemill and Palay Trading Warehouse” which began its operations on Oct. 21.

 

To facilitate the easier transactions of buying and delivering rice supply, farmers are advised to go to the nearest buying stations in their areas.

RICE UNLOADING. Volunteers help in unloading 560 metric tons of rice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) in Japan for the affected families during Tropical Storm Ineng. (photo courtesy of NFA Ilocos Norte)

 

Farmers from Laoag City and from the towns of Adams, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Bangui, Burgos, Pasuquin, Vintar,  Sarrat, Solsona, and Piddig are encouraged to go to Calsada Ricemill and Palay Trading Warehouse in Bacarra.

 

On one hand, farmers from Batac City and the towns of Banna, Badoc, Marcos, Nueva Era, Carasi, Currimao, Paoay, Pinili, San Nicolas, and Dingras are advised to go to Johnny Lao’s Warehouse in Callaguip, Batac City while farmers from some parts of San Nicolas, Dingras, Piddig, Sarrat, Laoag City, and Batac City, may go to Wil-lys Cereal Trading Corp. Warehouse.

 

According to NFA Provincial Manager Eleonor Andres, the local offices of NFA situated in Laoag City and Bacarra have a surplus of rice supply which made them leased privately-owned warehouses to accommodate more palay procurement.

 

“Kung ang ibebenta ng ating farmers ay more than 50 bags of rice, maaari silang makipag-coordinate sa mga team leaders ng warehouses o pwede silang pumunta sa opisina namin sa Laoag City, tabi lang ng Department of Agriculture. Kung less than 50 bags of rice naman, pwede silang magtungo sa express lane at sila ay ma-aaccommodate,” Andres said.

 

The provincial manager also encourages farmers to sell clean and dry palay, so they can enjoy the buying price of P19 per kilogram. At present, NFA cannot accommodate wet palay since the dryer at Dingras Grains Center is still unavailable due to overload in the schedule.

 

In the Ilocos Region, NFA has a total of 29 buying stations located in La Union, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Eastern Pangasinan, and Western Pangasinan. There are more than 300 warehouses across the country which served as buying stations of NFA. (JCR/JNPD/MJTAB PIA-1, Ilocos Norte)

POPCOM-1 intensifies family planning programs, honors outstanding LGU partners

By Joanna P. Diaz-Sabado

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) — There is an immediate and intensive need in the implementation of the family planning through the  National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP), an official from the Department of Health (DOH) said.

In his visit to La Union as a guest during the regional awarding of the Kaunlarang Pantao here, DOH Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, also executive director of the Commission on Population (Popcom), stressed the importance of family planning towards socio-economic development.

“Our goal in the next three years is to achieve the demographic dividend wherein there is no more unmet need in family planning, those who need to avail of the family planning must be provided services,“ Perez said.

He shared that at present, only 40 percent out of 70 percent of married women avail of the modern planning methods.

“There is a gap, which is about four to five million Filipino women, thus we hope to reach them in the rural areas and urban poor communities,” said Perez.

USec. Juan Antonio Perez III in a media interview explaining the NPPFP and other programs of the Commission on Population and Development. (JDS/PIA La Union)

 

In Region 1, Pangasinan was identified as a priority province in the region because of its population.

Under the NPPFP, Popcom aims to reach the grassroots and communities through the mobilization of barangay volunteers and local population officers.

Personnel can assist in providing family planning services and resupply pills and condoms to those who need them through community-based distribution.

Popcom will also help the DOH in the distribution of these family planning commodities in the different local government units.

Meanwhile, in the 2019 Regional Kaunlarang Pantao Awarding Ceremony, most of the awardees are from Pangasinan, bagging the awards on Most Outstanding Provincial Population Office, Outstanding Municipal Office taken by Alcala town, and San Carlos City as Most Outstanding City Office.

Barangay Volunteer Josephine Lacambra from Mangaldan, Pangasinan was recognized outstanding barangay population awardee by the Commission on Population and Development during the awarding ceremonies held on October 25. (JDS/PIA La Union)

 

Meanwhile, Josephine Lacambra from Mangaldan, Pangasinan has conferred the Outstanding Barangay Population Volunteer award.

“We hope to continue the strong partnership with the different local government units in the intensification of our efforts towards our goal in achieving the NPPFP,” USec. Perez said.  (JCR/JNPD/JDS/PIA La Union)

PGIN creates ‘Task Force ASF-Free Ilocos Norte’

By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco

LAOAG CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has tasked concerned government agencies and local officials in ensuring an African Swine Fever(ASF)-free Ilocos Norte by creating a Task Force through Executive Order (EO) No. 30-19, signed by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

The EO is issued to establish a task force that shall implement protective measures in order to insulate the province from possible entry of hogs, pork, and processed pork products afflicted with ASF virus.

FIRST 100 DAYS. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc speaks before media partners and local officials during his First 100 Days Report on October 8 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall. (photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)

 

Sitting as the chairperson, Manotoc is tasked to provide directives to members of the task force, to issue EOs and memoranda relevant to the current situation of the ASF disease based on the present condition in the affected areas as preventive action from the spread of the disease, and to act as the Crisis Manager when ASF incursion occurs.

 

At present, there is no threat of ASF in the province but the provincial government continues to regulate the entry of pork meat outside Ilocos Norte.

 

“Walang ASF na naitala sa probinsiya pero mahigpit pa rin ang pagbabantay ng ating tanggapan gaya ng bilin ni Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc na tignang mabuti ang mga iba’t ibang meat producers dito,” Dr. Loida Valenzuela, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVet), said.

 

The PVet bares there are preventive measures such as quarantine inspection on vehicles transporting meat products in the province and campaign awareness on the 23 municipalities and cities.

 

Quarantine inspection continues to be observed until there is no threat of ASF in the country.

 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency in Ilocos Norte is part of the Risk Communication cluster in advocating ASF as a disease of pigs and not of humans.

 

“This does not affect humans but humans can be carriers of the disease through their clothing, footwear, vehicles, and farm implements,” Valenzuela added.

 

Valenzuela reiterated that local pork is still safe to eat.  (JCR/JNPD/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)

No increase in candles’ price – DTI

By Elsha Marie B. Soriano

DAGUPAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) – In observation of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or collectively known as “Undas,” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pangasinan announced that the suggested retail price (SRP) of candles did not increase and have retained their price since the latest SRP issued by the agency.

Natalia Dalaten, officer-in-charge of DTI-Pangasinan, said the latest SRP of candles dated September 30 was issued to guide consumers especially this coming “Undas”.

Dalaten said DTI monitors the price of candles as it is included in the list of nine basic necessities and 12 prime commodities mandated by the Price Act or Republic Act 7581.

“Candles that are being monitored by DTI are those usually being used by consumers in times of calamities and emergencies, especially when there are instances that electricity is cut off,” Dalaten said.

Dalaten said consumers may have the option to buy other kinds of candles for their dearly departed love ones aside from those classified by DTI as essential candles with the latest SRP such as 5-star Esperma White (#03-20pcs/pack) for P41,  5-star Esperma White (#06-25pcs/pack) for P88, 5-star Esperma White (#08-5pcs/pack) for P115, 5-star Esperma White (#14-4pcs/pack) for P27.50, 5-star Esperma White (#22-2pcs/pack) for P90, Liwanag Esperma Candle White (#05-20pcs/pack) for P72, Liwanag Esperma Candle White (#16-4pcs/pack) for P38, Liwanag Esperma Candle White (#18-4pcs/pack) for P62.50, Liwanag Esperma Candle White (#24-2pcs/pack) for P145.75, Export Vigil Candles white/yellow (#01-12pcs/pack) for P49.75, and Manila Wax Votive white or yellow (#03-6pcs/pack) for P51.

She said consumers may visit the DTI website at http://www.dti.gov.ph or call DTI Pangasinan at the telephone number (075) 515-3183 or 529-6177 for more brands and sizes of candles with SRPs. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)

PSA-1 concludes 30th NSM celeb, confers best implementers

By Anne Hazel Fajardo-Flores

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) –The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region 1 concluded the celebration of the 30th National Statistics Month (NSM) by conferring the winners of the Best NSM Province Implementers at the Conference Hall of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office, here.

 

During the ceremonies on Oct. 29, the Province of Pangasinan was once again adjudged and presented with the award as first place on the search for 30th Best NSM Province Implementer 2019.

 

Pangasinan was followed by the province of Ilocos Sur in second place while La Union province landed in third place and trailed by the province of Ilocos Norte on the fourth spot.

 

The provinces were assessed based on the diversity of related activities conducted and the extent of the participation of the cooperating agencies and local government units (LGUs) joining the month-long celebration.

 

“I am confident that the objectives of this undertaking which is to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of the society are once again achieved,” said PSA-1 Officer-in-Charge and Regional Statistics Committee (RSC) vice-chairperson Atty. Sheila O. de Guzman.

 

30th NSM CLOSING CEREMONY – Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office (PSA-RSSO-1) officer-in-charge Atty. Sheila O. de Guzman delivers her message to the awardees, guests, and visitors during the closing ceremonies of the 30th National Statistics Month celebration held at the Conference Hall of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Office in San Fernando City, La Union on October 29, 2019. (RAV/PIA1)

 

“Your cooperation and support in all the activities signify that we are one in the pursuit of our common vision of a solid, responsive, and innovative statistical system for an empowered Philippines,” de Guzman said.

 

Further, PSA-1 also awarded the certificates and cash prizes of the winners for the oratorical contests namely Joan Reyes representing the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur under the tertiary category and John Angel Macairap of Benigno V. Aldana National Highschool in Pangasinan for the secondary level.

 

Moreover, the agency also presented the cash prizes and certificates of recognition to the winners of the essay writing, poster-slogan making competitions, and the provincial statistics quiz.

 

During the ceremonies, PSA-1 presented the NSM Media Awards to media partners who have contributed to the success of the celebration.

 

The awardees are Philippine Information Agency Region 1, Radyo Pilipinas Agoo, and DZNL Aksyon Radyo for radio broadcast media and the Weekly City Bulletin, the Ilocos Herald, the Watching Eye, the Ilocandia Inquirer, Norluzonian Courier, and Luzon Sunday Report for the print.

 

Members of the NSM Technical Working Group composed of the RSC members were also recognized during the event for the support services they provided in the various activities held in the different locations in the region.

 

30th NSM CLOSING CEREMONY – National Statistics Month- Technical Working Group (NSM-TWG) members representing PIA, NEDA, BSP and DENR receive their Certificates of Appreciation during the closing ceremony of the 30th NSM celebration held at the Conference Hall of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Office in San Fernando City, La Union on October 29, 2019. (RAV/PIA1)

 

“I am looking forward to a more collaborative effort as we continue working together to produce timely reliable data that will support the achievement of our vision of a strongly-rooted, comfortable and secured life for all,” de Guzman added.

 

NSM is an annual celebration pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647. (JCR/JND/AMB/AHFF/PIA1)

Ilocos Norte features local myth, superheroes in Halloween bash

By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco

LAOAG CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) – On its ninth year of installment, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte continues to promote longtime Ilokano traditions of remembering the dead through the annual conduct of Halloween bash.

 

This year’s celebration highlights Ilokano mythology and folklores such as “Lam-ang”, “Ibong Adarna”, “Amihan (White Bird)”, “Saguday (Wind)”, and others. Popular local fantasy characters like “Bagani”, “Darna”, “Krystala”, and “Mulawin” are also showcased.

 

From Oct. 26 until Nov. 9, the provincial government opens an “Ar-aria Night Market” at the western part of the Provincial Capitol building which is an open area for public viewing of entries of the “Ar-aria Film Festival” and live performances of local buskers.

AR-ARIA NIGHT MARKET. Local food and Halloween treats are available at the Ar-aria Night Market in Laoag City, the western part of the provincial capitol building. (photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)

 

 

The Halloween fest is another way of promoting a healthy lifestyle and exercise as “Taray Ar-aria (Zombie Fun Run)” will be staged wherein runners will go through obstacle courses while trying to escape from a horrifying gang of zombies.

 

The “Parada Iloka-Ilokana (Ghost Parade)” is the main highlight of the Halloween bash as this will feature street dancing activity in Laoag City.

 

Moreover, kids are welcomed to join this spooky bash as a “Capitol Halloween Trick-or-Treat” will be opened on Oct. 31 for some 3,000 children and parents wearing creative costumes. Participants will be treated with mystifying surprises as they enter the provincial capitol.

 

“It’s always nice to know that our local government units and private sectors are organizing and pushing for events in addition to what the Capitol is doing. So, it’s good to see that they are interested,” Xavier Ruiz, tourism operations officer of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, said.

 

Another annual event is the “Tumba Festival” in Paoay which is one of the oldest Ilokano traditions. Residents continue the tradition by preparing an exhibit that features food made out of glutinous rice and traditional songs and prayers offered to the departed loved ones.

 

“We are pushing this celebration as an option and attraction for our tourists because technically, this is the start of peak season in Ilocos Norte, heading towards Christmas Holidays until the fiesta season in February. So, it will be nice to have activities like this for added attractions for tourists,” Ruiz ended. (JCR/JNS/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)

OWWA holds reintegration info caravan, membership campaign

By Elsha Marie S. Arguel

CALASIAO, Pangasinan, Oct. 30 (PIA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Ilocos Region conducted on Tuesday, Oct. 29 its 2019 Membership Campaign and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Reintegration Information Caravan at the Robinsons Place Pangasinan here.

Marivic Mondina, chief for programs and services of OWWA-Region 1, said the activity aims to intensify the promotion of OWWA programs and services as well as OFW membership and so that more OFW members and their dependents would benefit from OWWA.

MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN. Almost 400 Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) dependents and OFW members from central and western Pangasinan gathered at the Robinsons Place Pangasinan on Tuesday for the 2019 Membership Campaign and OFW Reintegration Information Caravan spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Region 1. (photo by Elsha Marie S. Arguel/PIA Pangasinan)

 

“The membership campaign and reintegration information caravan aim to strengthen the promotion of OWWA programs and services to the OFW members and their dependents, as well as to raise awareness on the importance of renewing OWWA membership for the OFW members in view of the foregoing challenges in the decline in membership,” Mondina said.

She said all OFW members registered in OWWA can avail services that range from health care, disability and death benefits, scholarships and financial assistance for education and training, workers assistance and on-site services, as well as social services and family welfare assistance.

Likewise, Mondina reminded the participants that membership to OWWA shall be renewed every other year to avail of the said OWWA services.

During the campaign, where OWWA membership, programs and services and the OFW e-cards were introduced, over 350 OFW family members and dependents from western and central Pangasinan participated.

Mondina added that the campaign will also be conducted in SM City Rosales on October 30 to cater to the OFW family members and dependents from eastern Pangasinan. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)

La Union police aim for a safe and secured Undas 2019

By Joanna P. Diaz-Sabado

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) – The La Union Provincial Police Office has laid in place security preparations for the annual observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the province.

“Several local police stations were identified to manage the heavy influx of motorists namely Rosario, Agoo, Bauang, San Fernando City, San Juan, and Bacnotan,” according to PLt. Col. Silverio Ordinando, Jr., Police Community Affairs and Development Branch chief.

He added, “Earlier today, we sent off 140 personnel from the regional and provincial headquarters and the Regional Mobile Force Batallion to augment said local police stations as they lack personnel.”

The Rosario police station has earlier disseminated an alternate rerouting plan to ease the expected influx of motorists bound for Baguio City and those bound northwards to La Union and the northern provinces.

For those going north, motorists can take Barangay Concepcion after Bued River and exit at Amianan Motors, while those southbound can take Damortis, Santo Tomas to San Fabian and exit either Binalonan or Urdaneta City in Pangasinan.

Local and foreign tourists have started flocking the surfing town of San Juan since Oct. 25 for the annual Surf Break and are expected until the coming weekend.

The local San Juan Police Station also gave clearance that the northbound shoulder of the national highway may be utilized as a parking area to give private vehicles space for their parking.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways has likewise activated their “Lakbay Alalay” motorist assistance teams in the region and the province, 7:00 am today until 12:00 noon on November 4.

For the first district, these motorist assistance teams will be deployed along barangay Camilo Osias in Balaoan, Ili Sur in San Juan, and Pagdalagan in San Fernando City.

There will also be assistance teams deployed in Central West in Bauang, San Agustin in Agoo, Damortis in Santo Tomas,  Anduyan in Tubao, Duplas and Camp One, both in Rosario town.

These teams will be deployed round the clock shift to provide assistance in normal and emergency situations, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police and concerned local government units. (JCR/AMB/JDS/ PIA La Union)

Coast Guard on heightened alert for UNDAS 2019

By Joanne Namnama P. Dilim

Commo. Normando D. Reyes of the Coast Guard Northwestern Luzon (PCG) based in San Fernando City, La Union shows to local media their office’s assets ready for deployment in line with the observance of UNDAS 2019. (JNPD/PIA La Union)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) — The Coast Guard Northwestern Luzon (PCG) here is on heightened alert status for the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos in line with the observance of this year’s All Saints’ Day.

District Commander Normando D. Reyes said their station has implemented the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos from Oct. 25 to Nov. 4 as part of the directive of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

In a meeting with local media on Oct. 30, Reyes assured that the PCG is ready to provide the necessary assistance in ensuring the safety of the public especially in major resorts and beach areas in the region.

“In Region 1, we do not have a commercial seaport, so our focus is to deploy our personnel in beach areas such as in Lucap Wharf in Alaminos City, Pangasinan and in San Juan, La Union where the influx of tourists is expected,” said Reyes.

He said some 300 PCG personnel here have been grouped into teams to perform specific functions when maritime concerns occur within their area of responsibility.

“Kami po ay handa na tugunan ang anumang problema sa dagat,” he stressed.

 

Local media in Region 1 interviews Commo. Normando D. Reyes of the Coast Guard Northwestern Luzon regarding their office’s readiness in the observance of UNDAS 2019. (PIA La Union)

La Union police aims for a safe and secured Undas 2019

By Joanna P. Diaz-Sabado

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) – The La Union Provincial Police Office has laid in place security preparations for the annual observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the province.

“Several local police stations were identified to manage the heavy influx of motorists namely Rosario, Agoo, Bauang, San Fernando City, San Juan, and Bacnotan,” according to PLt. Col. Silverio Ordinando, Jr., Police Community Affairs and Development Branch chief.

He added, “Earlier today, we sent off 140 personnel from the regional and provincial headquarters and the Regional Mobile Force Batallion to augment said local police stations as they lack personnel.”

The Rosario police station has earlier disseminated an alternate rerouting plan to ease the expected influx of motorists bound for Baguio City and those bound northwards to La Union and the northern provinces.

For those going north, motorists can take Barangay Concepcion after Bued River and exit at Amianan Motors, while those southbound can take Damortis, Santo Tomas to San Fabian and exit either Binalonan or Urdaneta City in Pangasinan.

Local and foreign tourists have started flocking the surfing town of San Juan since Oct. 25 for the annual Surf Break and are expected until the coming weekend.

The local San Juan Police Station also gave clearance that the northbound shoulder of the national highway may be utilized as a parking area to give private vehicles space for their parking.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways has likewise activated their “Lakbay Alalay” motorist assistance teams in the region and the province, 7:00 am today until 12:00 noon on November 4.

For the first district, these motorist assistance teams will be deployed along barangay Camilo Osias in Balaoan, Ili Sur in San Juan, and Pagdalagan in San Fernando City.

There will also be assistance teams deployed in Central West in Bauang, San Agustin in Agoo, Damortis in Santo Tomas,  Anduyan in Tubao, Duplas and Camp One, both in Rosario town.

These teams will be deployed round the clock shift to provide assistance in normal and emergency situations, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police and concerned local government units. (JCR/AMB/JDS/ PIA La Union)