Balitang Ilocos TV

26/04/2024

Bike race ti Brgy Sta Asuncion San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

24/04/2024

Gov. Marcos Manotoc urges Ilokano Athletes to uphold sportsmanship, unity at R1AA 2024 opening



“To the players, play your best, play hard, but respect your opponents, and respect the game. Kahit manalo o matalo, we accept the result and shake the hand of our opponent and the referee or umpire. As they say, may we be humble in victory, and gracious in defeat,” Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked during the opening program of 2024 Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet on April 22.



He also offered the use of the Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Memorial Stadium to the whole region, stating, “This Marcos stadium is not only the home of sports of Ilocos Norte, and it is not only Ilocos Norte’s, but it is also yours, it is Region One’s, and we invite you and remind you that you are always welcome to train here.”



The FEM stadium is one of the Provincial Government’s big ticket projects which serves as Ilocos Norte’s center for sports and community events.



Over 10,300 athletes and coaches from the 14 schools divisions of Region 1, namely, from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan I, Pangasinan II, Alaminos City, Batac City, Candon City, Dagupan City, Laoag City, San Carlos City, San Fernando City, Urdaneta City, and Vigan City, will compete in the R1AA meet.



Meanwhile, Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr., Schools Division Superintendent of the Division of Ilocos Norte assured the public that all necessary preparations were already observed in order to keep the delegates comfortable on the billeting schools.



Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino, Regional Director of DepEd RO1 additionally remarked, “We are here now in order raise the flag for Region 1. At the end of the day, all of us, together are going to Cebu City.”



Moreover, Gov. Marcos Manotoc also emphasized the significance of unity as he reminded the young Ilokano athletes to remain humble and be respectful of their opponents.



“For after all, let us all remember, we are all Ilokano, so were all on the same team,” he said.

He further pledged to improve the coaching and nutrition of players as well as expand playing venues to give young athletes greater exposure.



Gov. Marcos Manotoc’s commitment to these improvements will enable the province to host more competitions in the future, particularly the Palarong Pambansa 2025, as he works to further establish Ilocos Norte as the sports hub of Northern Luzon.



The R1AA 2024 will be conducted until April 27, 2024, while the Palarong Pambansa 2024 is scheduled from July 11 to 15, 2024 at Cebu City.—Don Martinez, PGIN-CMO Intern

22/04/2024

21/04/2024

4X4 at sand boarding adventure, patok ngayong mainit ang panahon sa Paoay, Ilocos Norte

21/04/2024

PGIN empowers local information officers thru communication training



Some 80 information officers from various provincial offices of national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Norte participated in the Effective Government Communication and Public Information Training on April 19, 2024, at Sola Hotel, Laoag City.



The training was spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte's Communication and Media Office (PGIN-CMO) in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Ilocos Norte, aimed to equip information officers with essential strategies for news writing, media relations, social media branding, and editing.



Assistant Secretary Michael Kristian R. Ablan of the Department of Trade and Industry, served as the keynote speaker. In his address, he emphasized, “Our jobs as government communicators are very difficult, it is because bad news is very attractive. Bad news is visible and good news is invisible, but may sapat na laban ang good news at government officers, the social media is weakening our local media."



"The works that you write today will be the ones that our future generations will read and know about, hone your art, be a good communicator, always remember that you are doing something good to our community," Asec. Ablan added.





Participants actively engaged in hands-on exercises, learning effective news writing and public relations strategies, thereby gaining valuable insights that elevate the quality of government communications and information dissemination in the province.



Moreover, Mr. Gervy James N. Gumarit, head of PGIN-CMO, also shared his thoughts, stating, “The training and lessons you gain from this event are secondary to its primary purpose. The main goal of this event is to establish a strong and unified network of information officers, allowing us to meet and connect with each other."



Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remains committed to enhancing the accessibility of communication in the province, ensuring that Ilokanos have access to timely and accurate information and active participation in local governance.



The event featured notable speakers such as Mr. Benjamin Pacris, former PIA Ilocos Sur Information Center Manager; Mr. Edison Justin B. Deus, head writer of PGIN-CMO; Ms. Emma Joyce Guillermo, Information Officer of PIA-Ilocos Norte; and Mr. Ryand Angelo Ugalde, Associate Editor for Broadcast of Sirmata, who shared their expertise and experiences in various aspects of communication and public information.—Mariell J. Pahinag, PGIN-CMO

01/08/2023

Gov. Marcos Manotoc leads post-calamity ops as ‘Egay’ leaves Ilocos Norte

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, as the chairperson of the Provincial Disaster Risk and Management Council, led post-calamity operations in the hardest-hit towns in Ilocos Norte following the onslaught of Super Typhoon ‘Egay.’

On July 26, super typhoon brought strong winds and heavy rains to the entire province which resulted to significant damages to homes, infrastructures, and agricultural lands and crops. The partial estimated damage as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday has reached P3,206,700,006.00 (P3.2 billion).

As initial response, Gov. Macos Manotoc and Senator Imee R. Marcos who arrived yesterday, visited critical areas in the province to assess the situation and distribute food packs, bottled drinking waters, sanitary kits, and assorted medicines to hardest-hit families.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. arrived in Ilocos Norte earlier today to reinforce the Provincial Government’s relief operations to affected communities.

“I assure you that nandito po kami at ito lang po ang simula ng relief efforts namin para sa inyo. In the next week mag roroll-out po kami ng mga programa para may additional na tulong po kayo,” Gov Marcos Manotoc stated.

“I assure you that bilang gobernador po ninyo gagawin po namin lahat ng kaya namin para sainyo,” he added.

Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development turned-over 10,000 food packs to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. The Governor also met with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian about future collaborations to help alleviate the situation of Ilokanos

The combined efforts of Gov. Marcos Manotoc, President Bong-bong Marcos, Senator Imee Marcos, and national agencies exemplify the strength of unity and the commitment to rebuild Ilocos Norte after the devastating impact of Super Typhoon 'Egay.'

PGIN continue to welcome assistance and cooperation from national agencies, non-government organizations, and the private sector to aid affected communities and restore normalcy in the province. -Allyssa Charisse Magno, PGIN-CMO

25/07/2023

PGIN recognizes 406 “Sirmata” scholars



The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte held a graduation ceremony to recognize and celebrate the achievements of 406 Sirmata Provincial Learners Scholars who have demonstrated academic excellence and dedication to their studies at the Student Center of Northwestern University on July 21, 2023.



This school year, four (4) students graduated as Doctor of Medicine scholars, 183 as Sirib Youth Leaders scholars, 23 as Agriculture-Fisheries scholars, and 193 as academic scholars. Among them, 12 achieved magna cm laude, and 75 received cm laude honors.



Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc graced the event and personally congratulated each scholar for their hard work and perseverance.



In his address, Gov. Marcos Manotoc expressed his desire to collaborate further with them, stating, "We hope that we can maintain this relationship. Sana, we can continue to work with you, help you, and vice versa. In fact, nandito po ako to also offer the PGIN, and perhaps, we could become your employer as well."



The graduating scholars expressed their gratitude to the Provincial Government for the invaluable support they received throughout their educational journey. They shared how the scholarship programs enabled them to pursue their dreams and motivated them to give back to their communities.



One of the scholars, Michael Christophe Agustin of Mariano Marcos State University, remarked, "PGIN scholarship has provided us with valuable experiences. We have participated in various PGIN programs and served as volunteers. We share with the government's dream that young people will continue to make good use of their time.”



Through the Provincial Scholarship Programs, PGIN has been unwavering in its commitment to providing equal opportunities for higher education to talented and deserving students. This initiative has not only empowered the youth but has also laid the foundation for a more educated and skilled workforce, contributing to the province's overall development—Mariell J. Pahinag, PGIN-CMO.

24/07/2023

Ilocos Norte province is first in the country to provide PWD social pension



The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), granted initial social pensions to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the province on July 21.

Social pension is a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development that gives monthly allowance to qualified Filipinos aged 60 years and above to cater to their basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medicine.

Through the initiative of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, PSWDO was able to secure and allocate funds to include Ilokano PWDs in the beneficiaries of social pension.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc assured continuous support to PWDs in the province, saying:

“Maghahanda na po kami [for] next year na taasan [ang assistance] and rest assured na magdadagdag pa tayo ng tulong and makipagcoordinate po kami sa ating [mga] munisipiyo at barangay para talagang comprehensive ang suporta sa ating [mga] PWD. Anytime pwede po kayo magrequest ng augmentation. Nandito po ako at ang Provincial Government na handang tumulong. Kailangan kasama po kayo sa sinasabi po natin na inclusive progress, development, and governance.”

Ms. Carolyn Domingo, PSWDO Disability Affairs Officer, highlighted that “Ilocos Norte is very fortunate because it is one of the few provinces in the country to implement a social pension program for PWDs.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Teresita Agustin, President of Ilocos Norte Provincial Federation of PWDs, expressed her gratitude to Gov. Marcos Manotoc, saying:

“We are very grateful to the Governor for giving us [PWDs] the opportunity to receive [cash] incentives for our basic needs. Para po sa mga kasama ko na nandito, napakahalaga po ang bawat salapi na tinatanggap namin.”

In its inaugural distribution, the Provincial Government granted Php 3,000.00 each to 200 indigent Ilokano PWD beneficiaries and Php 500.00 monthly allowance for the succeeding months.

Along with the social pension, the Provincial Government will also implement employment and business programs and financial literacy training for PWDs in the province to sustain their livelihoods. - Kenneth Dhovan Natividad, PGIN-CMO

20/07/2023

ILOCOS NORTE’S PLASTIC RECYCLING FACILITY TO BEGIN OPERATION

As part of Ilocos Norte’s commitment in promoting sustainable measures for the protection of its environment, the Plastic Recycling and Materials Recovery Facility, a project by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) located in the Municipality of Marcos will soon begin its operations.

Plastic waste has become a global environmental crisis and the provincial government recognizes the urgency of this issue, thus has tapped the support of DENR-EMB to invest in the development of a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes advanced technology to revolutionize plastic recycling.

The facility, worth Php 25.5 million, is equipped with a plastic washer and dryer, a shredding machine with conveyor, a pulverizing machine, an extruder for the manufacture of chairs, tables, and flowerpots, as well as a plastic melting factory set.

It represents Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and the province’s commitment to combating plastic waste and advancing the circular economy by serving as the processing site for the biodegradable and residual wastes generated from some of the towns in Ilocos Norte and turning them into usable products.

The protection of the environment and the sustainability of Ilocos Norte is one of the priority areas of the provincial government under Gov. Marcos Manotoc’s leadership, and this Plastic Recycling and Recovery Facility signifies an important step forward in its mission to build a more sustainable future. By transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, the provincial government aim to minimize environmental harm and protect natural resources.

In 2019, Gov. Marcos Manotoc launched a province-wide environmental awareness campaign titled “Narimat a Aglawlaw” which supports the Republic Act 9003 known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Additionally, he also authored the Provincial Ordinance No. 2019-05-074 titled “Anti-Plastic Ordinance” which aims to reduce if not totally eradicate certain uses of plastics and provide penalties, and the Ordinance No. 2018-07-051 otherwise known as the “Anti-Littering Ordinance” which intensifies the campaign on proper waste disposal to prevent ecological and environmental degradation, instill discipline, social responsibility, and awareness for the environment.

Today, he remains steadfast in promoting environmental conservation measures and ecological sustainability through increased investments in the renewable energy sector, and the implementation of environmental legislations, projects, and programs.- Allyssa Charisse Magno PGIN-CMO

22/06/2023

IDP Philippines and Ilocos IELTS Review Center (IIRC) partner up to open the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) on Computer Lab in Laoag, which marks the 1st IELTS on Computer lab in Laoag and the whole of Region 1, and the 12th IDP IELTS lab in the country. The lab will open on June 22, 2023, at Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The IDP-IIRC Shared Lab in Laoag City is set to bring convenience, accessibility, faster results, and an enhanced test experience to Ilocano test takers from Ilocos Norte as well as its neighboring provinces such as Ilocos Sur, Cagayan Valley, Abra, and Apayao. This shared lab also provides test takers the opportunity to showcase their English language proficiency in a manner complementing modern technological advancements.

IDP has more than 1,500 IELTS test locations across 56 countries, including more than 280 IELTS on computer test centers. With IELTS being the world’s most recognized, reliable, and secure English language experience, the IDP-IIRC IELTS on Computer Shared Lab allows test takers to book their IELTS test at the venue, have access to numerous IELTS test preparation, and review materials and take IELTS on computer.

IELTS on computer offers a convenient way of completing the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts of the test using a computer, together with the Video Call Speaking (VCS) test with an IELTS examiner, allowing test takers to complete the entire test in only one day. Test takers can also enjoy faster release of test results in just three to five days and enjoy more testing schedules to choose from.

Hannah Esguerra, IELTS Operations & Business Development Manager for IDP Philippines, remarked in a statement that the IDP-IIRC partnership is something to look forward to.
“We are really excited to work with IIRC in opening the first IELTS on Computer Shared Lab in Laoag,” Ms. Esguerra said. “This new facility is surely something people in the North, especially in Ilocos Norte and its surrounding provinces, should look forward to. Through this new lab, we are giving opportunity to more Filipinos in accessing the IELTS on Computer exam. This is a wonderful innovation, with the latest technology aiding our work, and thus paving way to a faster result delivery.”

On the other hand, Mr. Nelson Basug, Owner and CEO of IlRC, highlighted that customers and aspiring test takers can expect to receive only the best service from the shared lab.
Mr. Basug also added that IDP-IIRC IELTS on Computer Shared lab brings “the best service, facilities, and equipment—from the registration procedure, receiving updates, until the actual examinations. The rooms are [also] very conducive for testing experience as both computer and speaking test rooms are covered with high density sound proofing.”

More than three million IELTS tests are administered each year as IELTS is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations in over 140 countries, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional institutions. In addition, IELTS gives test takers a choice — with IELTS being the only high stakes test that can be taken on paper, on computer, and online.

The new IDP-IIRC IELTS on Computer Shared Lab is located at 4th Floor FQG

28/04/2023

LOOK: TOP 1 ni Engr. Alexis Castillo Alegado manipud iti Mariano Marcos State University ti April 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination

photo courtesy: PRC

27/04/2023

Manam-nama ti pannakasilawen ti C5 road iti Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

Kuna ni Mayor Remigio Medrano, addan ti nakiddaw a pundo na manipud ken Congressman Sandro Marcos tapnon masilawan amin a paset ti kalsada.

25/04/2023

7 a pares ti nanggundaway ti kasalan ng bayan iti Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Ti mass wedding ket paset ti panagfiesta ti Pagudpud.

18/04/2023

Dati a soldado, napadayawan nga Outstanding Farmer iti Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte

Ni manong Wilfredo Valdez ket maysa a lider dagiti mannalon iti nadakamat nga ili.

Aktibo nga agtaltalon kalpasan a nagretiro iti sebisyo

17/11/2022

Ilocos Norte recognized as DOST’s STI champion



The Department of Science and Technology-Region I (DOST-1) recognized the Province of Ilocos Norte as one of its science, technology, and innovation champions during the "2022 Regional Science and Technology Week," held last November 9 to 11, 2022, at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center 2 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.



The celebration of "Science and Technology Week" at the national and regional levels was institutionalized in 1982 through Proclamation No. 2214. This year, local government units, agencies, students, stakeholders, and the public celebrated with the theme "Agham at Teknolohiya: Kaakibat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan."



"Through this Regional Science and Technology Week, we are able to highlight the significant contribution of science and technology to national development and create a platform to herald our post for a science and technology culture in the country," said Mr. Romeo M. Javate, Chief Science Research, and Specialist of Technology Application and Promotion Institute.



Notably, the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium of the Province of Ilocos Norte was awarded a plaque of recognition for its efforts in advancing science, technology, and innovation and for its contributions towards the accomplishment of DOST’s goals.



The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, continues to support and partner with DOST-Ilocos Norte and its regional office in further developing science and technology in the province for the benefit of the Ilokano community.



The construction of the "One Store Hub" at the Paseo de Paoay was a collaboration of PGIN and DOST-Ilocos Norte to help homegrown micro, small, and medium enterprises market their products, increase their sales, prepare their products for export, and jump-start their overall operations. Along with this project, the DOST gifted four (4) units of the RxBox Telemedicine Device, and the first-ever vending machine for local products in the province to the Provincial Government.



Moreover, the province, through the Sustainable Development Center, was given 15 units of portable solar dryers, or "portasols," for the drying of high-value crops. This greatly improved the province’s agricultural technology, especially in the production, drying, and transporting of crops.



"With the established and continuing programs of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the Department of Science and Technology, we have truly proven that Ilokano is more than equipped to take on greater challenges," Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked.

The Science and Technology Week celebration also featured applied research, technology transfer, technology commercialization, and science and technology promotion, as well as the conduct of the scientific meeting, a technical investment forum, interactive exhibits, a mobile planetarium, technology demonstrations, and technical tours.－Allyssa Charisse G. Magno, Geraldine R. Ulep, and Kenneth Dhovan Natividad, PGIN-CMO Interns

16/11/2022

LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs Proclamation No. 90, declaring the regular holidays and special (non-working) days for 2023. This replaces the list stated in Proclamation No. 42, which Marcos approved in August.