Archive

Major BPO company to set up branch in Ilocos Norte, starts hiring agents

An international call center is expanding in Ilocos Norte after taking interest on the province’s efforts to become an Information Technology – Business Process Management (IT-BPM) destination. A major IT-BPM provider, Expert Global Solutions (EGS) cites the availability of quality talent and supportive local government as the major factors contributing to their decision to set […]

I. Norte raises PHL flag made of ‘abel Iloko’ for Independence Day

LAOAG CITY, June 12 (CMO)—A Philippine flag that is made of the Ilocano heritage fabric, ‘abel Iloko’ (or inabel) became the main attraction of the Province of Ilocos Norte’s celebration of the 115th Philippine Independence day. Held this morning at the open-air Provincial Capitol grounds, the ceremony was joined by contingents from all municipalities, military […]

PGIN: More health volunteers to further MDGs

In line with its goal of accomplishing its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte seeks to further increase the deployment of its Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). BHWs are government-supported workers who focus on managing health-related issues on the barangays of their designation. One BHW corresponds to 20 households in […]

$300M wind farm breaks ground, reaffirms I. Norte as PHL’s renewables center

Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has celebrated today, April 17, the groundbreaking ceremony of a $300 million or about P12.3 billion wind power project to start operating next year in the town of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Led by EDC President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Tantoco, the event was held in Burgos in the presence of […]

CSF receives Silver Trailblazer Award at PGS KickOff

The City of San Fernando, La Union with the vision to be the Premier Capital City of Ilocandia by 2020 showcased its progress in its Performance Governance System Pathway through their performance reporting during the Public Governance Forum with the theme: “KickOff: The Race to 2015” on March 19, 2013 at the Edsa Shangri-La Manila, […]

PGIN welcomes SEAIR’s first flight to Laoag

Executives of the Filipino-owned Southeast Asian Airlines Inc. (SEAIR) were welcomed by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte as it launched its first ever flight from Manila Domestic Airport to Laoag International Airport (LIA) last April 4. Utilizing an Airbus Industrie A320, the inaugural flight was led by SEAIR Chief Executive Officer Olive Ramos who, […]

It’s green and go for world-famous Bangus Festival

DAGUPAN CITY – It’s all systems go for the world-famous Bangus Festival, according to Councilor Alvin Coquia, who was designated by Mayor Benjie S. Lim as this year’s festival hermano mayor. Coquia said the highlights and sidelights of this year’s festival will revolve on the Lim administration working slogan “Our City, Our Shared Responsibility.” To […]

PGIN opens summer jobs for Ilocanos

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) announced the opening of summer jobs for Ilocanos in line with two employment programs reinforced through the ‘Task Force Trabaho’ (TFT). In a press conference last March 21, Governor Imee R. Marcos said that government offices in the province, including Capitol’s, are now offering short-term jobs through the […]

Gov. Imee inks EO to create task force on climate change for I. Norte; conference-workshop held

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) held yesterday, March 13, the first conference-workshop on climate change to formally kick-off Ilocos Norte climate change task force organized in line with Executive Order 149-13 signed by Governor Imee R. Marcos last February 27. The event themed “Rise to the Challenge of Climate Change”, now also the […]

Tourist arrivals rising ahead of Holy Week, summer in I. Norte

Tourists start to stream in once again to Ilocos Norte as the province prepares for Holy Week and the summer season, information from the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) revealed. According to Xavier Ruiz of PTO, the surge consists of around 5,000 local and international tourists who came into the province during the previous long weekend […]

I. Norte tagged as the first fully ISO-certified province in the Philippines

A day before its 195th founding anniversary, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) received a positive verdict from an international certifying body, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), labeling Ilocos Norte as the first fully ISO-certified province in the Philippines today, February 1. Luisito Arada, head of the ISO audit team, made the announcement before […]

International rowing event to be held in Paoay Lake in January 2013

Paoay Lake – a beautiful 387-hectare body of water located a few kilometers south of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – is selected to be the official venue for the 71st ARAE-FEARA International Regatta to be held from January 13 to January 20, 2013. The Amateur Rowing Association of the East-Far East Amateur Rowing Association, or […]

PGIN launches Robotics Camp 2012, exposes young students to engineering challenges

Fourteen teams from various secondary schools across Ilocos Norte are gaining experience in putting science, engineering and programming into practice in Robotics Camp 2012 sponsored by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), December 5 to 7. Kicking off yesterday, the camp has two parts: the lecture and workshop from Dec. 5-6 at La Tabacalera […]

I. Norte to host PPSA Nationals shootfest

Hailed as the “Hub of the Practical Shooting Sport” in Northwestern Luzon, the Province of Ilocos Norte will host this year’s Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) Nationals: Senator Bongbong Marcos Cup scheduled November 26 to December 2, 2012 at the Marcos Combat Shooting Firing Range in Barangay Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. A total of 600 […]

I. Norte celebrates groundbreaking for 20 MW solar farm, pushes to be PH’s renewable energy center

Working on Ilocos Norte’s goal for innovation and its advocacy for ‘green’ energy, Governor Imee R. Marcos finally breaks ground on a 20-megawatt (MW) Photovoltaic Power Plant in Brgy. Paguludan, Currimao, Ilocos Norte, along with the officials of Mirae Asia Energy Corporation (MAEC) headed by its Korean Chief Executive Officer Bae Jong Soo yesterday, November […]

Governor forges ties with PENRO, created local greening program

In her bid to restore the primary watersheds of the province, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through Gov. Imee R. Marcos forged ties recently with the DENR- Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office to create a local greening project. Dubbed as PGIN Greening Program: Pasantaken ti Ilocos Norte (Beautify the North), the localized […]

I. Norte to dish out Second Semana ti Ar-Aria Halloween Fest

Ilocos Norte is all set for its ultimate Halloween bash called Semana ti Ar-Aria starting Oct. 24 to Nov. 3. On its second time running, the said celebration will upgrade its lineup of activities as well as feature new kicks to intensify its spooktacular theme. Sine ng Masa, a program by the Film Development Council […]

International rowing event to be held in Paoay Lake in January 2013

Paoay Lake – a beautiful 387-hectare body of water located a few kilometers south of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – is selected to be the official venue for the 71st ARAE-FEARA International Regatta to be held from January 13 to January 20, 2013. The Amateur Rowing Association of the East-Far East Amateur Rowing Association, or […]

PGIN rekindles Ilocano heritage through ILEA Bazaar

Governor Imee R. Marcos graced the launching of the “Imee-Carry-All bag” on the second day of the Ilocano Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Association (I.L.E.A.) Bazaar at the La Tabacalera Function Hall, Laoag City, last August 24. Ms. Mary Anne Macaraeg, the president of ILEA, Angel Lao, Ilocos Norte’s Travel Mart representative, mayors from different municipalities, and other […]

PGIN unveils housing projects for government employees

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte, along with housing developers and Pag-IBIG held unveiling and groundbreaking rites for its housing programs which aim to benefit local government workers, teachers, and other government employees, last August 8. Governor Imee R. Marcos, together with Laoag City Mayor, Michael Farinas, Provincial Administrator, Atty. Windell Chua, Home Development Mutual […]

PGIN, IBM hold 5-day job fair for call center agents

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the International Business Machine (IBM)started hosting a five day job opportunity fair for aspiring call center agents to promote professional advancement for the Ilocano youth from July 16 to July 20, 2012. Mr. Eric L. Pascua of the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Ilocos Norte said […]

“DPWH-made calamity” bridge renders travelers stranded

The DPWH bridge construction and poor planning of the alternative road caused inconvenience for travellers passing through Bangui in Ilocos Norte. Manila North Road Buagao Bridge, has been under construction since February of this year and while a previous alternate road provided by DPWH was set on the riverbed itself, this eventually filled with water […]

Typhoon Dindo lashes at Ilocos Norte

The Province of Ilocos Norte is experiencing heavy rains under Public Storm Signal No. 2 as it continues to be affected by Typhoon “Dindo” (international codename: Doksuri) the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said today, in its 1:30 pm report. Rising floodwater has been reported in Ngabangab and Poblacion Pasuquin, while bridges in […]

MDG caravan brings assistance to students and zanjeras of Pagudpud

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte together with the Millenium Development Goals Office gave school supplies, medical kits and financial assistance to indigent families of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte during the Millenium Development Goals Caravan 2012, at Luzong National High School, yesterday, June 10, 2012. Eight hundred twenty-seven (827) pupils and students from different schools in […]

UNDP visits Ilocos Norte

Gov. Imee R. Marcos welcomed Mr. Renaud Meyer, the Country Director of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on their visit here in Ilocos Norte last May 29, 2012. Meyer had his courtesy call together with Ms. Corazon Urquico, MDG’s and Poverty Reduction Team Leader and Mr. Antolin Fernando, UNDP’s Program Associate at the Provincial Capitol […]

Gov. Imee gives cash incentives to R1AA winners

Ilocos Norte athletes who won in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet at Lingayen, Pangasinan, including their coaches and trainors received P1, 287, 000 worth of cash incentives. Three thousand pesos was given to every gold medalist (221); P2, 000 to each silver medalist (184); P1, 000 for every bronze medalist (138) and P500 […]

Tourist arrivals in Ilocos Norte soars to record high

Around 680, 000 local and foreign tourists visited Ilocos Norte during Holy Week. According to Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel, the figure is based on reports from owners of hotels, homestay, lodging houses, traffic and tourist center collected data from around the province. All hotels and transient homes with a capacity of 26, 000 rooms […]

Scientists excited over humpback whales sighted in Pagudpud

Local fisherman spotted several whales very near the shore in Barangay Pasaleng in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte last April 2. In fear that they were stranded in the area, they immediately alerted the authorities. The whales however were in no danger and they moved farther in the sea but close enough for the people to enjoy […]

DOH top exec visits I. Norte; signs MOA on inter- local health system

Gov. Imee R. Marcos and Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona signed a Memorandum of Agreement to create ‘One Ilocos Norte Inter Local Health Zone (ILHZ)’ last week, February 16, during the latter’s two- day visit in Ilocos Norte. Intended to establish a network among all the health units in the municipalities of Ilocos […]

PGIN hosts 1st NAsFOR Luzon reg’l leg, Cabalen dominates challenge

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) hosted for the first time the National Association of Filipino Off- Roaders’ (NAsFOR) 1st Luzon Regional Leg 4×4 Challenge last February 11-12 in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Dubbed as Explore Ilocos Norte Extreme 4×4 Challenge, PGIN welcomed at least nine teams with a total of 36 individual participants coming […]

Provincial government intensifies guard on migrant birds in Paoay Lake

The Provincial Veterinary Office of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte along with local bird watchers continues to monitor the migratory birds that flock at the Paoay Lake National Park in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. According to Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela, ‘the monitoring of the migratory birds is important since we can devise preventive measures […]

Ilocos Norte celebrates 194th founding anniversary, opens Capitol to the public

Following the success of last year’s ‘Open Capitol’ program, the people of the province of Ilocos Norte join in unity for the second time on February 2, as the provincial government celebrates its 194th Foundation Anniversary. Gov. Imee R. Marcos said she will personally lead the celebration on Thursday where over 10, ooo people are […]

PED says Ilocos Norte likely to achieve MDG target on education in 2015 – Nearly 10, 000 scholarhips awarded in 2011

One of the main thrust of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s Millennium Development Goals is to ensure that all children, boys and girls alike will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. In doing so, the vision of universal primary education to be extended among children in all corners of the […]

Lopez TKO’s Thai challenger in the 1st round

Ilocos Norte – The fight is over before the first round is finished. Silvester Lopez, the WBC Silver Superflyweight Champion knocked Chatpayak Sitnarits at 1:22 seconds in the first round. The Thai challenger failed to make the count as he lay motionless in the canvass even after referee Virgilio Garcia finished his count. Sitnarits fell […]

Bangui, Pagudpud waves attract Int’l kitesurfing superstars

Foreign sports enthusiasts and professionals continue to eye Ilocos Norte’s beaches as the best destination in the country as they continue to arrive in the province for extreme water sports experience. Recently, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos welcomed international extreme water sports superstar Pete Cabrinha and his team last November 12 for a week […]

Gov. Imee awards land titles to 1,635 beneficiaries of ‘Titulo a Natalged’

“This is a dream come true!” This was the statement of a teary eyed Mr. Toribio Viernes of Brgy. Tamdagan, Vintar, Ilocos Norte when he received his real property original certificate through the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s project ‘Titulo a Natalged: Sagut ken Ilokano’ last November 14 at the Centennial Arena, Laoag City. The […]

IN prepares for 1st ‘Tan-ok ni Ilocano’ festival; 21 towns and 2 cities performs in one big stage

Aimed to present a lively combination of age- old and contemporary festivals, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte is all set to display Ilocano talents from all over the province in its first, yet grandiose ‘festival of festivals’ dubbed as ‘Tan-ok ni Ilocano’. Tan-ok ni Ilocano is a showcase of festival dances from the 21 […]

Gov. Espino undersocres the importance of statistics

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. underscored the importance of statistics in everyday life describing it as “source of useful information necessary for existence.” The Governor made the statement during the culmination and awarding rites ending the month-long celebration of the 22nd National Statistics Month today, November 4, at the Pangasinan Training Center and Development Center […]

Ilocos Norte inventors win big in regional contest

LAOAG CITY, Nov. 2 (PIA) — Inventors from Ilocos Norte won big in a prestigious regional invention contest recently. Engr Jose Zafaralia of Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City won under the utility model category for his ‘Engineered Kawayan Technology: Machines and Products-Bamboo splitting machine.’ Another winner, Engr. Reynold Caoili and Dr. Reynaldo Castro […]

Baguio City garners first world record

BAGUIO CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) — It’s now official, the Ten Commandments Tablet donated to the city government has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Erected at the Dominican Heritage Hill and Prayer Mountain, it stands majestically at 152.90 square meters (1,645 ft.) and is now considered the tallest Ten Commandments Tablet […]

Innovative quake assessment device up

DAGUPAN CITY – An innovative approach in disaster risk reduction here will soon be based on safety data generated by the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) software. The use of the software was explained during the mainstreaming calamity preparedness training attended by officials of the City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (CDRRMC) and […]

Influx of tourists seen in the Surfing Break

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Oct. 27 (PIA) -– Two days from now, the captivating waves of Urbiztondo Sea where the now known Surfing area is located will surely be flocked by both local and foreign tourists, students on semestral break as well as surfing enthusiasts from the neophytes to the expert ones. Starting this […]

Baguio ready for the 62nd Fil Am Invitational Golf Tournament

BAGUIO CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA)– This mountain resort city is ready for the 62nd Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament slated from November 21 to December 10. More than 1,000 golfers from 220 teams coming from different parts of the Asia Pacific Region will be hosted by the Camp John Hay Golf Club and the Baguio Country […]

Nat’l Stats Center opens in Pangasinan

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. commended the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) for the support and trust it has given to Pangasinan thru the establishment of the National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) satellite, the first in Luzon and in the entire Region I and the sixth in the country. During the formal launching and blessing […]

NEDA rates Pangasinan capitol workplace excellent

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Oct. 23 — The province of Pangasinan earned excellent ratings in three out of four categories in the Productivity Improvement Scorecard and Labelling (PISAL) Award which gives recognition to government organizations that show exemplary performance in productivity and quality improvement. Joseph Anthony Quinto, head of the evaluation team from the National Economic Development […]

Regional council leads initiatives for productivity

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Oct. 20 (PIA) — The Regional Development Council of region 1 called on all government offices and private institutions to adhere to the standards of quality and productive delivery of services in a move to provide the people with the best public service they deserve. “Productivity and quality improvement should […]

Regional council eyes agri-business, eco-tourism for development

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Oct. 13 (PIA) — The executive committee of the Regional Development Council here recently approved agri-business and eco-tourism industry as two major projects for area development planning. According to senior economic and development specialist Raquel Atawe, information officer of the National Economic and Development Authority-Regional Office 1, the council identified […]

Baguio media promote city’s tourism

BAGUIO CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA) – – The Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) takes another step by actively promoting the city’s tourism with the conduct of a Media Tourism Summit this Saturday, October 15, at the Baguio Country Club Multi-purpose Hall. BCBC president Migz Velarde Jr. announced that the said activity will be undertaken […]

Solar Power plant MOU signing

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Bae Jongsoo, CEO of Mirae Energy Corp. based in Korea and the Philippines, for the construction of a 20 megawatt solar energy power plant in the town of Currimao. The signing held October 20 at the Ilocos Norte Capitol was witnessed by officials […]

Dagupan vies for productivity awards

DAGUPAN CITY- The city government has been accredited as one of the local government units (LGUs) in Region I qualified to vie for the Productivity and Quality Awards program launched by the Regional Development Council (RDC) to improve the quality of public service’ The city’s department heads were briefed by the RDC accrediting team last […]

PGIN, FDCP inks agreement: IN to host 1st film fest

In a three- page agreement between the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) both has committed to launch a local film fest dubbed as “Ilocos Norte Film Festival” which will promote local films and Ilocos Norte, as a location for foreign and locally produced films. Entered […]

Ilocos Sur’s Upland Municipalities to be connected on the worldwide web

Despite their distance to the province’s capital city, the barangays of all the fourteen upland municipalities will soon be connected to the worldwide web. This will be realized if the provincial government’s project of structuring the municipal halls of the eastern municipalities as wi-fi zones will do well making it accessible to internet connection. According […]

Pangasinan to host 2nd GATE chess clinic

Chess buffs all over the province and around the country will see action as series of chess tournaments will kick off on September 17 with the staging of the 2nd Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. chess clinic at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center here. According to Modesto Operania, sports consultant of the province, the […]

La Union Surfing Break-6 launched

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, August 13 (PIA) — After five successful years of surfing and dancing with the waves which drove the influx of domestic and international tourists coming in to witness the event, the La Union Surfing Break 6 (LUSB 6) was launched recently in Thunderbird Resorts, Poro Point, this city, with the […]

La Union in partnership with GTZ

The Provincial Government of La Union continues to be a leader in innovation for the betterment of local governance. On August 4, 2008 the Province of La Union entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with GTZ, a German public sector organization working for international cooperation towards sustainable development, for the implementation of iTAX, an […]

Artificial Intelligence, HR’s Friend or Foe? Landscape in the Next 5 Years Intelligence, HR’s Friend or Foe

“No matter your age, you’ll always wish you started younger. But today is the youngest you’ll ever be.” Author Unknown To continue with this very interesting topic, in my presentation at the 8th National HR Summit, I discussed the HR functions that are certain to be impacted by AI. Among the plenary speakers, I was one […]

PGIN highlights Ilocos Norte’s bid as Renewable Energy Capital at Forum

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Office (INVEST), highlighted the Province’s bid as the Renewable Energy Capital of Southeast Asia at the forum titled “Powering Progress: National and Local Government Synergy in Renewable Energy Investment Facilitation,” held at Royale Palm Resort Hotel and Business Center in […]

The Changing Jobs Landscape in the Next 5 Years Intelligence, HR’s Friend or Foe

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn & unlearn” Alvin Toffler For a “natural born technically challenged” HR person like me, to be asked to speak about AI’s impact on job landscape and the HR profession (Friend or Foe) is an irony. In […]

PGIN boosts agricultural sustainability with expanded irrigation systems

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte has opened newly constructed and rehabilitated irrigation systems in eight (8) towns in the province, providing thousands of farmers with improved access to water for their crops. From 2024 to date, PGIN has constructed and rehabilitated 526 units of small far reservoirs, dredged over 31,000 meters of irrigation canals, […]

Ilocos Norte recognized at the 1st Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Awards

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) was recognized at the inaugural “Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumunuhan: Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kahusayan sa Pagsusulong ng Pamumuhunan” on March 13, at the Malacañang Palace, further solidifying its role as a key driver of development. The award, given by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Board of […]

“Bridging the Digital Divide As A Community Engagement Program”

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”  Winston Churchill En Elle International Outsourcing Corp., a start-up outsourcing provider has partnered with California Technological Care (CTC), a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide. The collaboration was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum […]

“Pamanuli…Pamanyuli” the Grand Post Pandemic SMA Reunion

“The older you get, the more important it is to know people you knew when.Amy Poehler My primary & secondary school alma mater, St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) of Bacolor, Pampanga was formerly known as Bacolor  Catholic  School. Founded in 1919 by the late Msgr. Pedro P. Santos, it was the first among three Benedictine schools […]

Resolutions Worth Attempting for the New Year

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”Mahatma Gandhi At St. Mary’s Academy in my hometown of Bacolor, in the early years of honing my writing skills, I vividly remember during high school days, our renowned english teachers (Mr Erlinda Cortes, Mrs Ludy Paladin etc), right after the much-awaited Christmas break, […]