Infrastructure, Politics, Governance, and Lifestyle

Ilocos Sur will gain much needed headway in its education and development. Thanks to the recent signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between League of Provinces of the Philippines and State of Hawaii represented by Ilocos Sur Governor and LPP President Ryan Singson, and Hawaii State Gov. David Yutaka Ige respectively held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. “I’m very grateful that Hawaii is taking interest in education and other areas of development in our province. This is a huge jump start of a wonderful partnership that will enhance progress for both parties,” Singson said. Singson and Ige signed the said agreement to further develop, broaden and strengthen the student/faculty exchange program relating to tourism hotel and industry management for the University of Northern Philippines Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Ige also echoed his appreciation to the said agreement. “In recent years, the relationship between Ilocos Sur and Hawaii had enjoyed a fast and healthy development. This would further promote the friendly relationship and cooperation in the future.” Ige said Singson had always championed education with laudable programs like appropriate linkages to state universities like UNP and the Ilocos Sur Community College. Ilocos Sur and Hawaii has long historic ties like the unforgettable December 20, 1906 which was the landing of the first 15 sacadas (sugar cane worker) from Ilocos Sur in Hawaii. Ige meanwhile pledged his support to the upcoming Bicentennial celebration of Ilocos Sur slated on February 2018.

In an effort to make Ilocos Sur as drug-free province, the Provincial Government headed by Governor Ryan Singson hosted the first Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Summit at Vigan City Convention Center on March 22, 2017. The event aims to stimulate efforts and strengthen the coordination of the different stakeholders to overpower the problem of illegal drugs in the country. With Governor Ryan and Vice Governor Jeremias Singson, the Provincial Board Members, Department Heads, Municipal Mayors, the Philippine National Police, students, representatives from the National Government Agencies and the barangay officials headed by ABC Federated President Mario Subagan. They all signed the pledge of commitment. Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who served as the guest of honor of the event, motivated the participants in setting the goal towards the realization of this battle that was launched by Duterte administration thru the Oplan Tokhang and Project Double Barrel. De la Rosa emphasized that the victory of this war will depend much from the community-based efforts and the barangay officials play an important role being the first line of defense. “Every journey starts with the first step. This summit is a big step towards Ilocos Sur’s destination to become a drug-free province. I can see the enthusiasm of the stakeholders and the strong support of the Provincial Government to this campaign”, said Dela Rosa. In the province of Ilocos Sur, a total of 5, 676 drug personalities have surrendered; 580 out of the 768 Barangays are already cleared from illegal drugs and there are still 98 barangays which remain uncleared. Governor Singson believes that this drug problem is despicable and that the only way to resolve the same necessitates force like in any combat. The force needed is formed by a united stand against this illegal drugs, united since not only that the active role of the law enforcement like the police is required but also the community. “The great part of the war is how we worked together to end this battle once and for all. This summit clearly highlights the need of our community leaders to take an active role in this fight. In Ilocos Sur, we express our support to the President’s war on drugs,” Singson added.

Agricultural Scientist, Dr. Nelly Aggangan’s achievement in the development of cheap, easy and environment friendly biofertilizer named Mykovam that contributed to the advancement and promotion of our country’s agricultural sector led her to attain the most prestigious “Father Jose Burgos Award” given by the provincial government. Aggangan finished her Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Biotechnology at Murdoch University in Australia and her research earned recognition as 2016 Gawad Saka Outstanding Agricultural Scientist in regional and national level. The biofertilizer she had introduced contains different strains and species of fungi that can partially or totally replace chemical fertilizers. This has been adopted by farmers in the country. Governor Ryan Singson together with Vice Gov.Jerry Singson and members of the Provincial Board conferred the Father Jose Burgos Award to Dr. Nelly Aggangan and to the seven other awardees who include Dr. Solita Evangeline Soliven Banez who earned numerous awards and recognition as Most Outstanding Researcher in the Philippines and in international settings; Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, whose most notable achievement is an Outstanding Researcher of the Philippines Award and Best Abstract Award in 2015 by the International Association of Multidisciplinary Research; and Atty. Estrella “Star” Singson Querubin who became the first beauty Queen lawyer which she successfully depicted when she won the title Mutya ng Pilipinas – World 1989 and admitted to the Bar in 1999. Special awards were also conferred to Mrs. Grace Cardona, Municipal Agriculturist of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur and Mr. Diosdado Mendoza Jr., Municipal Corn Program Coordinator of the same municipality for garnering a Hall of Fame Award as Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist and Municipal Corn Program Coordinator respectively for their outstanding extension services towards the production of quality corn; Benedict Verbo for his works of art exhibited with various group exhibitions in local, national and international setting: and the youngest awardee, Mecel Angela Gadut, an Elementary Pupil and a pride of Candon City and Province of Ilocos Sur who triumphantly brought home a Silver Medal in the 12th Asian Schools Chess Chmapionship, Category “U7 Girls” Standard Section, held in Teran, Iran in July 9-19, 2016. They also received ten thousand pesos each from the provincial government. Governor Singson said that this year’s awardees were Ilocos Surians who have excelled in their field of expertise and whose achievements will continue to inspire the people of the province. The Father Jose Burgos Award is the most prestigious award given to residents- achievers of the Province of Ilocos Sur. The conferment of this award is one of the main highlights of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival that commemorates the foundation day of Ilocos Sur as separate province by virtue of a Spanish Royal Decree in February 2, 1818.

The Ilocos Sur Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) bagged the first place Gawad KALASAG award regional level from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for the year 2016 in Region 1 held at Owesome Hotel, San Juan, La union on Dec. 2, 2016. ISPDRRMC is the sole awardee in the provincial category. They are now qualified for the National Gawad KALASAG award. Gawad KALASAG or “Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan,” is the country’s premier annual award given to recognize the outstanding contributions in the field of disaster risk reduction management and humanitarian action. It aims to appreciate individuals, groups or institutions which have shown extraordinary courage, heroism and sacrifice in time of emergencies be it in natural or human-induced calamities. Governor Ryan Singson recognizes the rescuers and volunteers in the province for their sacrifices and sleepless night during calamities. “They are our front liners during calamities. They need to leave their families in times of danger just to keep the province free from casualties.” Gov. Ryan stated. Aside from equipping the PDRRMC thru the purchase of recue facilities during his first year in the service, Gov. Ryan initiated trainings for the rescuers and volunteers to make them more efficient. He keeps on encouraging the municipalities to duplicate the same initiative in their own localities to strengthen disaster response and risk management Michael Chan, PDRRMC Officer personally received the award. “This is the first time that our province joined the search for Gawad KALASAG and we are honored for garnering the award. This serves as our inspiration in performing our duties even if our lives are at risks. This award is more worthy than money” Mr. Chan expressed.

Drive by the massive campaign against illegal drugs, Gov. Ryan Luis Singson initiated surprise drug testing among the employees of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. Governor Ryan called for an emergency meeting for all employees of Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur to conduct a surprise drug test. Gov. Ryan was the first in the line followed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members. During the activity, the Provincial Capitol Hall was guarded by policemen to assure that no one can escape the test. Those who will turn out positive of drugs will be immediately terminated from their positions. “We should uphold the public trust and govt. officials should be the role model. If someone turned positive in this drug test, he will be immediately dismissed. It’s too late now for them to surrender.” Gov. Ryan insisted. In a grateful manner, PGIS employees complied and submitted themselves in drug testing. This is to show their sincere support for the government’s tough campaign against illegal drugs. Meanwhile, Gov Ryan directed all Municipal Mayors to do the same in their own municipalities on July 15, 2016. The activity aims to eradicated and free the province from illegal drugs in support to the movement of the National Government.