PIA Ilocos Norte

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING MODES FOR SCHOOLS ON SEPTEMBER 4

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 134, alternative learning modes and learning continuity measures shall be implemented at all levels in public and private educational institutions in the National Capital Region and the following provinces on September 4, 2026, unless their respective Local Chief Executives direct the cancellation or suspension of classes:

📍 National Capital Region (NCR)
📍 Ilocos Norte
📍 Ilocos Sur
📍 La Union
📍 Pangasinan
📍 Abra
📍 Benguet
📍 Zambales
📍 Bataan
📍 Bulacan
📍 Tarlac
📍 Pampanga
📍 Cavite
📍 Laguna
📍 Batangas
📍 Occidental Mindoro

The measure is in view of the anticipated continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and poor air quality in the NCR caused by haze from severe forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia.

Localized cancellation or suspension of classes in other areas may be implemented by their respective Local Chief Executives.

03/09/2026

N e w s R e l e a s e | Aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize youth empowerment and STEM enrichment, the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has officially opened online applications for its 2027 Science and Technology (S&T) Undergraduate Scholarships.

The initiative aims to develop a scientifically and technologically literate citizenry while accelerating the growth of science and technology (S&T) human resources essential for socioeconomic development.

Nikko Ofo-ob, project technical specialist at the DOST Ilocos Region’s Scholarship Unit, said that building a strong foundation in science begins with investing directly in young minds.

“By enticing talented Filipino youth to pursue lifelong productive careers in S&T, the program ensures a steady supply of qualified professionals—such as engineers, scientists, and educators—to steer the nation toward sustainable progress,” Ofo-ob stated.

Financial privileges and support

Qualified scholars enrolled in priority S&T courses will receive financial benefits to support their academic journey, including:

Tuition and school fees: Up to P40,000 per academic year for students attending private higher education institutions (HEIs);
Monthly living allowance: P8,000 per month throughout the regular academic semester;
Learning materials and connectivity allowance: P10,000 per academic year (P5,000 per semester);
Additional subsidies: An initial clothing allowance, a thesis allowance of up to P10,000, a graduation allowance, and round-trip transportation reimbursements for students studying outside their home provinces; and
Research dissemination grants: Up to P50,000 for scholars who present their research or theses at local or international scientific conferences.
Beyond financial assistance, the program fosters leadership and well-rounded professional growth through the S&T Learning Assistance Program (STLAP).

Scholars participate in leadership training, research camps, mental health workshops, and financial literacy programs.

“We want DOST scholars to excel holistically; we do not want them to focus only on studies, but also to be socially equipped,” Ofo-ob explained.

“As future leaders in their own fields, this is another skill we realized they need to carry with them after they graduate.”

Eligibility and deadlines
The scholarship is open to natural-born Filipino citizens graduating from Grade 12 in school year (SY) 2026–2027.

All graduating students under the STEM strand are eligible to apply, while graduating non-STEM students must rank within the top 5% of their graduating class. Past Grade 12 graduates who have not taken any college or vocational units are also eligible to apply.

Applicants must complete their online registration and upload all documentary requirements via www.science-scholarships.ph.

To help students prepare for the selection process, the DOST Ilocos Region provides free reviewer materials upon request through its official page.

Addressing students who may feel intimidated by the qualifying exam, Ofo-ob offered prospective applicants words of encouragement.

“Nothing will happen if you do not try. Grab this opportunity while you are eligible to apply because you never know,” Ofo-ob said.

As of the end of SY 2025–2026, the DOST Ilocos Region maintains 186 ongoing scholars studying in Ilocos Norte. This figure excludes scholars from the Ilocos Region who opted to study in Baguio, the National Capital Region (NCR), or Region 2.

Ofo-ob expressed his hope that more students from the province will qualify as DOST scholars.

The deadline for this year’s application is September 17, 2026, while the nationwide qualifying exam is slated for November 14 and 15, 2026.

You may also read the full story here: https://pia.gov.ph/news/dost-opens-27-undergrad-scholarship-applications-empowers-next-generation-of-filipino-scientists/

For more stories visit pia.gov.ph

03/09/2026

KAPIHAN SA ILOCOS | Ano ang bagong hatid ng Migrants Brew para sa ating mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at kanilang mga pamilya?

Samahan kami sa panibagong episode ng Kapihan sa Ilocos ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA), kasama ang Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office 1, para kilalanin ang Migrants Brew—isang bagong espasyo na naglalayong maging katuwang ng mga migranteng manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng access sa mahahalagang serbisyo, oportunidad, impormasyon, at suporta.

Alamin kung ano ang mga programang hatid ng Migrants Brew, sino ang maaaring makinabang, at paano ito makatutulong sa mga OFW at kanilang pamilya habang hinaharap ang mga hamon at oportunidad ng pangingibang-bansa.

Tara, makiisa at tuklasin ang isang bagong espasyo na naglalayong magbigay-serbisyo, magbukas ng oportunidad, at magpalakas sa ating mga migranteng manggagawa at kanilang mga pamilya.

03/09/2026

HANDA SA ANUMANG BANTA, LIGTAS ANG BAWAT ISA

“A Prepared School is a Safe School.”

Isinagawa ngayong Setyembre 3, 2026, sa Ilocos Norte National High School (INNHS) ang National Simultaneous School Safety Drill and Active Attack Incident upang palakasin ang kahandaan ng mga g**o, school personnel, at mga mag-aaral sa tamang pagtugon sakaling magkaroon ng aktwal na active attack o emergency sa paaralan.

Nakiisa sa aktibidad sina Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, DepEd Regional Director Estela Leon Carino, Assistant Regional Director Roda Razon, SDO Laoag SDS Joann Corpuz, ASDS Mariecon Ramirez, Laoag Mayor James Bryan Alcid, INNHS Principal Jerry Carreon, Marcell N. Tabije, Head ng PDRRMO, mga opisyal at kawani ng DepEd Regional Office at SDO Laoag, PNP Chief Ryan Retotar, Fire Senior Inspector Edison Reyes, CDRRMC Head Dr. Melvin Manuel, kasama ang response teams, volunteers, faculty, staff, parents, at mga mag-aaral ng INNHS.

Mahalaga ang drill na ito upang masanay ang buong school community na maging alerto, kalmado, at maagap sa oras ng panganib. Sa pamamagitan ng regular na pagsasanay at koordinasyon, mas napapalakas ang kakayahang tumugon at maprotektahan ang bawat isa.

Sa patuloy na paghahanda at sama-samang pagkilos, maisusulong ang isang paaralang hindi lamang handa sa anumang banta, kundi ligtas para sa bawat mag-aaral, g**o, at kawani.

📸 MTDA/DV
✍️ DV

03/09/2026

N e w s R e l e a s e | With rainy weather increasing concern over respiratory illnesses, the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC) reminds the public to take simple preventive measures to protect their lung health and seek medical attention when symptoms persist.

Doctor Leilanie Sia, Medical Specialist III of the hospital’s Internal Medicine Department, said maintaining healthy lungs requires prevention, healthy lifestyle practices, vaccination, and early consultation.

She encouraged the public to practice proper cough etiquette and regular handwashing, particularly during the rainy season when people become more vulnerable to respiratory infections.

“It’s very important for us to practice prevention because, as we all know, prevention is better than cure, especially now that coughs are common, particularly during the rainy season. So, practicing proper cough etiquette and handwashing is very important,” Sia said.

Sia urged individuals to monitor changes in their respiratory health and consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

She noted that symptoms may not always be obvious, particularly among older adults, who sometimes exhibit less typical manifestations of respiratory infections.

“If you experience any symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor immediately to prevent them from progressing,” she said.

Common respiratory conditions managed by healthcare providers include pneumonia, tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and other lung diseases.

Sia stressed that early assessment can determine the cause of symptoms and allow appropriate treatment before a condition becomes more serious.

The specialist also encouraged regular exercise, which can help improve functional capacity, oxygenation, cardiovascular fitness, and overall quality of life.

“Exercise helps improve overall cardiovascular fitness. It doesn’t just benefit the lungs, it also contributes greatly to a person’s overall well-being,” Sia said.

Sia also highlighted vaccination as an important component of respiratory disease prevention, particularly for older adults and individuals with existing health conditions.

She encouraged eligible individuals to consult healthcare professionals and local rural health units (RHUs) regarding recommended vaccines, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

The hospital likewise advocates annual influenza vaccination, noting that influenza virus strains can change over time, especially during the rainy season.

Through these efforts, MMMHMC aims to improve preventive health practices and encourage communities to take greater responsibility for protecting their respiratory health.

As the rainy season continues, Sia reminded the public that protecting their lungs does not require complicated measures. Consistent hygiene, proper cough etiquette, vaccination, a healthy lifestyle, avoidance of harmful exposures, and early consultation can all contribute to better respiratory health especially during the rainy season.

With prevention and timely care, communities can better protect themselves from respiratory illnesses and maintain healthier, more productive lives.

You may also read the full story here: https://pia.gov.ph/news/ilocos-norte-hospital-reminds-public-to-guard-against-respiratory-illnesses-amid-rainy-season/

For more stories visit pia.gov.ph

03/09/2026

N e w s R e l e a s e | Job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers in 12 Ilocos Norte local government units (LGUs) will gain access to Pag-IBIG Fund savings, housing, and loan programs under a new partnership signed on August 26.

The initiative supports the national government’s efforts to extend social protection to non-permanent government workers, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to facilitate coverage for JO and COS personnel.

Under the agreement, participating LGUs will facilitate Pag-IBIG membership and contributions through an automatic payroll deduction system, enabling eligible workers to build savings and access programs such as housing, short-term, and calamity loans.

The 12 LGUs are Badoc, Bangui, Burgos, Currimao, Marcos, Nueva Era, Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Pinili, Sarrat, Solsona, and Vintar.

Their participation brings to 15 the number of Ilocos Norte LGUs that have entered into similar agreements with Pag-IBIG Fund, following the inclusion of three LGUs in May.

For Vintar Vice Mayor Maribel Albano, the partnership provides a practical form of support to workers who perform essential functions in local government despite their non-permanent employment status.

“Knowing that they are the backbone of the local government—the front-liners who are always assisting us—they deserve this,” Albano said.

She said the arrangement will allow JO and COS personnel to access Pag-IBIG programs that can help them prepare for financial needs, including emergencies and housing.

“With this resolution passed by the legislative branch authorizing the agreement, these workers can now access short-term, housing, and calamity loans,” she said.

Pag-IBIG Fund North Luzon Vice President Jacqueline Constantino said JO and COS workers can access the Fund’s savings and housing programs once they become active members, providing them with opportunities to build financial resources and obtain assistance for major needs.

The initiative forms part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s broader effort to make its services accessible to more Filipino workers, including those who are not employed on a permanent basis.

For workers whose employment arrangements do not provide the same level of institutional security as permanent government positions, access to savings and affordable financing can provide an additional layer of financial protection, particularly during emergencies and other major life needs.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund also expanded its network of partner merchants through an agreement with Bakers PH.

Under the partnership, Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus holders may avail of a 5% discount on cakes and a five percent discount on breads and pastries with a minimum purchase of P150.

Constantino said merchant partnerships complement the Fund’s financial programs by allowing members to enjoy benefits in their everyday purchases.

The agreements with the Ilocos Norte LGUs underscore the role of local governments in translating national social protection policies into programs that directly benefit workers in their communities.

Read full story here: https://pia.gov.ph/news/12-ilocos-norte-lgus-secure-pag-ibig-benefits-for-job-order-contract-workers/

For more stories visit pia.gov.ph

03/09/2026

N e w s R e l e a s e | The City Government of Laoag has bolstered its disaster response amid heavy rains and strong winds in several communities, prompting the evacuation of families and the mobilization of emergency and social welfare teams.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Head, Doctor Melvin Manuel, said the city is closely monitoring its areas of responsibility in coordination with relevant agencies and barangay officials.

“We are monitoring the situation together with all the agencies. We are monitoring our area of responsibility within Laoag City, and the Mayor is also monitoring the situation with us,” Manuel said.

Several areas experienced flooding, but Manuel said water levels quickly subsided after the rain stopped.

The city government also responded to a landslide in Barangay Pila, where the engineering team immediately cleared the affected area. No houses were damaged, and roads remained passable as conditions improved.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and City Health Office (CHO) deployed personnel to evacuation centers to monitor evacuees, conduct health checks, register affected families, and provide health and sanitation information.

CSWDO Head Perlita Cabello said 31 families (116 individuals) were staying in evacuation centers, while other families remained affected by floodwaters in their houses.

The city also provided a community kitchen and other activities and facilities to help affected families staying in evacuation centers.

“For those affected who are living in low-lying areas, especially near creeks or waterways where water tends to overflow, if possible, they should consider moving to higher ground where they can build their homes. It is difficult to risk people’s lives”, she said.

Margarita Evangelista Asuncion of Barangay Apaya was one of those affected by the severe weather; her family was forced to leave their home after strong winds began damaging their roof.

“We were already thinking of evacuating because we were afraid that if the wind became stronger, it might completely blow our roof away. So we left and went to another house to secure a safer place,” Asuncion said.

She recalled that the strong winds and heavy rain exposed parts of their house to water, wetting and scattering their belongings, uniforms, kitchen utensils, and other household items.

Asuncion said barangay tanods, relatives, and neighbors helped them secure their belongings and temporarily fix portions of the roofing while the weather remained unsettled.

She said the family eventually returned home after the rain eased to assess the damage, although some portions of the house remained water-affected and had not yet been fully repaired.

The city government of Laoag continues to monitor affected areas and coordinate with barangay officials and response agencies, emphasizing the importance of early evacuation, community cooperation, and preparedness against both flooding and strong winds.

You may also read the story here: https://pia.gov.ph/news/laoag-city-bolsters-disaster-response-amid-heavy-rains-strong-winds/

For more stories visit pia.gov.ph

03/09/2026

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro holds a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on September 3, 2026.