The program featured the theme, “Beat the Plastic Pollution: If You Can’t Reuse It, Refuse It!”

Addressing the audience of DENR officials and staff, Manotoc admitted his growing awareness of plastic pollution, saying, “It made me realize: I can’t stand up here and tell you to stop using plastic if I myself use it.

“I am very grateful to the DENR for reminding us because we are already seeing the damage of single-use plastic,” he added.

Thus, SBM Manotoc proposed solutions in minimizing plastic pollution, particularly through buying locally-made bamboo straws, which would also be a way to support Ilocano entrepreneurs.

He further stated his commitment to a “plastic-free” Ilocos Norte through proposing a provincial anti-plastic ordinance:

“It is high time that we look into passing our provincial anti-plastic ordinance, supporting and spreading our local solutions.”

Manotoc also acknowledged the initiatives of different Ilocos Norte-based environmental groups for conducting clean-up drives.

“Together, we can make Ilocos Norte truly liveable, sustainable, and a greener province,” Manotoc encouraged.

In 2016, Provincial Resolution No. 17 had already declared the province to be “clean, green, and coal-free.” —Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO

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The second Fluvial Procession Milagrosa features several bancas along the coast of the La Milagrosa Chapel and Cove in Brgy. La Virgen Milagrosa, Badoc Town, at 4:00p.m. on May 26.

“This is not just a celebration and parade, but also an act of thanksgiving to the Almighty accompanied with devout prayer,” shared Mr. Jade Ceasar Raquel, tourism officer of Badoc.

The Fluvial Procession Milagrosa will end with a reenactment of how La Milagrosa came to be the provincial patroness: she is said to have arrived floating in a box together with the image of Sto. Cristo Milagroso between the shores of Brgy. Paguetpet in Badoc and Brgy. Dadalaquiten, Sinait, a bordering town of Ilocos Sur.

Only people from Badoc were able to carry the image of La Milagrosa, while only those from Sinait could carry Cristo Milagroso. Thus, they understood that the images had chosen their respective towns and provinces.

Nearly 3,000 devotees had watched the Fluvial Procession Milagrosa last year, which featured 70 decorated fishing boats sailing the border between Badoc and Sinait.

Meanwhile, a mass will be held at the St. John the Baptist Parish at 9:00a.m. on May 31, after which the image of La Milagrosa will be displayed through a procession for her coronation.

According to Tourism Operations Officer Mr. Xavier Ruiz, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia is expected to grace the pontifical coronation, together with the bishop of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and other Ilocos Norte church officials to be led by Bishop Renato Mayugba of the Diocese of Laoag City.

Ruiz shared, “This is very important in terms of faith tourism, which is a priority of the national government and tourism department,” citing the Manaoag Church in Pangasinan, Ilocos Region, as an example of millions flocking to a destination out of faith or pilgrimage.

“It is a momentous event not only for the church, but also for the culture, heritage, and history of our province,” he added, expressing his hope that akin to other places in the Philippines bearing Marian images, the town of Badoc would also follow in terms of economic progress, more jobs, and stronger tourism following the coronation.

“The La Milagrosa Chapel and St. John the Baptist Parish are not the only places to visit in Badoc, so we hope to see a more developed town because of this event.”

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The forum aimed to come up with a strategic plan to address pressing issues on climate change and urban resilience among ASEAN member states.

Among the subjects discussed at the forum were tools and methodologies for climate change impacts assessments; green growth strategies focusing on renewable energy potentials and waste management programs; institutional structures, policies and programs; and management strategies for disaster risk reduction.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas Leones who spoke on behalf of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu noted some of the environmental ills happening in the ASEAN region in the past ten years, citing floods, droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels.

With this, he posited that pursuing urban resiliency has become an urgent agenda due to rising urban population, emphasizing “Urban areas, where half of our population lives, drive global warming and consequently climate change.”

To address the issues, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos shared PGIN’s efforts in maintaining its commitment to clean and renewable energy.

“Renewables have become the essence of Ilocos Norte as we become the pollster child for wind-power in Southeast Asia as early as 2003, seeking today to produce much of our energy always in renewable, clean, alternative sources,” Governor Marcos said.

Ilocos Norte is generating more than 280 megawatts of its renewable energy resources, hence known as the renewable energy capital of Southeast Asia.

Windmills, which initially built in the coastlines of Bangui town, are now extended in the northernmost part of Ilocos Norte. Pagudpud has its own hydroelectric plant owned by the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative. Also, Burgos has 50 wind turbines, and is equipped with a solar power farm generating 7.9 megawatts.

The province has also declared an absolute ban on both black sand mining and power production from coal.

As of 2016, PGIN’s green wall reforestation project covers around 21,000 hectares across the province with over 12 million seedlings planted.

Reiterating the province’s threefold vision of creating a livable, sustainable, sustainable, and resilient home; Governor Marcos calls ASEAN to remain united in coming up with solutions to the environmental issues brought up to the forum.

 “Create a livable, sustainable, and resilient home. That no matter what the climate, no matter what infliction could be upon the communities that live in them, we would remain standing, surviving, proud, and clear in our humanity and compassion,” she said.

Baroque-styled Paoay Church: a “testament” of Ilocano resilience

Meanwhile, Governor Marcos likened Ilocos Norte’s resilience with the Paoay Church, saying it is the first example in the early 17^th century “of adaptive architecture that shows us that certainly there are also storm surges, any manner of landslides, flooding, and so on in this extremely cinematic landscape”

“Paoay church is our cultural gem, and a wonderful witness to humanity, creativity, and utmost resilience. This is a testament to the flexibility, creativity, and ingenuity of human race, that no matter the weather or the climate, no matter the exigencies of war and human imposed damage, in the end, we will surmount all difficulties and confront challenges with a plum and with flare,” Marcos said.

San Agustin Church, or known as Paoay Church, is an example of Baroque earthquake Architecture built and completed in 1710. The church was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2003, and became one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ilocos Norte.

Governor Marcos hosted a dinner at the front lawn of Paoay Church last December 6, which was attended by ASEAN delegates, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Mr. Marciano “Jun” Paynor, DENR Assistant Secretary Marcial C. Amaro Jr, and Deputy Director General for Tourism and Special Events Services of the ASEAN National Organizing Council  Atty. Araceli E. Villanueva. –Ma. Christian A. Ramos, PGIN-CMO

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