1999 – 2005 Chronology


 

2003

February (3rd week)
The Tamdagan Bridge in Surong Valley, Vintar, was inaugurated. Its construction was funded by the Austrian government.

March
Alert levels were raised at all provincial ports against the possible entry of the deadly disease known as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which is believed to originate from China. Concern was particularly high at the Laoag International Airport, the terminus of 20 weekly flights from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The SARS scare eventually prompted such responses as alternate tourism packages (to make up for the downside in tourist arrivals from the Asian mainland) and minimal body contact during religious services.

April
A Provincial Tourism Office was created under the auspices of the Office of the Governor. The move formalized an office for Capital-initiated tourism-related work.

May 18
In the wake of the rising SARS threat, all international flights to Laoag were cancelled.

June 11-16
As part of the province’s celebration of the country’s 105th year of independence form Spain, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) sponsored a week-long exhibit of Juan Luna’s masterpiece, Parisian Life. The painting by the Badoc-born artist/patriot, was displayed at the Sarusar Trade Center building (renovated for the event) of the Museo Ilocos Norte.
June (3rd week)

A memorandum of agreement was signed between the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the Philippine Coast Guard, whereby the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Development, Inc., was commissioned to handle the conservation of the century-old lighthouse at Cape Bojeador, Burgos.

June 28
The maiden flight of the Hong Kong-based China Rich Airways touched down at Laoag International Airport.

July
As the SARS outbreak in East Asia subsided, chartered flights linking Laoag to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China were resumed.

July 28
The Laoag City Central Terminal was officially inaugurated by Mayor Roger Fariñas.

August 4

In a 10-year boundary dispute with neighboring Bangui, the town of Dumalneg won its claims over Barangay San Isidro. The row was settled by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which voted 11-1 in favor of Dumalneg. (A motion for reconsideration filed by Bangui officials was similarly denied by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on January 19, 2004.)

November 12
Typhoon Viring disrupted the province’s observance of All Saint’s and All Souls’ Days, forcing many people to stay home instead of visiting the cemeteries.

November 24
A declaration of sisterhood was formalized between the Province of Ilocos Norte and the State of Hawaii, as officials from both parties inked an agreement at the Provincial Capitol.

You may also like