Ilocos

I was in Ilocos last March 16-18 as part of the Tatak PGH Plus contingency. Tatak PGH Plus is a project of PGH, the Department of Health and selected local or regional hospitals wherein PGH personnel train capacity-building to the personnel of these local hospitals and promote true hospital networking.

Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac, Ilocos Norte was selected as one of the key hospitals in the north and my boss, PGH Director Carmelo Alfiler tapped me to give lectures in ophthalmology, computerization and informatics. There were 6 of us from PGH who went there, aside from myself and the director, the liaison of DOH for this project Dr. Paz Corrales, the head of PGH medical records Ms. Lacambacal, and 2 nurses Ms. Mangaser and Ms Salve. We were billeted in Paoay (Casa Dona Emilia Hotel), and we had our lectures in MMMH in Batac.

It was the first time I visited Batac and Paoay. Both towns are beautiful, no traffic, not many people loitering around, people are friendly. Our hotel was located near the age old Paoay Church (St. Augustine) so I brought my iPhone along and took some pictures.

We were also able to visit the tomb of former President Marcos in Batac and the Malacanang of the North in Paoay. Ilocos is indeed Marcos country.

The food was great as well. The famous bagnet was served to us at least 3 times. Its a local preparation of fried pork which is very yummy. Tried the pakbet, their empanada, their pancit miki and the longganisa. We were given pasalubong pa with these food. I enjoyed the trip and met new friends.

I was able to see old friends who are now based there, RJ in Cebu Pacific is a neighbor in Las Pinas, he helped us in our booking, Amelen - a Med School classmate and Nicolo - a brod practicing in Vigan.

Maybe the next time I'll be back there, I'll go to the famous Pagudpud beach and visit Fort Ilocandia, or visit the sand dunes of Currimao.