U-Belt targetted for studes “Sirib” Mile project

LAOAG CITY, July 7  — The local government of Ilocos Norte is set to develop a one-stop learning center for the students here.
Dubbed “Sirib (knowledge) Mile” project, the province of Ilocos Norte initiated to develop a student center, turning school roads into a university belt (U-Belt) with learning art installations and sculptures.

The Sirib Mile project aims to focus on enhancing the educational environment for future generations, especially the Ilocano youth of today, said to Governor Imee R. Marcos.

The “university belt” will include parts of Ablan Avenue and other roads connecting three public schools, two colleges and roads connecting Centennial Arena, Marcos Stadium and provincial Department of Education building.

Prior to its debut, the provincial government embarked on a province-wide comprehensive development master plan with architect and urban planner Felino Palafox, Jr.

The Palafox plan aims to transform the current university belt into an education hub of the province. School roads will get to have art installations of famous Leeroy New and Plet Bolipat who came to the province yesterday to inspect routes for possible installation for their “obra.”

Nicole Rudio of the Provincial Communications and Media Center said that sculptures to be built includes Ilocano heroes and prominent Ilocano artists like Severino Montano, a famous Ilocano playwright.

A free shuttle will also be stationed in front of Centennial Arena for the students travelling around the soon-to-be established student learning center in the province.

Marcos enjoined the city of Laoag on its efforts to make the Sirib Mile a student center where all the best students and best minds in Ilocos Norte gather. (ANL/CJDG-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)