The Ilocos Times

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) warned the public against websites that misrepresent the state deposit insurer by using the PDIC’s logo, links and contents without authority. One such website is claiming to be a “premier online directory for government institutions and services” and is mispresenting itself to be affiliated with the PDIC. The PDIC urged the public to take precautions when dealing with such websites and to avoid sharing personal and/or financial information or login details on any suspicious website claiming to be affiliated with the PDIC. The Corporation also reiterated that its sole official website is www.pdic.gov.ph . Any variation of this URL is not affiliated with the PDIC and is not authorized to use the PDIC logo and represent the PDIC in any way. Bank depositors, PDIC stakeholders and the general public are also urged to report any suspicious activities or fraudulent use of the PDIC logo and website contents to the PDIC Public Assistance...

1st INABEL provincial winners announced The winners of the newly launched Ilocos Norte Award for Barangays Excellence in Legislation (INABEL) are given their awards during the Ilocos Norte Liga ng Mga Barangays (LnB) provincial congress 2025 held March 21-23, 2025 in Nasugbu, Batangas. They are: Brgy. 1 San Lorenzo Laoag City (City Category); Brgy. 11 San Fernando, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte (1st-3rd Class Municipal Category), and Brgy.  Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (4th-5th Class Municipal Category). [ Photos courtesy of LnB Ilocos Norte] By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Nasugbu , Batangas—A total of 652 barangay officials from the entire Ilocos Norte participated in the Liga Ng Mga Barangay (LMB) Ilocos Norte Chapter provincial congress 2025 with the   theme: “Barangay Leaders Empowerment for the Nation’s Sustainable Growth and Development’’ held March 21-25, 2025 at Forest Crest Resort and Hotel in Nasugbu, Batangas. LnB Provincial President and...

Vows support for Alcid, Lao tandem President  Bongbong Marcos raises the hands of his chosen team for Laoag City for the May 2025 elections during Team Marcos Laoag’s kick-off rally on March 28, 2025. By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. was in this city to personally proclaim the Team Marcos candidates for Laoag, headed by Laoag Councilors James Bryan Alcid and Handy Lao, running for mayor and vice-mayor, respectively held in front of the Provincial Capitol on March 28, 2025. Thousands of people attended the proclamation started which started at 4 pm and lasted until midnight with showbiz personalities Lyka Estrella, Mandy Flores, Jayson Gainza, Pooh, Barbie Imperial, Richard Gutierez and the Magrus gracing the event. Alcid, in his speech, disclosed how he grew up in Laoag, a “true blooded Ilocano”, a loving and a family-oriented individual. In his platform of governance, Alcid proposed the allocation of fund ...

With how things people and events came undone and unraveled in the past few weeks, only one major personality seemed to have taken the worst of the fallout. She, who once stood out for being fearless and truly unshakable, seemed to have lost her footing. And as events slid and shook, she went on a freefall. To be honest about it, I also began having second thoughts about supporting her candidacy and voting for her again, as what was I wont to do since she first became a candidate for governor. A popular political pundit loves to call her actions as “ namamangka sa dalawang ilog ,” a direct dig at her being at two political camps—that of her brother; and that of the former president. It was not a good portrait at all. Even Ilocanos, her main support base, had taken notice of it and had began questioning her loyalties. Apparently, for a Marcos loyalist, loyalty should never waver and should never change; which to a point they have proven, and which culminated in 2022, when a Marcos re...

Batac  Mayor Albert D. Chua along with vice mayor Windell D. Chua  and councilor Markee Chua hands over the “Resolution of Warmest Congratulations and Commendation” and a cash incentive of PHP20,000 to Mhelanie Dhave Vidad, a native of Batac, for being the  8 th  top board passer in the 2024 Philippine Nurses Licensure Exam held Jan. 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of CMO-Batac)  

The Ilocos Times Outstanding Ilocano Awards, which began in 2012, recognize individuals whose excellence, dedication, and service have made a meaningful impact ibn Ilocos and beyond. Meet our 2025 awardees whose contributions, in their respective spheres of influence, uplift communities and drive positive change. Virgilio M. Calajate Public Service A dedicated public servant, an accomplished businessman, and a steadfast leader, Hon. Virgilio M. Calajate has spent three decades championing the welfare of his people. Beginning his journey as Barangay Captain of Gabut Norte in 1993, he led with commitment and vision, transforming his community into a model of governance, sustainability, and peace. In 2023, under his leadership, Gabut Norte stood alone as the only barangay in Badoc to obtain the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay —a testament to his dedication to effective governance. By 2024, through his support, inspiration, and mentorship, three barangays followed sui...