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Balancing between news and opinions

I still remember a time—not even that long ago—when newspapers followed a simple but sacred rule: the front page was for news; the inside pages were for opinions. There was no confusion, no overlap, no sneaky editorializing masquerading as journalism. You always knew what you were reading and who wrote it. Every piece of real news carried a byline , because truth has a name. And behind that name stood an entire battalion of editors—the copy editor, the desk editor, the managing editor, all the way up to the editor-in-chief —carefully cross-checking facts and holding every reporter accountable. Fast forward to today. The online versions of traditional newspapers still follow this discipline. They still publish bylines. They still employ editors. They still observe a chain of accountability . Generally speaking, most broadsheet newspapers that come out with online versions could be deemed as responsible, because the same editors that serve in their paper versions also serve in t...
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Psychological maturity and the spiritual life

WE often recognize physical age without recognizing emotional maturity. Someone can be forty yet react to criticism like a child, while another quietly accepts disappointment, takes responsibility, and remains kind. Psychological maturity is not simply growing older; it is learning to live truthfully and responsibly. Psychological maturity means becoming more fully oneself: knowing strengths and weaknesses, accepting reality, regulating emotions, making responsible decisions, forming healthy relationships, and pursuing worthwhile goals. It is gradual, not finished. We mature as experience, reflection, virtue, and grace reshape how we live. A mature person does not mean someone who never becomes angry, afraid, disappointed, or sad. Maturity enables us to recognize emotions without becoming their prisoners. We can acknowledge pain, think calmly, choose a fitting response, and continue doing what love and responsibility require. This distinction is important for Christian life. Sp...

Ilocano entrepreneur launches global 'Ayatko' app

Ayatko founder Aurelio Almazan Jr. presents the new global digital platform through Zoom during its formal launch on August 22 at the Twins Function Hall in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. (Doms Dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz,  Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—An Ilocano entrepreneur from Barangay Bengcag has developed a global digital platform designed to strengthen family, community and cultural connections among Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad. Aurelio Almazan Jr., founder of the “Ayatko” mobile application, is currently based in Texas, United States, where he developed the Filipino community and family social networking platform to connect Filipinos across barangays, municipalities, provinces and international borders. Unlike conventional social media platforms, Ayatko was designed without algorithm-driven feeds, advertisements or the selling of user data, promoting what Almazan described as a more authentic, community-centered and privacy-conscious digital environmen...

Aspiring migrant workers in Ilocos Norte urged to explore G2G jobs

G2G PROGRAM. Marites Maynes, senior labor and employment officer of the Department of Migrant Workers , assists a returning an overseas Filipino worker from Singapore at a shopping mall in Laoag City on August 26, 2026. The DMW said a number of G2G jobs is available to interested migrant workers. ( Lei Adriano) By Leilanie G. Adriano LAOAG CITY—The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on August 27, 2026 encouraged aspiring overseas Filipino workers in the province to take advantage of its government-to-government (G2G) program that provides access to legitimate overseas employment opportunities facilitated through government arrangements. Marites Maynes, senior labor and employment officer of the DMW, said that through the DMW's Pre-Employment and Government Placement Bureau , qualified Filipino workers can access vacancies without relying solely on private recruitment agencies. The DMW currently maintains a dedicated platform for G2G vacancies and Recruitment Specification...

Mayor eyes MMSU extension in Nueva Era

Nueva Era Mayor Aldrin Garvida By Dominic B. dela Cruz.  Staff Reporter NUEVA ERA, Ilocos Norte — Nueva Era Mayor Aldrin Garvida has confirmed the plan to establish an extension campus of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Nueva Era, which could provide nearby college opportunities for students who cannot afford to pursue four-year degrees in Laoag City or Batac. Garvida said the proposed extension is intended primarily to help Grade 12 graduates from Nueva Era and surrounding communities who want to continue their education but face financial difficulties, particularly the cost of transportation, boarding and other expenses associated with studying outside the municipality. However, he said the proposal is still pending before the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which must assess the project’s requirements and feasibility, including the projected number of enrollees and the courses that can be sustainably offered. “ Maawatan tay met iti CHED ken MMSU ...

Study points to earlier control of weedy rice in direct-seeded farms

Farmers using direct seeding may need to control weedy rice earlier than usual, after a study found that the weed gains its advantage before cultivated rice reaches its reproductive stage. The Philippine Rice Research Institute ( PhilRice )-led study found that weedy rice can outgrow cultivated rice because it emerges earlier, grows taller, produces more tillers, and develops larger and more highly branched roots. Dr. Leylani M. Juliano , PhilRice lead researcher, said that these traits help weedy rice absorb more water and nutrients from the soil. The weed can also continue using sunlight efficiently to grow even when nutrients are limited, giving it a stronger chance to compete in direct-seeded fields. She said understanding how the weed competes can guide researchers in improving the timing and design of management strategies, especially during the early stages of crop growth. The study showed that weedy rice builds much of its advantage from the seedling stage until be...

US funds new community reporting center to combat illegal fishing

US and Philippine officials tour the new Community Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Reporting Center. PUERTO PRINCESA CITY —The US Embassy in the Philippines , through the Fish Right Project , launched the Community Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Reporting Center in partnership with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.   The new facility strengthens Philippine-led efforts to combat IUU fishing —a shared economic and security threat for both the United States and the Philippines. Building on the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development ’s existing coordination mechanisms with local and national agencies, Fish Right will integrate American technologies, such as Starlink and data visualization software EarthRanger , to strengthen connectivity, improve the collection and organization of community reports, and support timely information-sharing with Philippine authorities.   The Center will serve as a community hub for receiving a...