The Ilocos Times

I have created a new Facebook Messenger group for the purpose of bringing together all Filipinos who are either planning to go into farming or are already into farming but would like to share ideas and experiences with other farmers. What do I mean by “farmer”? Normally that would mean anyone who works on farmland for a living, either as a worker, as a tenant or as a farm owner. I would say that all three types are welcome to join the group, but I would also want to attract and invite the so-called “gentleman farmers” or those who are simply just enjoying farming as a hobby. To put it simply, the purpose of the group is to share information about farming in general, and about growing specific crops or animals in particular. Yes, we are not just talking about agricultural crops, but also poultry, livestock and even fish. That could even include beekeeping, to produce honey. Hopefully, some of our members will be able to conduct seminars and lectures so that we could be internally...

( Second of a three-part series ) Pentecost—the Holy Spirit descending on the disciples By Noralyn Dudt THESE TWO fisherfolks Peter the speaker, and John the thinker who were arraigned in the Court of the Sanhedrin made quite an impression upon the Council.  Peter spoke so boldly that the Council remarked,  "they had been with Jesus." People with the Spirit make that impression. That is the impression which the filling of the Spirit creates. Peter and John would have been described as  plebeian in ancient Rome. They were "unschooled" as the members of the Sanhedrin noted with astonishment. But they had boldness of speech  --  a boldness that  suggests clear and daring statement; a clear enunciation of certain truths so that there could be no mistaking of the meaning; and almost blunt and defiant enunciation that arrested attention, and compelled men to listen. There is an utter absence of apology or hesitation. Prophets and apostles faced men and said: ...

Laoag SK federated president Michael Christoph Agustine defends his measure requesting Rep. Sandro Marcos to allocate fund for the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of LMB and SK buildings. ( Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz,  Staff Reporter Laoag City —With the aim of “fostering a better coordination and communication among the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials” in this  city, the Sangguniang Panlungsod here approved a measure requesting Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, through the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to allocate funds for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and expansion of the existing Liga ng Mga Barangay (LMB) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) building situated at Brgy. 2 Sta. Joaquina, this city. Sangguniang Kabataan Federated President and Sangguniang Panlungsod ex-officio member Michael Agustin said the construction of the LMB and SK buildings are deemed essential to facilita...

La Virgen Milagrosa, Baro a Badoc 2024 Bb. Badoc 2024 winners (top photo,  from left) Charmaine Joy Rabino (1st runner-up), Trisha Jane Fernandez (Bb. Badoc ABC), Bb. Badoc 2024 Mervichelle Agbayani, Kristine Joy Mayubay (Bb. Badoc Tourism) and Axl Monique Papel (2nd runner-up). Miss Gay Festival Queen winners (bottom photo). ( Photos courtesy of LGU Badoc) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Badoc , Ilocos Norte —The municipal government here successfully led the celebration of this year’s La Virgen Milagrosa, Baro a Badoc Festival highlighted by a series of programs and activities with the theme ‘’Panagtitinnunos en Panagkaykaysa, Tulbek Iti Natan-ok a Badoc; Napudno a Panagyaman, Ruangan Iti Natalged a Panagpapagayam’’. The four-day celebration started on April 14, 2024 kicked off by a “Diana Around the Town” at 4:00 in the morning followed by a Thanksgiving Mass held at the Minor Basilica of Saint John the Baptist Badoc, Shrine of La Virgen Milagrosa by Reverend Fathe...

By Noralyn O. Dudt OUTSIDE the Beautiful Gate of Solomon's Temple, the man that was "unlawfully" healed  had been found. The man had been crippled from birth. Yesterday, he was healed. He was put back on his feet.  Now that he could stand up and walk again, he was filled with thanksgiving and praise. A miracle that was supposed to bring joy to many had become a court case. Peter and John who had healed the man suddenly found themselves arraigned in the court of the Sanhedrin. The night before, they had been arrested by "the priests and the captain of the Temple." They were kept in jail for the night. The captain of the Temple was the head of the body of religious police whose business  was to watch the temple courts, and see that there was no violation of their sanctity. "The priests and the captain of the Temple and the Sadducees came upon them...." Thus the case of the arrest was that the priests inspired by their own "Sadducean" convic...

SOLSONA  SB member Marvin Pascua while defending his measure for allowing the traditional games during wakes. ( Photo by Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Solsona , Ilocos Norte—Gathering visitors, mourners and keeping a 24-hour vigil over the deceased, the municipal government of Solsona has allowed traditional games during wakes based on a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Bayan. The SB requested law enforcement agencies to extend leniency in the implementation of Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287 during wakes within the municipality of Solsona subject to guidelines and limitations that may be imposed. Republic Act 9287 primarily amends PD1602, which imposes penalty to any person taking part in all forms of illegal gambling by exclusively increasing the penalties on jueteng , masiao and last two while leaving other enumerated illegal gambling activities with the same degree of penalties. In Filipino tradition, when so...

  The City Veterinary Office spearheaded by Dr. Samantha Licudine, city veterinarian, conducts a veterinary medical mission at the Brgy. 25 Multi-purpose Hall. This initiative was part of the Rabies Awareness Month celebrations last March and was a collaborative effort with the City Agriculture Office, led by Engr. Sheila Marie Opelac, TopBreed, represented by Richard Agustin, Regional Sales Manager North Luzon, Regional Veterinary Quarantine Service, Ilocos Norte Provincial Veterinary Office, and various veterinary practitioners in the city. The event offered essential veterinary services, including anti-rabies vaccinations, deworming, consultations, treatments, and the spaying/neutering of dogs and cats. It was learned that the city government is planning to establish a dog and cat pound which aims to reduce rabies incidents and potential road accidents caused by stray animals. The city government of Laoag also distributed 17 pigs from the animal breeding station to various reci...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —The city government here will grant financial incentives and recognition certificates to bona fide residents of the city who excelled in either the bar or board licensure examinations and declared as topnotchers by the Supreme Court of the Philippines or the Professional Regulation Commission. Article 14, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, provides, that, “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all”. Article 2, Section 17 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution likewise provides, that, “The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development”. Records show that the city government has an existing ordinance giving cash incentives to honor/d...