The Ilocos Times

From time to time, we see Christ showing anger over certain issues. This only validates the fact that anger is not necessarily bad, since it is part of our human nature and definitely also of the supernatural character of our life. We just have to be very careful about it, seeing to it that our anger is righteous anger, and not just the anger of a brute animal. When Christ got mad over some leading Jews of his time, (Lk 10,13-16) that was because despite the many good things Christ showed them, they persisted in their own self-righteous ways and even went to the extent not only of not believing in Christ but also of finally condemning him to death. We too should feel the anger of Christ, since we cannot deny that despite everything that Christ has done for us, we continue to be erratic in our ways, falling into all kinds of anomalies and sins. By feeling Christ’s anger, we should also feel the need for us to have another round of repentance and conversion. Let’s just be frank ab...

In response to disasters like severe tropical storm Kristine [international name Trami], Sen. Imee Marcos filed Senate Bill No. 186, which aims to create the National Resiliency and Disaster Management Authority. The said agency will focus on preparing, giving warnings, responding to and helping communities after calamities. “If we have a centralized authority for disaster management, we would be able to identify the most vulnerable zones and prepare properly against disasters,” Marcos said, calling for an agency that focuses on leading anything disaster-related. Marcos emphasized the lack of preparedness and coordination among provinces frequently affected by calamities, particularly in Bicol. “Bicol faces the Pacific, has an active volcano, and is subject to numerous accompanying threats, why hasn't a synchronized national response been established?” the senator questioned. The victims of severe tropical storm Kristine complained about the power outage, inadequate genset i...

By Noralyn Onto Dudt If you think dieting will make you lose weight, think again. You need to consider what metabolism is and how it works. Metabolism is the process through which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. This complex process powers everything you do, from breathing, to growing, to providing your brain with the energy to think. Whether your body is active or at rest, it's constantly burning calories (a measure of energy) non-stop. Even when you're resting or sleeping, your body needs energy to keep vital functions going, like breathing, circulating blood, and repairing cells. This energy use is called basal metabolic rate (BMR)). Daily activities such as walking,   talking, and doing everyday tasks also burn calories.   Physical activities like running, swimming, or lifting weights increase the number of calories your body uses. Metabolism is largely influenced by genetics. However, there are some lifestyle modifications you can make ...

Change can be a powerful force—sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. But one thing remains certain: it’s not always inevitable. As witnesses to many changes, we know that embracing or resisting them is a gamble. What matters most is not the change itself but our decision to accept or reject it. In the City of Batac, voters face this choice in next year’s midterm elections. Competing for their trust are two teams: the incumbents, with outgoing Mayor Albert Chua stepping down after three terms to run for vice mayor, and his son, neophyte Councilor Christian Mark Chua, aiming for the mayoralty. On the other side, former Mayor Jeffrey Nalupta seeks a comeback, with Councilor Bismark Quidang as his running mate for vice mayor. History is telling. Nalupta challenged Albert Chua in 2019 and lost by more than 10,000 votes. Another Nalupta contender faced off against Chua in 2022, suffering an even greater defeat. This voting pattern suggests that Batac voters know what they...

Solsona  Mayor Joseph E. de Lara (left) and former punong barangay and businessman Charles Curameng (right) gear for a possible mayoralty showdown in Solsona for the 2025 midterm elections. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Solsona , Ilocos Norte—Former punong barangay and businessman Charles Curameng is set to throw his hat into the mayoralty race against incumbent Solsona Mayor Joseph E. de Lara in the upcoming 2025 national and local midterm elections. Curameng formally announced his candidacy for mayor in a bid to continue his public service and helping his constituents not only in Brgy. Laureta but the whole town of Solsona With just one term as barangay head, Curameng admitted that he needs more knowledge in the field of public governance and he added that he is willing to learn. He stressed that he decided to run primarily to help the people who are in need and see some priority projects that need an immediate attention like the construction...

Batac councilor Markee Chua leads the distribution of relief packs in the City of Batac (File photo) The following is a sit down interview with Batac councilor Mark Christian "Markee" Chua who has filed his candidacy to run for the city’s mayoralty post. Outgoing Batac mayor Engr. Albert D. Chua will be his running mate. The incumbent mayor has completed three straight terms and has slid down to run for the vice mayoralty post. The Chuas will face off with former Batac mayor Jeffrey Nalupta and Batac councilor Bismark Quidang, respectively.   The Ilocos Times (IT): What made you decide to run? Mark Christian Chua (MCC): To be honest, Mayor Albert has done a lot for the city, and if we are to really quantify those, I think there is little more to be accomplished in terms of governance as well as in looking after the welfare of the people of Batac. But this is not to say, that there is nothing more to be done. In time, all things need to evolve so they can keep up with ...

INCOME BOOST. Bureau  of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel distribute 50,000 tilapia fingerlings to members of indigenous people (IP) community on Tuesday, (Sept. 17, 2024) in Adams town, Ilocos Norte province. This is part of the Hapag Katutubo (indigenous table) project to empower IPs for inclusive growth. ( Photo courtesy of BFAR Ilocos Norte) By Leilanie G. Adriano Adams, Ilocos Norte —About 500 members of the indigenous peoples (IPs) community in this town look forward to harvesting more tilapia and catfish from their communal bodies of water and its aquaculture technology demonstration project. This, after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 1 provided them a total of PHP300,000 worth of livelihood assistance. Nestled atop mountains, Adams is located approximately 108.3 kilometers north of the capital city of Laoag. With less than 3,000 residents, it is home to one of the indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities in northern Luzon, t...

USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks (right) hands over a donation of fishing nets to Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc (left) at the Pasuquin Fish Farm on October 10. Laoag City —The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for Internation al Development (USAID), turned over Php5 million (US$89,500) in aquaculture equipment to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte to support fisherfolk in sustainably farming tilapia. USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks handed over the donation to Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc at the government-owned Pasuquin Fish Farm on Oct. 10, 2024.   “The United States is proud to support fishers in Ilocos Norte with tools that can increase their income and create resilient communities,” Eubanks said.   “These supplies will help fishers, especially those impacted by the recent Super Typhoon Julian, restore their livelihood and contribute to long-term food security by incre...

City of Batac —The provincial government of Ilocos Norte, in partnership with the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC), conducted a medical mission in the City of Batac, Ilocos Norte, from Sept. 19 to 21, 2024. SGH is the largest acute care tertiary hospital in Singapore, with over 50 clinical specialties, emphasizing patient-centered care and comprehensive healthcare services, and is a leader in medical education and research. The medical team from Singapore was comprised of renown orthopedic, hand, and plastic surgeons, as well as senior nursing and allied healthcare staff. Surgeries performed included hip and knee replacements, arthroscopic procedures for both the shoulder and knee, as well as complex upper limb and facial reconstructive surgeries. Over the years, PGIN, under the leadership of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, has continued to focus on improving the province's health system by part...

Laoag City —Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc delivered his third State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Oct. 8, 2024 at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, urging global Ilokanos to return to their roots and invest in their homeland. The event was attended by more than 8,000 audience, comprised of provincial officials, local chief executives, representatives from national government agencies, non-government organizations, barangay officials, sectoral representatives, and leaders from various communities. In his address, Manotoc began by acknowledging the challenges posed by the recent onslaught of super typhoon "Julian," which caused widespread devastation across the province. Despite this, he emphasized the resilience of the Ilokano people, stating: "It is during our most challenging moments that we prove to you that we are a provincial government you can depend on. Sa gitna ng kalamidad, matatag ang mga Ilokano. Naandurtayo !” As the address prog...

A pathological liar is someone who consistently lies, on without a clear consistently lies, often without a clear motive or benefit. This behavior can stem from psychological issues and may be characterized by a compulsion to deceive even when the truth would suffice.   Pathological liars often distort reality a can manipulate situations to their advantage, which can harm relationships and trust. In the situation described, where a pathological liar is closely connected to a chief executive in a local government unit (LGU), the implications can be significant. This individual may exert undue influence over the chief executive, leading to poor decision-making and governance. Such dynamics can create a toxic environment where unqualified individuals are appointed to positions of power, undermining the effectiveness of the LGU and eroding public trust.   Effects on governance and public service 1. Lack of Accountability: The pathological liar's influence can lead to a cu...

REELECTION BID. Ilocos Norte 1st Dist. Rep. Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos  files his certificate of candidacy for a second term at the Commission on Elections provincial office in this city on Oct. 7, 2024. (Leilanie Adriano) By Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY—Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, the eldest son of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., formalized his reelection bid with the filing of his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in this city on Oct. 7, 2024. He was accompanied by his parents, the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, along with his cousin, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, and other relatives and supporters who cheered for him upon arrival at the provincial Comelec office. His second term bid is expected to be unopposed after defeating former Ilocos Norte first district Rep. Ria Christina Fariñas. Backed by the current administration and the different mayors of Ilocos Nort...

THIS happens when we allow ourselves not to be guided by faith. No matter how intelligent and smart we are, if we are not guided by our Christian faith, it would just be a matter of time before we become the worst beast on earth, inflicting all kinds of evils far worse than what other animals can cause. We are reminded of this scary fact of life by that gospel episode where Herod started to get disturbed by what he heard about Christ. (cfr. Lk 9,7-9) “He was greatly perplexed because some were saying, ‘John has been raised from the dead’; others were saying, ‘Elijah has appeared’; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” We, of course, know how this drama would unfold. It led to the worst evil that can be committed—the killing of the very son of God who became man to save us! The animals can only do so much harm on us. But we, when we are not guided by faith, can do a lot worse things—genocide, all kinds of evil conspiracies, etc.—until we ourselves reach that poin...

Dear Mr. President : I am writing you about the long journey that Filipino students must make from enrollment to employment, and how difficult it is for them to arrive at their destination, and that is a stable job, while having a good career or profession. As it is now, that journey is fragmented, and they are bound to encounter problems in every fragment, and there is no one to help them with those problems, more often than not. According to human resources expert Ms. Deanne Hernandez, it is possible to plan the entire journey of students from the time that they are enrolled in the schools, to the time that they are assigned to temporary engagements as part of “on the job” (OJT) programs. Ms. Hernandez was quick to clarify that these should be real OJT programs with actual work to do, and not the bogus “programs” where the students are just assigned to make coffee and to photocopy documents. When I was the Dept. Manager of the Information Technology Systems Department (ITSD) of the P...

City of Batac —The Mariano Marcos State University and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) unveiled this year’s rice paddy art featuring Senator Imee R. Marcos and her flagship program, "IMEEsolusyon!" on Sept. 11, 2024 at the MMSU Extension Demonstration Area. As a former Ilocos Norte governor Norte and a champion of agricultural development, Marcos continues to lead initiatives supporting local farmers, promoting food security, and improving rural infrastructure. Her “IMEEsolusyon!” platform underscores her commitment to these crucial issues, vital to the country’s agricultural progress. “I am deeply honored to be featured in this project. It not only celebrates my work but also pays tribute to the dedication of Filipino farmers and the future of agriculture,” Marcos remarked during the unveiling. She urged Ilocano farmers, particularly the youth, to join her in advocating for enhanced food security in the Philippines. “I would also like to commend MMSU fo...

Laoag City —Senator Imee R. Marcos sponsored a legislative measure on Sept. 9, 2024, that aims to further empower and strengthen cooperatives, which are considered a lifeline for farmers, fisherfolk, small businesses, and families as proven during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. “ Sa panukalang ito, layon nating gawing mas madali at mas abot-kaya ang kanilang mga pangarap sa pamamagitan ng tax exemption, mas mababang kapital, at maluwag na patakaran sa pagsasagawa ng joint venture,” Marcos said. Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2811, which proposes the passage of the “Revised Cooperative Code of the Philippines,” aims to shore up the financial position and capacities of agricultural cooperatives by allowing farm and fisheries clustering and consolidation; and inter-cooperative arrangements “to pursue value and supply chain solutions and other agribusiness development programs.” This encourages big cooperatives to “adopt” micro agricultural cooperatives by infusing capital and know-...