The Ilocos Times

Bacarra , Ilocos Norte—Twenty-three modern Ilokanas dazzled the crowd in a cultural fashion show wearing modern interpretations of the traditional ‘kimona’ and ‘terno’ at the Dome-less Belfry of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in this town on April 23, 2025. As part of Miss Ilocos Norte 2025’s preliminary activities, the Inabel Fashion Show and Terno Competition exhibited locally designed ensembles, aimed to honor Ilokano culture through fashion, putting a spotlight on inabel weaving traditions. Each candidate modelled unique creations as symbols of Ilokana grace and modesty that fused heritage craftsmanship with contemporary style. Xavier Rafales Ruiz, supervising tourism operations officer, remarked: “This segment aims to showcase our creatives, including our heritage crafts, in particular, inabel fabric.” “The ‘kimona’ is one of the iconic Filipino designs that needs more attention and needs more promotion. It's unusual because if you think of Filipiniana or Filipina-inspire...

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...

LAOAG CITY—Another barangay in Ilocos Norte has been added to the “red zone map” of African swine fever (ASF), provincial veterinarian Loida Valenzuela confirmed on Feb. 26, 2025. In an interview, Valenzuela said surveillance operation is ongoing within the 300-meter radius of the affected piggery farm at Brgy. Alejo Malasig in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, as around 300 pigs are needed to be culled to arrest the further spread of ASF to nearby areas. Barangay Rayuray in the city of Batac has been tagged recently as a “red zone area” due to single case of ASF. Fortunately, it was immediately contained due to the residents’ cooperation with the Bantay ASF Task Force. “We are encouraging our livestock raisers to observe biosecurity measures both housing improvement and change in their hog raising practices,” Valenzuela told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday. To minimize damage, farmer-clients are advised to insure their livestock to protect their source of livelihood. “Good thing...

Infographic courtesy of DOLE Ilocos Norte LAOAG CITY—The Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and several private companies here have teamed up to boost the special employment of students and out-of-school youth (OSY) in the province. Janelyn Martin, DOLE Ilocos Norte head, said that around 550 jobs are open for students and OSY with the possibility to be hired as part-time or permanent employees. The Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer and/or Christmas vacation or any time of the year to augment the family’s income and help ensure that beneficiaries are able to pursue their education. To further maximize the contribution of SPES to the success of young Filipinos and to the country’s job generation and facilitation efforts, the Marcos administration has strengthened the program and increased its budget allo...

By Leilanie G. Adriano OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST. Hidilyn Diaz talks about the role of education in developing future weightlifters, at a press conference on Feb. 21, 2025 in Ilocos Norte. She also said weightlifting should be a regular event in the Palarong Pambansa. Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY—Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is on a mission to make young Filipinos love and engage in sports, particularly weightlifting. Diaz is touring Ilocos Norte to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes. The country’s first Olympic gold medalist recently met with officials of the Dept. of Education to advocate weightlifting to be included as a regular event in the Palarong Pambansa, rather than just a demonstration sport. "We really have to work on spreading the sport by having events and to have education for technical officials and coaches,” Diaz said in an interview on Feb. 21, 2025, noting that the key to weightlifting education is to start from top to bottom. She ...

By Dominic C. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City —All brgy tanods in this are expected to receive additional benefits, Laoag City councilor Roger John Fariñas announced after they approved an ordinance calling for those. Fariñas, who sponsored the measure, said Section 393 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC) states that barangay officials, including barangay tanods and members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, shall receive honoraria, allowances, and such other emoluments as may be authorized by law or barangay, municipal, or city ordinance. He also said that Chapter 4, Section 393 (d), of the LGC, provides, that, “All duly appointed members of the barangay tanod brigades or their equivalent, which number shall not be more than twenty (20) in each barangay, shall be granted insurance or other benefits during their incumbency, chargeable to the barangay of the city or municipal government to which the barangay belongs’’. Section 16 of the LGC further provides that every loc...

Vintar Mayor Richard Degala formally announces to the members of the media the 24-hour operation of the Vintar District Hospital starting Feb. 10, 2025 as he thanked Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew M. Manotoc for giving additional manpower for the said hospital’s operations. ( Doms Dela Cruz) Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Vintar , Ilocos Norte—Town Mayor Richard Degala formally announced that the operation of the Vintar District Hospital is now open on 24-hours staring Feb. 10, 2024. “Napalalo iti ragsak ken yaman ko ta finally , matungpalen tay nabayagen a kalkalikaguman dagiti appo a kakailiak ditoy Vintar aglalo dagitay padak a taga Surong ta ag 24 orasen daytoy Tamdagan District Hospital tayon wennu Vintar District Hospital’ en tapnu mas mapaalisto a mataming ta no adda emergency ket talaga a marigatan dagti padak a taga away a maitaray dagiti pasyente”, Degala said. The mayor thanked the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Governor Matthew Joseph M. M...

The recent move of a Laoag councilor to give cash incentives to Laoag City’s elementary and high school students who participated in the Regional Schools Press Conference is a step in the right direction towards helping further development journalism locally. But, as much as it is a needed boost to local campus journalists, the question is why only now? And the more curious thing is why at this juncture when the midterm elections is just a few months away? Journalism has been dying a very slow death, not only here in our locality, but also around the world. The advent of social media has both sidelined and blindsided genuine journalism as everyone who has a camera phone and an internet connection can now become a “reporter” by posting what they can see and what they can hear. Unfortunately, this becomes more of misinformation and disinformation, as regular people not trained properly in the way of journalism often miss out on verification and analysis of issues and situations. A...

  Laoag  vice mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas personally hands over 61 foam mattresses, acquired from his personal finances to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Laoag as earlier requested by Jail Warden Sheila Marie Sapaden. “Dagitoy ket regalok para iti panang selebrar da iti Valentines Day ta nakitak a saan da a komportable gapu ta daanen dagiti agdama nga us-usaren daken nangibati tayo pay bassit a pinagsasangwan da,” Fariñas said. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice Mayor)

Laoag  councilor James Bryan Alcid (standing left) promises to give PHP100,000 to the 200 participating students as their token cash incentives for the recently concluded Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) held at Dagupan City during the last regular session in the presence of the junior city officials. ( Doms Dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Laoag City -City councilor James Bryan Alcid promised to give PHP100,000 as token cash incentives to all the 200 participating Laoag students in the recently conducted Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) held in Dagupan City recently. Alcid made the promise during a regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod wherein it was reported that the DepEd Laoag Division has demonstrated outstanding performance during the RSPC emerging as the overall champion in the elementary level and first runner-up in the overall result of the event, further showcasing the talent, hard work, and dedication of both the students...

Laoag City – Former Senator Manny Pacquiao officially launched his senatorial campaign in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, alongside the administration ticket under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.  Addressing a crowd of supporters, Pacquiao acknowledged the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Ilocano people, drawing parallels between their strength and his own journey from poverty to becoming a world boxing champion and public servant.  "Ang mga Ilocano ay kilala sa sipag, tiyaga, at pagiging matatag sa harap ng pagsubok. Bilang isang taong lumaki sa hirap, nauunawaan ko ang inyong determinasyon at pagmamahal sa pamilya," Pacquiao said.  He emphasized his commitment to pushing for legislations and programs that will uplift ordinary Filipinos, particularly in livelihood, sports development, and poverty alleviation.  Ang mga Ilocano. Kilala sa pagiging resilient. Masisipag, matiisin, at matiyaga. Kilala sa pagiging matibay sa kahit anong pagsubok. Pareho tayo—mu...

AFTER 17 years of championing a legislated across-the-board wage hike for workers in the private sector, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. today expressed his elation that the measure is within arm's reach. After the Senate's approval of a legislated wage hike last year, Congress recently approved at the Committee Level a counterpart bill providing for a PHP200 legislated wage hike. “Mukhang malaki ang tsansa! Abot-kamay na itong legislated wage hike! We have been advocating for a decent living wage since 2008," Bong Revilla expressed. "Labis tayong natutuwa dahil yung matagal nang inaasam-asam ng ating mga kababayan, at matagal na rin nating isinusulong ay malapit na nating makamit. Ngayon nagkakaroon na ng linaw ang legislated wage hike na simula pa noong 2008 ay paulit-ulit kong nang ipinapanukala dito sa Senado,” Revilla said. The veteran lawmaker has been filing a legislated across-the-board wage hike bill since his first term in the Senate. Revilla detailed that t...