The Ilocos Times

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 ...