The Ilocos Times

Laoag City —The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) showcased local mythology and creativity in this year’s “Semana ti Ar-aria” Ilocano Halloween Festival, a week-long celebration that brought together culture, artistry, and community spirit across the province. Held in commemoration of the Day of the Dead, the festival honored the memory of departed loved ones while celebrating Ilokano heritage and tradition. Leading this year’s festivities, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos joined the parade dressed as "Inang Reyna" from “Encantadia,” a Filipino fantasy TV show. Provincial employees and public servants from across Ilocos Norte filled the streets in elaborate costumes inspired by Philippine folklore , bringing myth and fantasy to life through dance, music, and performance. Araneta-Marcos expressed PGIN’s continued support for initiatives that promote Ilokano culture and creativity, stating: “The Semana ti Ar-aria Halloween Celebration brings to lif...

The  officialdom of the City Government of Batac, headed by Mayor Markee Chua, hold a wreath-laying ceremony at Brgy. Aglipay in this city, to honor the life and legacy of Msgr. Gregorio Labayan Aglipay, the first Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Joining Chua were Batac Vice Mayor Albert D. Chua, and the members of the Sanggunian Panlungsod. Also joining the commemoration are P/Lt. Col. Jerome Wangkey, officer-in-charge of the Batac police station; Anselmo R. Aludino of the Schools Division of the City of Batac; Brgy. Aglipay officials headed by Punong Barangay Jeff Lawrence Franco; and leaders of the Independent Church of Filipino Christians (Aglipay Memorial Church) led by Obispo Maximo Elorde F. Mateo. Aglipayanos from Regions 1, 2 and 3 also graced the celebration. Republic Act 6701 declared September 1 of every year a special non-working holiday in the City of Batac to celebrate Aglipay Day. (Photo courtesy of Batac CMO)

By Bernardo B. Ver II  (Contributor) Senator ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos called on the government to prepare for a possible spike in COVID-19 cases after Christmas, even as community quarantines remain in place and a karaoke ban and the use of ‘yantok’ are being considered to enforce health protocols. Ms. Marcos said the public’s “quarantine fatigue” amid muted festivity this Christmas could swell infection rates that remained “significantly high” at the end of November, particularly in Metro Manila, Batangas, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Tacloban City, Iligan City, and Lanao del Sur. “Let’s already settle what contact-tracing system should be put in place, contingency measures in hospitals if critical levels are reached, coping mechanisms that can be devolved to local government units,” the senator noted. “We are likely to remain in a public health emergency until next year, yet Bayanihan 2 is already due to expire when Congress adjourns next week,” she pointed out. ...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter ) Laoag City —The city government of Laoag here celebrated the city’s 55 th Charter Day on June 19, 2020 in as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. The simple celebration kicked off A wreath laying in-front of the city hall led by Ilocos Norte Governor Mathew Joseph M. Manotoc and Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon kicked off the simple celebration. Mr. Keon said that this year’s celebration is “extraordinary” as it pays tribute to the great men, women and organizations who made significant contributions to the city in this time of pandemic. Despite the pandemic, Mr. Keon, in his speech, assured that the provincial government and the city government are doing their best to fight Covid -19 in order to protect the people of Laoag and Ilocos Norte. This year’s celebration also celebrated the 55 heroes, whose inspiring stories and sacrifices; and selfless dedication in this time of COVID-19: Barangay Covid-19 Task Force; MMMH & MC Department of...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Some male employees of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) gave women a few minutes of good vibes on the morning of March 2, 2020 as they joined the first ever “Taray Sapatos de Takong [Running in high heels]” to usher the women’s month celebration this March. Organized by the Gender and Development Office under the PGIN, around 20 male Capitol workers representing the different departments dressed like females and ran wearing high heels in front along Rizal St. all the way to the Provincial Capitol building. “The wearing of high heels by our male colleagues is like putting their shoes in women. It is symbolic as we usher the women’s month celebration,” said Janet London, focal person of the Gender and Development Office in an interview. People who witnessed the event said they are delighted to see the male participants who gamely showed their support to women activities in the province. Ilocos Nor...