The Ilocos Times

By Dominic B. dela Cruz,  Staff reporter Laoag City —Guided by this administration’s tagline, “Alisto, Asenso, Progreso,” Laoag mayor James Bryan Q. Alcid presented his 1 st 100 days accomplishment for the city of Laoag.   Charity Begins At Home The mayor’s first half day of work became a signal for change that everyone should start to work and deliver the beginning of fulfilling promises which he immediately signed Executive Order No. JBA 001-2025 institutionalizing the tagline “Alisto, Asenso Progreso” as the general approach to local governance for his administration and to be adapted by all departments aligning their programs, projects, and services. The mayor likewise issued Memorandum JBA 2025 No. 001 for the City Assessor’s Office and City Treasurer’s Office for the implementation of Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act that resulted to a collection of PHP4 million and saved around PHP8,000 for the fines and penalties those who were unable to...

  Laoag  councilor Justine Chua presents his measure urging all barangays in the city to establish a registry of animal raisers, which was later unanimously approved by all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present during the said session. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter Laoag City —For more effective supervision and control of animal population, the city government of Laoag has urged all barangays in the city to establish their respective registration of animal raisers. Laoag councilor Justine Clarence Chua said the measure aims to conduct an annual animal inventory of all pets, livestock, and poultry production to the Office of City Veterinarian. Chua, who sponsored the measure, said this is in connection with Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandates all Local Government Unit (LGUs) to provide agricultural extension and veterinary services, which include livestock and poultry ...

Laoag  Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( staff reporter) Laoag City —Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Laoag unanimously approved a “one of a kind ordinance” called “Lead the way” ordinance promoting respect, discipline, and civic responsibility in all public and communal spaces within the city of Laoag. Laoag Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Rey Carlos Fariñas   said that it is the policy of the city Government of Laoag to promote and uphold the values of respect, discipline, and civic responsibility in all public and communal spaces, in alignment with City Ordinance No. 2024-034, otherwise known as the “Oplan Dalus Code”, in order to foster harmony, safety, cleanliness and community pride. “The City of Laoag, whose name in Ilocano means bright and is proudly known as the Sunshine City, embodies a tradition of community pride, cultural vibrance and strong civic values,” Farinas said. He added that respect, discipline, and civic res...

KMJ in Baguio . Barangay 11 San Fernando, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte officials headed by punong barangay Dominic Dela Cruz pose with Baguio Vice Mayor Atty. Faustino A. Olowan and the members of the Baguio City council. The San Nicolas barangay council embarked on “a meaningful and enriching ‘Knowledge Management Journey (KMJ)’” to the City of Baguio on September 15, 2025. This activity aims to broaden the barangay council's perspective, strengthen their understanding on local governance and gain more valuable insights more on legislative practices. The barangay officials personally witnessed how proposed measures are being deliberated, how issues are addressed, and how final decisions are collectively reached in a democratic and systematic manner. (Photo by Rols Burgos)

Laoag Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Rey Carlos Fariñas defends his measure regarding the city government of Laoag expressing its commitment to transparency, accountability and community consultation in the implementation of national infrastructure projects in the city of Laoag. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff Reporter Laoag City —The Sangguniang Panlungsod here expressed its “commitment to transparency, accountability and community consultation in the implementation of national infrastructure projects in the city of Laoag”. Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that, “Public Office is a Public Trust’. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people with highest standard of transparency, efficiency, and public trust;” Sections 2 and 27 of the Local Government Code of 1991 provides that it is the Policy of the State to require all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic consultations with a...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz,  Staff Reporter City of Batac —Newly elected Batac Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Albert D. Chua led the inaugural session of the new set of members of the 7 th Sangguniang Panlungsod on June 7, 2025. Before the session formally started, Chua delivered his inaugural speech, focusing in the realization of the city’s goal thru team work and joint efforts by enacting ordinances and crafting resolutions that will propel Batac towards a brighter future. Chua looked forward in collaborating with the city councilors’ expertise in addressing challenges and opportunities that may come. “Let us embark this new journey with a shared vision for a better Batac and may our collective efforts and collaborative partnerships with the executive department headed by [Batac] Mayor Markee Chua bring pride, progress and prosperity to our city and out people,” Chua said. Chua likewise presented his legislative agenda in his first term as vice mayor of Batac a...

  Laoag Mayor  James Bryan Alcid signs Executive Order No. JBA 001-2025, adopting the tagline “Alisto, Asenso, Progreso” for Laoag City with the assistance of newly appointed city administrator Atty. Ed Von Cid. ( Photo courtesy of Laoag LGU) By Dominic B. dela Cruz,  Staff Reporter Laoag City —The new administration in this city unveiled a new tagline, ““Alisto, Asenso, Progreso”. The new tagline became effective after new Laoag Mayor James Bryan Q. Alcid signed Executive Order No. JBA 001-2025, adopting the new tagline. The neophyte mayor said the new tagline reflects the direction of the new administration in building a government that is responsive, progressive, and committed to serving all Laoagueños anchored on “Alisto” [alert and quick to respond], “Asenso” [growth and improvement], and “Progreso” [inclusive development]. In addition, Alcid likewise approved and signed two memoranda: “Implement Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act” (RPVA...

  Barangay  11 San Fernando, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte PB Dominic B. dela Cruz and members of the barangay council attend the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Laoag on July 8, 2025, presided by Laoag Voce Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas (upper photo) and Sangguniang Panlungsod of Batac presided by Laoag Vice President Albert D. Chua (bottom photo) on July 14, 2025. These are in line with the barangay's continuing pursuit towards legislative excellence and initiatives following their recognition as the champion in the Ilocos Norte Awards for “Barangay Excellence in Legislation” (INABEL) under the 1 st  to 3 rd  Class Municipalities Category as well as a special award for the "Annayas Iti Panag-abel". This is a recognition of the San Nicolas barangay's exemplary performance in the conduct of parliamentary procedures demonstrating exceptional knowledge, skill and adherence to the internal rules of procedures (IRP). (Photos by Rols Burgos)

NEW Laoag Mayor. New Laoag Mayor Bryan Alcid takes his oath along with other elected and reelected officials before former Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc at the Centennial arena.  By Dominic Dela Cruz,  Staff Reporter Laoag City —New Laoag City Mayor James Bryan Alcid formally took his oath of office administered by outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor Mathew Joseph M. Manotoc during the Inauguration Ceremony of all the newly elected officials in the entire Province of Ilocos Norte held at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on June 14, 2025. Highlighting the ceremony was the official turnover of leadership of Manotoc passing the Provincial Mace to incoming Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos as a symbol for the formal transfer of position followed by the administering of oath with the provincial higher officials down to the municipal/city officials. The former governor administered the oath of office of all the 23 newly elected mayors including Alcid, pledg...

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...

  Business One Stop Shop . Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Laoag unanimously approved the extension of the “Business One Stop Shop” from Jan. 20 to 31, 2025 in the city of Laoag without surcharges and penalties to accommodate the 5,000 business establishments’ license renewal. ( Doms Dela Cruz)

  Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc and SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the SEC extension office in Laoag City. Laoag City —The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) opened its first extension office in Northern Luzon, located on the 5 th floor of the Dap-Ayan Commercial Center in this city. The inauguration of the new SEC office on Jan. 9, 2025 was led by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc and SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino, both emphasizing the importance of the office in further boosting the economic performance of the provinces in Northern Luzon. “We welcome SEC with open arms and I am hopeful that this will be a positive windfall, not only for Ilocos Norte but [for ] the entire Northern Luzon. We thank you once again our friends and partners from the SEC and please know that we’re here if you need anything, especially our new head of the SEC. We are hopeful that we will have a fruitful and beneficial p...

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...

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc speaks during the “INvest: Ilocos Norte Investment Conference” at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila. Taguig City —"Consider me your partner and your advocate, I will be here personally to make sure that your business is also our business, and we take care of our investors in Ilocos Norte. Make it happen in the Philippines, make it happen in Ilocos Norte,” remarked Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc as he delivered his welcome message at an investment conference hosted by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) on Aug. 27, 2024 Government officials, foreign ambassadors, and representa tives from private businesses participated in a one-day event titled “INvest: Ilocos Norte Investment Conference” at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila. Organized by the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Center, the event featured experts in the field of investment promotions who shared experiences and valuable guidan...