The Ilocos Times

LIVING TREASURE. Magdalena Gamayo , a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2012, celebrates her 102nd birthday on Thursday (Aug. 13, 2026). The House of Representatives has approved House Bill 982 , declaring Aug. 13 of each year as a special non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte to celebrate the birth of the icon, known for her commitment to preserving the Ilocano traditional handwoven fabric called “ inabel .” ( Lei Adriano) By Leilanie G. Adriano PINILI, Ilocos Norte—Ilocos Norte celebrated on August 13, 2026, the 102 nd birthday of Magdalena Gamayo, the province's revered “master weaver” and one of the country's most distinguished traditional artists, honoring a lifetime of dedication to preserving the centuries-old “inabel” weaving tradition. Born on Aug. 13, 1924, in Pinili , Gamayo has spent decades mastering the intricate art of handloom weaving. The celebration was held in the quaint barangay of Lumbaan-Bicb...

ALS GRADUATES. Some of the 464 learners graduate from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Dingras, Ilocos Norte on July 30, 2026. This is part of the province's efforts to provide second-chance education for out-of-school youth and adults . (Livestream screengrab) By Leilanie Adriano DINGRAS, Ilocos Norte —A total of 464 learners graduated from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Ilocos Norte on Thursday, marking another milestone in the province's efforts to provide second-chance education for out-of-school youth and adults. The graduates completed either the elementary or secondary level through the Department of Education's ALS program , which offers flexible learning opportunities for individuals who were unable to finish formal basic education due to financial constraints, work, family responsibilities or other circumstances. During the graduation rites hosted by the municipal government of Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Schools Division Superintendent Donato...

WINDMILLS. Gigantic wind turbines occupy vast lands as seen in this undated photo in Barangay Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. More of these are being proposed in neighboring Bangui town. ( Lei Adriano) By Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY—A 136-megawatt wind farm project is being proposed for Bangui, Ilocos Norte, reinforcing the province's reputation as one of the country's leading renewable energy hubs. The proposed development, with an investment of around PHP8.4 billion, aims to harness the municipality's strong and consistent wind resources to generate clean electricity, supporting the Philippines' transition to renewable energy and helping meet the growing demand for sustainable power. In a press release, Luzon Cleanergy Generation Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., said the project is expected to cover 3,321 hectares across eight villages, including Payac, Bacsil, Malasin, Abaca, Nagbalagan, Masikil, Manayon and San Lorenzo. A public scoping...

GOV'T INCENTIVES. Visitors at the Paoay sand dunes in this undated photo. The provincial government said on July 10, 2026 that it continues to offer incentives to filmmakers, offering its cinematic landscapes such as this. File photo  By Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY —The film industry in Ilocos Norte is getting a boost as the provincial government strengthens initiatives to attract local and international productions through a package of incentives and streamlined support services. The initiative aims to position Ilocos Norte as a premier filming destination by offering assistance with site matching, location fee waiver, logistical coordination, and access to the province's diverse natural landscapes, heritage sites, and cultural attractions. It is also part of the province's broader strategy to strengthen film tourism and promote Ilocos Norte as a competitive destination for local and international productions. “At present, the provincial government’s Media Inc...

The new 20-megavolt-amperes Bacarra, Ilocos Norte substation in this June 10, 2026 photo. (ei Adriano) LAOAG CITY—Electricity cost in Ilocos Norte was the lowest in Luzon in May, according to the Department of Energy's monthly monitoring of residential rates. The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) posted an unbundled residential rate of PHP10.1399 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the lowest among all Luzon electric cooperatives and distribution utilities included in the ranking in May. INEC's actual residential electricity rate for the period stands at PHP12.2872/kWh. "We achieved this milestone because of our mix contract and efficient trading while securing our base load. Amidst the oil crisis, our rates were reduced while others increased," INEC general manager Cipriano Martinez III said during a media conference at the INEC main branch in Dingras. Martinez assured the public that the management will continue to maintain a relatively lower electricity ra...

Laoag City —In a significant boost to education support in the province, a total of 1,028 senior high school and college students aged 18 years old and above, all non-recipients of any government scholarship program, each received PHP5,000 in educational assistance to support their continued pursuit of education and help meet school-related expenses. Through a funding request initiated by the Office of the Governor with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the assistance was provided to qualified students in the province, underscoring the government’s continued effort to support learners who are not covered by existing scholarship programs but are actively pursuing their studies. Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos urged the beneficiaries to use the assistance responsibly and prioritize their studies, stressing the value of discipline and perseverance in pursuing their academic goals. For many beneficiaries, the aid provides timely relief for daily ...

SEARCH AND DESTROY. Local residents in Baccara, Ilocos Norte, search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites in this undated photo. The Provincial Health Office recorded a surge of dengue cases with zero deaths as of June 11, 2026. (Contributed photo) By Leilanie G. Adriano LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office (PHO) on June 11., 2026, reiterated its call for proactive measures against dengue in communities to maintain the province's zero-deaths record from the mosquito-borne disease. The latest record from the PHO, however, showed a surge in dengue cases, with a total of 443 cases, compared with 272 during the same period last year. Most dengue cases were recorded in the cities of Laoag and Batac, and the towns of Solsona, Sarrat, Dingras, Piddig, Badoc, Banna, Bacarra, and Paoay. “While no dengue-related deaths have been reported, the public is urged to remain vigilant and continue practicing the 5S strategy to help prevent the spread of dengue,” PHO chief ...

JOBSEEKERS. Applicants line up for job interviews at the SM City Laoag on Friday (June 12, 2026). At least 41 fresh graduate applicants were hired on the spot. (Lei Adriano) LAOAG CITY—Fresh graduates from public and private schools in this city and neighboring provinces were hired on the spot on June 12, 2026 during the 128 th Independence Day “Trabaho Agad" job fair at SM City here. With 25 local and two overseas employers participating, the job fair spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) attracted hundreds of applicants for 1,929 openings, most of whom are fresh graduates of tertiary education. Of nearly 500 job seekers, 41 were hired on the spot. Among the successful applicants was 22-year-old Princess Margareth Alipio, a fresh graduate of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Divine Word College here. She landed a service crew position at a fast-food chain. “I am so happy and grateful because I am a first-time jobseeker and I was ...

Laoag City —After marking her first 100 days in office, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos renewed her commitment to uplift Ilokano families through stronger initiatives on employment and enterprise, underscoring that true progress is achieved when people are empowered to build better lives for themselves and their communities. Under her leadership, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte continues to strengthen programs that generate employment and support local businesses. Through initiatives such as “Mercato ni Nanay Ces” and “producer-to-consumer” trade fairs, local entrepreneurs , farmers, and artisans gain valuable opportunities to market their products, promote Ilokano craftsmanship , and grow their enterprises. According to a report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority , Ilocos Norte recorded an employment rate of 98.7% as of December 2024, reflecting the province’s robust performance in implementing programs that promote sustainable and inclusiv...

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...

City of Batac —"Leadership begins with a vision—one that is rooted in faith, shared with the people, and lived in service,” said Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos as she marked her first 100 days in office at the Ilocandia Cultural Center in this city on October 10, 2025. In her address, Araneta-Marcos outlined her administration’s early accomplishments, emphasizing responsive governance, disaster resilience, and inclusive development. She cited the institutionalization of monthly alignment meetings between the executive and legislative branches, the full approval of Salary Grade 3 for entry-level government workers, and the creation of new offices such as the Provincial Information Office and Agriculture Biosystems Engineering Office, among others. “I cannot work with unhappy people. One of my first priorities was to make the Capitol a happier place,” she said. In the face of multiple typhoons and natural disasters, Araneta-Marcos underscored the province’s shift...