The Ilocos Times

  Gandang Buntis ng Batac 2025 . The City Government of Batac, under the leadership of Engr. Albert D. Chua, launched an inspiring initiative to promote awareness about maternal health, wellness, and the joys of motherhood held on May 29, 2025, the City Health Office-Maternal and Child Health Care (Lying-in) Clinic spearheaded the “Gandang Buntis ng Batac 2025” pageant—an event dedicated to celebrating the beauty, strength, and resilience of expectant mothers in our community. This program aimed to raise awareness about maternal and child health, encourage healthier pregnancies and deliveries, and foster a more inclusive, supportive environment for all mothers-to-be. The pageant featured nine participants from various barangays, each showcasing not only grace and confidence but also the inspiring journey of motherhood. The top three winners were awarded cash prizes of ₱10,000, ₱7,000, and ₱5,000, respectively. In addition, five minor awards were presented to deservin...

Senator  Imee Marcos, who was the administering officer, with the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines (VMLP) National Officials headed by interim national president Pinili Vice Mayor Maynard Francis Bumanglag, treasurer Dingras Vice Mayor Erdio Valenzuela.  Bumanglag delivers his message as the newly elected interim national president (inset). ( Photo courtesy of Pinili OVM) By Dominic B. dela Cruz,  taff Reporter Laoag City —Another Ilocano from the province of Ilocos Norte shone as Pinili Vice Mayor Maynard Francis Bumanglag was elected as interim national president of Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines (VMLP). Senator Imee Marcos personally administered the oath of office of the newly elected VMLP Interim national officers headed by Bumanglag on June 5, 2025 in Manila during the second Quarter National Executive Board and Term-End Solidarity Meeting of the VMLP . The Ilocos Times learned that the VLMP national president ran for councilor, the vice pr...

  The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) warned the public not to reply to or click any link in fake messages sent by scammers online using the name and logo of PHLPost or other delivery services. PHLPost will not send messages or notices via text/email or online stating that a mail or parcel was unable to be delivered due to the wrong address, asking for an update of the address, and charging the corresponding amount of P17.05. The messages contain a fake website address that is not owned by PHLPost. Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos advises the public to disregard these fake delivery messages and not to engage in any transactions that may compromise their sensitive data, such as personal and financial information. “These scammers pretend to be a legitimate company or individual sending SMS [short messaging service], online messages, calls, or more. We warned the public not to respond to any messages or specific instructions and should not click any link that may eve...

VIGAN CITY—Senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan is pushing for the passage of a law providing free and nutritious breakfast to students in pre-school to Grade 12 levels in public schools. While visiting the city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur for the final leg of his campaign sortie in Northern Luzon on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Pangilinan said school-aged children and their parents will get the most benefit of the proposed legislation which he intends to pass should he be re-elected again in the senate. " Kapag busog ang ating mga anak, nag-aaral sila ng husto at marami silang natututinan. Dahil sa mga paaralan na walang meals, malaki ang drop-out rate at mababa ang test score nila sa Math, Physics, Science at iba pa,” said Pangilinan citing the need to address this issue that the country faces today. The former senator and food security czar added that a specific provision of the law should also ensure that at least 50 percent of the food supply should be locally-sourced or dir...

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...

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 ...

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 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...

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...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Currimao , Ilocos Norte—At least 35 baby sea turtles from a guarded hatchery in a barangay in this town were guided back to the wild on Jan. 29, 2025. Engineer Erickson Biag, Currimao municipal environment officer-designate, told The Ilocos Times in a phone interview that barangay officials of Brgy. Paguludan, are monitoring the pawikan hatchery. He said the latest batch of released hatchlings are on top of the 32 hatchlings that emerged from the relocated sea turtle eggs last December, guarded to keep them safe during high tide and protect them from predators. “The pawikan eggs in the first nest were laid last December and we are counting 52 days for them to emerge and guide them back to their natural habitat,” he explained. Biag added there are two more nests at the hatchery and they are expecting them to emerge until February. The pawikan hatchery in Currimao town was established last year and the coastal barangays of Pangil all the way to Pagu...

FREE ACCESS. The facilities of the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium in Laoag City is free for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, students, and minors aged 17 years and below. A fee of PHP30 will be collected on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday for other visitors. By Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY—The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has announced a new usage policy for regular goers at the newly-rehabilitated Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium in this city. “Let's enjoy the stadium. It is a public venue and the use of the facilities will be free for three days a week," Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc told reporters in a press conference. To ensure the upkeep of the facilities of the 12,000-capacity track and field stadium, a fee of PHP30 will be collected on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while the Olympic pool is free for everyone every Sunday. Exempted to this, however, are senior citizens, persons with disabilities...

GRASS FIRE. Firefighters put out a fire on Jan. 31, 2025 in a mountainous area in Carasi, Ilocos Norte. Responders said the fire broke out on the afternoon of Jan. 30. ( Photo courtesy of OCD) Carasi, Ilocos Norte—Some 378 hectares of the mountainous parts of Brgys.   Barbaquezo and Virbira in this town was razed by fire that started around 2 p.m. of Jan. 30, 2025. No injuries have been reported and the cause of the forest fire has yet to be determined, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said Jan. 31, 2025. A fire out was declared past noon Friday but Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc ordered continued monitoring and deployment of aerial assets, citing the need to be on guard due to unpredictable wind direction in the mountains. He said the primary affected areas were those with pine trees and cogon grass, but did not reach the plantation area under the national greening program of the Department of Environment and Natural Res...

City of Batac —The Ilocos Region’s leading educational institution, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), celebrated its 47 th founding anniversary in a month-long celebration in January 2025 with the theme “Cultivating Minds, Transforming Futures.” To kick off the celebration, MMSU held a motorcade at dawn on January 6, the university's founding day, parading through the Batac to Paoay route. This was followed by the opening of the Trade Fair and Garden Show at the InnoTech Grounds. “The 47 th year of MMSU reflects our commitment and dedication to shaping minds and transforming lives,” the university officer-in-charge President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco told the university community during the opening ceremony. During the month-long celebration, bloodletting, a national research and development call with the Department of Science and Technology, a motorcade of topnotchers and passers of licensure and bar examinations, and business pitching were among the activities. With ...

  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...

SMART GRID. Officials of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, National Electrification Administration Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan lead the ceremonial switching of the advanced metering infrastructure project at the INEC main branch in Dingras, Ilocos Norte on Jan. 15, 2025. The smart metering system will be deployed in the towns of  Nueva Era, Dingras, Pagudpud, Bacarra, Badoc and the city of Laoag for pilot testing in the first quarter of this year. ( Photo grab from NEA’s FB page) By Leilanie Adriano Dingras , Ilocos Norte—Government and commercial buildings in five municipalities and a city in Ilocos Norte will be tapped to pilot smart meters in the first quarter of 2025. The smart metering system will be pilot-tested in the towns of Nueva Era, Dingras, Pagudpud, Bacarra, Badoc and the city of Laoag, Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) acting general manager Cipriano Martinez said. National E...

The procession of Christ the King 2024  Photos by John Lei Medrano By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Nueva Era , Ilocos Norte—Thousands of Catholic devotees from the entire province of Ilocos Norte joined and participated in this year’s Diocesan Christ The King 2024 held at Mary Mother of the Church Mission Station in Brgy.  Uguis, in this town on Nov. 24, 2024 with the theme: “Iti Daytoy a Tawen Iti Kararag, Kibinen Natayo Ni Maria, Ina Iti Simbaan A Mangnamnama Iti Kaasi Ni Kristo Rey Nga Ari”. “Napalaos iti pinagyaman mi kadakayo amin nga immay nagatendar iti daytoy nainsantoan a Kristo Rey ditoy a nanumo nga ili mi kangrunaan na ditoy nain-gasatan a Brgy. Uguis, Nueva Era numan pay adayo a kuna tayo ken kangrunaan na man ti Apo tayo a Namarsua ta inikkan natayo iti gundaway a nangsangaili kaniyana ditoy lugar tayo ket aglaplapunusan ti ayat ken ragsak iti marikrikna mi ita gapu iti kaadu yo nga immay nagatendar ken iti kumpleto a parokya ken padi iti probinsiy...