The Ilocos Times

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...

Laoag City —The SM Supermalls will give free access to movie screenings at their cinemas for senior citizens (SC) and persons with disabilities (PWD) exclusively for the city of Laoag City as an initiative not only to promote inclusivity and accessibility but also to enhance the overall well-being of these individuals for entertainment and social engagement. Laoag Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas, the brainchild of the said program announced this after the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Laoag government represented by outgoing Laoag Mayor Michael M. Keon and Fariñas, and the SM Supemalls officials,   represented by SM Cinema SAVP. Karen C. Zabaljaurequi and North 1-SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager Rona B. Correa held June 23, 2025 at SM City Laoag.   After the MOA signing, several SC’s and PWDs who also attended the MOA signing, had the chance to watch a movie right after the program. Fariñas said that SM Cinema will allow SCs and PWDs to ...

Top Row (L–R): Badoc Mayor-elect Virgilio Calajate and Provincial Treasurer Josephine Prieto-Calajate with Ilocos Norte Governor-elect Cecilia Araneta-Marcos; Mayor Calajate delivering his inaugural address; the JVC Family joining virtually from Hawaii. Middle Row: Mayor Calajate with his family. Bottom Row: Newly elected Badoc officials with Governor-elect Araneta-Marcos and Mrs. Calajate. (Photos by Ronald Macatulad/Coverlook) BADOC, ILOCOS NORTE—Surrounded by family, supporters, sectoral representatives, and fellow public servants, Virgilio M. Calajate was formally sworn in as the new mayor of Badoc in a solemn ceremony held on June 30, 2025 at the President Ferdinand E. Marcos Auditorium. The event marked a significant political transition for the historic town of Badoc, which prides itself on its cultural heritage, coastal resources, and a citizenry deeply rooted in faith. Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos administered the oath of office. At his side during the oa...

  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...