The Ilocos Times

Batac Mayor Markee Chua leads the launching of the GCash City-zen's ID as part of the 19th Charter Day celebration, making Batac the first local government unit in Ilocos Norte to implement the program. Also present were Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Ms. Trisha Dizon, GCash public sector head for North and Central Luzon, and city officials. (Photo by Dominic B. dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter CITY OF BATAC —The city government of Batac marked a milestone in digital governance during its 19 th Charter Day celebration on June 23, 2026, launching the GCash City-zen's ID and becoming the first local government unit in Ilocos Norte to implement the program. Batac Mayor Mark Christian “Markee” R. Chua and Trisha Dizon, GCash public sector head for North and Central Luzon, formally signed a memorandum of agreement during the launching. Designed to improve government service delivery, the GCash City-zen's ID allows residents to receive financial as...

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...

Nueva Era Mayor Aldrin Garvida and Vice Mayor Caroline Arzadon-Garvida, with their family, lead the launching of the coffee table book entitled "Linong," in honor of the legacy of the late Joseph Bala Arzadon, who served with distinction as municipal mayor, vice mayor, and member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Nueva Era. (Photo courtesy of the Nueva Era LGU ) By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter NUEVA ERA, Ilocos Norte—The municipality's 4th Joseph Bala Arzadon (JBA) Day on June 19 was highlighted by the launching of a coffee table book entitled Linong , commemorating the life and legacy of the late local leader. Every June 19, Nueva Era honors Arzadon, who served the municipality with distinction as mayor, vice mayor, and Sangguniang Bayan member. The occasion was marked with a Thanksgiving Mass, wreath-laying ceremony, the book launching, and a tree-planting activity — all reflecting the values JBA championed throughout his years of service. Nueva Era Vice Mayo...

Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, with Laoag Mayor James Bryan Alcid and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Laoag Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas, leads the 61 st Charter Day celebration of Laoag City on June 19, 2026. Also shown are two coasters, ambulances, advanced life support ambulances, e-bikes, shredders, and nego karts distributed to concerned beneficiaries. (Photos by Larry Pedralvez) By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The City of Laoag marked its 61 st Charter Day on June 19, 2026 with a celebration befitting its growth, as the city government under Mayor James Bryan Q. Alcid distributed a wide array of vehicles, equipment, and social services to Laoagueños as a gesture of gratitude and a fulfillment of promises made since he assumed office. The festivities opened with a “Diana Around the City”, followed by a thanksgiving mass at Aurora Park. The multi-awarded Samiweng Singers, performed a rendition of "Happy Birthday...