The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST. Hidilyn Diaz talks about the role of education in developing future weightlifters, at a press conference on Feb. 21, 2025 in Ilocos Norte. She also said weightlifting should be a regular event in the Palarong Pambansa. Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY—Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is on a mission to make young Filipinos love and engage in sports, particularly weightlifting. Diaz is touring Ilocos Norte to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes. The country’s first Olympic gold medalist recently met with officials of the Dept. of Education to advocate weightlifting to be included as a regular event in the Palarong Pambansa, rather than just a demonstration sport. "We really have to work on spreading the sport by having events and to have education for technical officials and coaches,” Diaz said in an interview on Feb. 21, 2025, noting that the key to weightlifting education is to start from top to bottom. She ...

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...

Champion  pole vaulter EJ Obiena guides a young athlete during the opening of the pole-vaulting facility at the FEM Memorial Stadium. Laoag City —Olympic pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” U. Obiena and Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc opened Ilocos Norte’s first pole vaulting facility at the Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Memorial Stadium, on No. 22, 2024, a step forward in transforming the Philippines into a global force in pole vaulting. Obiena, a world-class Filipino pole vaulter is currently ranked third in the 2024 World Athletics Rankings for the men’s pole vault category. He finished fourth place in the same sport at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris, France, barely missing a medal. He is also the first Asian athlete to conquer the six-meter mark at the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway in 2023. Aside from this, Obiena is also a three-time Southeast Asian Games champion. He also bagged the gold medal in the 2023 Asian Games, becoming the first Filipino gold medalist ...

  PH Men’s Olympic Trap Shooting Team, Eric Ang, Hagen Alexander J. Topacio and Carlos Carag win the gold in team event. (Contributed photo) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Ilokanos here rejoiced as they took pride of the lone Laoag City trap shooter Eric Ang for the winning gold medal for the trap shooting team event in the 30 th Southeast Asian Games. Mr. Ang, with Hagen Alexander Topacio and Carlos Carag represented the Philippines in Men’s Olympic Trap Team as they dislodged the Malaysians in team play with a total of 338 points. The Malaysians scored 330 points while Thailand placed third with 321 points. With this, a resolution sponsored by Sangguniang Panlungsod member Roger John Fariñas was passed to recognized Mr. Ang’s latest victory. “We, your fellow Laoagueños are so proud of you!,” said a congratulatory message to Mr. Ang which was posted in the official social network page of the Laoag City government just after the Filipino...

By Bernardo B. Ver II Contributor Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos said Senate sports committee chairperson Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go must get to the bottom of the numerous foul-ups in hosting the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) that are embarrassing the Filipino people even before the biennial sports event has begun. Ms. Marcos added that she backs Mr. Go’s promise to conduct a probe and that he would be the best person to do so, to prove that the government does not cover up anomalies committed by those close to the President. “If Senator Go will really conduct an investigation, and I hope he does, he would prove that the government is not afraid to go up against President Duterte’s allies,” Ms. Marcos said. House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who chairs the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee ( Phisgoc ), and Philippine Sports Committee chairperson William Ramirez have come under fire for various logistical blunders exposed in mai...

The Laoag City Palarong Pamasko 2019 opens with a parade within the city proper participated in by the city’s 80 barangays for the junior category and various tricycle associations, city hall offices and local and national agencies who will compete in basketball and volleyball games. The highlight of the opening parade was the Search for Mr. & Miss Palarong Pamasko 2019 and Miss Gay Palarong Pamasko 2019. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Batac CITY—Scattered rain showers did not stop over 2,000 delegates from the 23 state universities and colleges in Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region to show their strength and will power to join the 2019   Association of State Colleges and Universities-Solid North (ASCU-SN) Summer Olympics held at the Mariano Marcos State University main campus in this city on May 7-10, 2019. In her welcome speech, MMSU President Shirley Agrupis, also the incoming president of ASCU-SN, said she is delighted to see the largest gathering of inter-regional groups of state colleges and universities in the country which aims to foster solidarity and promote health and wellness among employees and the communities they serve. “Even Mother Nature is excited to have you here. In the past weeks, the heat was almost unbearable and so were very happy when it rained a few days back and we started praying for the rain t...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN) sent 114 delegation to the 2019 Palarong Pambansa to be held in Davao City from April 27-May 4, 2019. Of the 114 delegates, education program specialist II Rochito Duque said 83 of them are athletes, 22 coaches, two chaperons and seven other persons from Ilocos Norte. They left for Davao on April 16, 2019 to prepare early for the said national sports event. Mr. Duque said the SDOIN prepared some food wrapped made of banana leaves for their travel. As part of this endeavor, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte approved PHP500,000 from the Special Education Fund (SEF) for the Ilocos Norte delegation. He said the conduct of Palarong Pambansa is in accordance with RA No. 10588 otherwise known as the Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013, which aims to select athletes to represent the country in a higher level of sports competition worldwide. SDOIN superintendent Vilma Ed...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—The Department of Education Schools Division of Dagupan City sustained its run as the grand champion in this year’s Region 1 Athletic Association meet held March 6 to 11, 2019 in this city. Though there is no overall ranking for this year’s R1AA meet, the official medal tally results show Dagupan City received the most gold medal with a total of 87, 64 silver and 55 bronze . This is followed by Pangasinan 2 whose delegates dominated archery, badminton, table tennis, volleyball and wushu. They took home 57 gold medals, 52 silver and 43 bronze while Ilocos Norte had a close finish of 56 gold medals, 39 silver and 61 bronze respectively. Since the start of the sports competition, the Dagupan City powerhouse has displayed its might to defend its title from last year’s regional competition as it showed its best in arnis , boxing, swimming and aero-gymnastics competitions. As champion, it will field most of the...

Laoag City —Department of Education Region I director Dr. Malcolm Garma praised Ilocos Norte as the “best host” among all regional sports events he has attended; commending the “spectacular” opening program, well-organized playing venues, and comfortable billeting venues. Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc also extended his gratitude to the people behind the success of R1AA Meet, saying: “I would like to thank the DepEd for allowing the province to host the R1AA this year and I also thank all our delegations for coming and staying as a very dignified and reasonable guests here in Ilocos Norte.” He also stressed that the delegates are “always welcome” to visit again and appreciate the beauty of Ilocos Norte. ( Blessing Angel V. Agliam )

Laoag City —Dakkel a ballaigi iti gobierno probinsial ken Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN) iti pannakaisayangkat ti 2019 Region I Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet idi Marso 6 ingana 11. Nagtalinaed a naurnos ken nabunga dagiti napasamak nga aktibidad, ken nagawid dagiti delegado nga addaan adu a napipintas a pakalaglagipan iti probinsia ti Ilocos Norte. Indauloan ni senior Sangguniang Panlungsod member Matthew Marcos Manotoc ken ni Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Angelo Marcos Barba dagiti kameng iti gobierno probinsial bayat iti pananglukat a program iti R1AA. Ni SBM Manotoc ken Vice Governor Barba iti nangawat ti bandera iti R1AA nga aggapo iti ofisiales iti Alaminos City a nakaangayan met ti R1AA iti napalabas a tawen. Pinasangbay ti probinsia iti nasurok 10,300 a delegasion dagiti atleta, mangisursuro, ofisiales ken dagiti mangidadaulo manipud iti agbibinnalubal a schools division: Alaminos City, Batac City, Candon City, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, L...

  RUN FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS . Sports enthusiasts and their families join the fun run for a clean and orderly 2019 elections on March 9, 2019. (Photo courtesy of INPPO) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Hundreds of runners from various parts of Ilocos Norte and nearby provinces joined the fun run on March 9, 2019 from Camp Valentin S. Juan in this city to the town of Vintar. Organized by the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), Police Maj. Angelito de Juan of the investigation division said the fun run aims to advocate peace in the upcoming May mid-term elections. “This is a friendly run with our allies and the candidates. We hope that we get rid of hurting and teasing each other during the campaign,” said Mr. De Juan during the opening program at the INPPO open ground. The event was among the activities of the INPPO and the Commission on Elections, which also led the February 7, 2019 interfaith rally and January 13, 2019 walk ...

By Bernard Ver Contributor Laoag City —The newly installed Unity Arc welcomed Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet delegates in Ilocos Norte. Provincial tourism officer Aian Raquel said the installation of the arc at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Sports Stadium symbolizes not only unity, but also the rich culture of the Ilocanos—depicting the ‘La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc’ shrine. It has a theme: One Goal. One North! The framework was designed by architect Allan Sonajo, an in-house builder of the provincial government. It was formed thru metal panel and its shapes are probably looks like a bow of the ship. The Arc also serves as a green structure too. It carries plants. Mr. Raquel added that the artwork is detachable. “It’s semi-permanent and can be dismantled and relocated. But for now, it will stay there. Hopefully even during the construction of the stadium”, Mr. Raquel affirmed. Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte government is moving forward in d...

By Bernard Ver Contributor Sarrat , Ilocos Norte—Two of Adamson University Falcons’ newbies that soared high in the latest University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 men’s volleyball tournament are from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Jadewin Gudoy, 18, from Brgy. 21, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, graduated at the Parang Elementary School. He finished his secondary education at the Sta. Rosa National High School. He is now taking-up Bachelor of Physical Education, Major in Sports and Wellness. The other one is Marc Edsel Garcia, 18, from Brgy. 1, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. He graduated from Sarrat North Central School, then, Sarrat National High School. He is now taking-up Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports, Major in Fitness and Sports Management. The two Falcons are now official members of the collegiate men's varsity team of Adamson University. They belong to the team of the University that participated in other sports leagues such as the Fil-...

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Health personnel from the Department of Health are making rounds in various schools and local communities in the province to conduct massive vaccination particularly among athletes participating in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet. For the safety of participants, Ilocos Norte’s hosting of the R1AA has been moved to March 6-11, 2019 instead of March 3-8 to give time for the athletes to be vaccinated against measles first. In a press conference held at the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte on February 28, 2019, Dr. Edwin Monis, medical officer V of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Region 1 and area supervisor for measles outbreak response team for Ilocos Norte said Region 1 has already recorded a total of 536 cases of measles with the most number, or 456 cases with 14 deaths in Pangasinan, 45 in La Union, 22 in Ilocos Sur and 13 in Ilocos Norte. To boost the immunity of the community...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —The provincial government of Ilocos Norte will be hosting this year’s Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet set on March 3-8, 2019. Education Program Specialist on MAPEH Gene Reginaldo said that the provincial government expects around 10,256 delegates from the different Schools Division in Region 1. This is the reason why the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN) in cooperation and partnership with the provincial government are both busy in the preparation of the playing venues, billeting school, opening program, construction of related infrastructures, souvenir programs and organization of the different committees. As developed, Mr. Reginaldo said that the SDOIN has now identified the eight billeting schools in Ilocos Norte and six schools in Laoag City. Aside from the Marcos Stadium as the main playing venue, there will also be areas in Bacarra for gymnastics, football elementary, softball secondary both...

  Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas tosses the ball for the ceremonial jump-ball formally opening this year’s inter school sports tournament. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff reporter Laoag City —Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas personally opened this year’s Laoag City Inter-School Sports Tournament held at the city multi-purpose basketball court. Heavy rains at the time precluded the traditional parade. In its place, the city government held a program featuring all competing athletes from elementary and secondary school levels of private and public schools. Mrs. Fariñas, in her speech, welcomed all the athletes for this year’s inter school tournament, which will feature other sports events aside from basketball. Laoag City government sports coordinator Hipolito Salva said this year’s tournament include volleyball, table tennis, badminton, chess, football and athletics. Mr. Salva explained that they will hold games during weekends to avoid any...