The Ilocos Times

From time to time, we see Christ showing anger over certain issues. This only validates the fact that anger is not necessarily bad, since it is part of our human nature and definitely also of the supernatural character of our life. We just have to be very careful about it, seeing to it that our anger is righteous anger, and not just the anger of a brute animal. When Christ got mad over some leading Jews of his time, (Lk 10,13-16) that was because despite the many good things Christ showed them, they persisted in their own self-righteous ways and even went to the extent not only of not believing in Christ but also of finally condemning him to death. We too should feel the anger of Christ, since we cannot deny that despite everything that Christ has done for us, we continue to be erratic in our ways, falling into all kinds of anomalies and sins. By feeling Christ’s anger, we should also feel the need for us to have another round of repentance and conversion. Let’s just be frank ab

In response to disasters like severe tropical storm Kristine [international name Trami], Sen. Imee Marcos filed Senate Bill No. 186, which aims to create the National Resiliency and Disaster Management Authority. The said agency will focus on preparing, giving warnings, responding to and helping communities after calamities. “If we have a centralized authority for disaster management, we would be able to identify the most vulnerable zones and prepare properly against disasters,” Marcos said, calling for an agency that focuses on leading anything disaster-related. Marcos emphasized the lack of preparedness and coordination among provinces frequently affected by calamities, particularly in Bicol. “Bicol faces the Pacific, has an active volcano, and is subject to numerous accompanying threats, why hasn't a synchronized national response been established?” the senator questioned. The victims of severe tropical storm Kristine complained about the power outage, inadequate genset i

By Noralyn Onto Dudt If you think dieting will make you lose weight, think again. You need to consider what metabolism is and how it works. Metabolism is the process through which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. This complex process powers everything you do, from breathing, to growing, to providing your brain with the energy to think. Whether your body is active or at rest, it's constantly burning calories (a measure of energy) non-stop. Even when you're resting or sleeping, your body needs energy to keep vital functions going, like breathing, circulating blood, and repairing cells. This energy use is called basal metabolic rate (BMR)). Daily activities such as walking,   talking, and doing everyday tasks also burn calories.   Physical activities like running, swimming, or lifting weights increase the number of calories your body uses. Metabolism is largely influenced by genetics. However, there are some lifestyle modifications you can make t

Change can be a powerful force—sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. But one thing remains certain: it’s not always inevitable. As witnesses to many changes, we know that embracing or resisting them is a gamble. What matters most is not the change itself but our decision to accept or reject it. In the City of Batac, voters face this choice in next year’s midterm elections. Competing for their trust are two teams: the incumbents, with outgoing Mayor Albert Chua stepping down after three terms to run for vice mayor, and his son, neophyte Councilor Christian Mark Chua, aiming for the mayoralty. On the other side, former Mayor Jeffrey Nalupta seeks a comeback, with Councilor Bismark Quidang as his running mate for vice mayor. History is telling. Nalupta challenged Albert Chua in 2019 and lost by more than 10,000 votes. Another Nalupta contender faced off against Chua in 2022, suffering an even greater defeat. This voting pattern suggests that Batac voters know what they

Solsona  Mayor Joseph E. de Lara (left) and former punong barangay and businessman Charles Curameng (right) gear for a possible mayoralty showdown in Solsona for the 2025 midterm elections. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz Staff Reporter Solsona , Ilocos Norte—Former punong barangay and businessman Charles Curameng is set to throw his hat into the mayoralty race against incumbent Solsona Mayor Joseph E. de Lara in the upcoming 2025 national and local midterm elections. Curameng formally announced his candidacy for mayor in a bid to continue his public service and helping his constituents not only in Brgy. Laureta but the whole town of Solsona With just one term as barangay head, Curameng admitted that he needs more knowledge in the field of public governance and he added that he is willing to learn. He stressed that he decided to run primarily to help the people who are in need and see some priority projects that need an immediate attention like the construction and

Batac councilor Markee Chua leads the distribution of relief packs in the City of Batac (File photo) The following is a sit down interview with Batac councilor Mark Christian "Markee" Chua who has filed his candidacy to run for the city’s mayoralty post. Outgoing Batac mayor Engr. Albert D. Chua will be his running mate. The incumbent mayor has completed three straight terms and has slid down to run for the vice mayoralty post. The Chuas will face off with former Batac mayor Jeffrey Nalupta and Batac councilor Bismark Quidang, respectively.   The Ilocos Times (IT): What made you decide to run? Mark Christian Chua (MCC): To be honest, Mayor Albert has done a lot for the city, and if we are to really quantify those, I think there is little more to be accomplished in terms of governance as well as in looking after the welfare of the people of Batac. But this is not to say, that there is nothing more to be done. In time, all things need to evolve so they can keep up with

INCOME BOOST. Bureau  of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel distribute 50,000 tilapia fingerlings to members of indigenous people (IP) community on Tuesday, (Sept. 17, 2024) in Adams town, Ilocos Norte province. This is part of the Hapag Katutubo (indigenous table) project to empower IPs for inclusive growth. ( Photo courtesy of BFAR Ilocos Norte) By Leilanie G. Adriano Adams, Ilocos Norte —About 500 members of the indigenous peoples (IPs) community in this town look forward to harvesting more tilapia and catfish from their communal bodies of water and its aquaculture technology demonstration project. This, after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 1 provided them a total of PHP300,000 worth of livelihood assistance. Nestled atop mountains, Adams is located approximately 108.3 kilometers north of the capital city of Laoag. With less than 3,000 residents, it is home to one of the indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities in northern Luzon, the Yapaya