The Ilocos Times

THAT part of the Gospel about the ruler whose daughter had died and the woman suffering from a long illness (Mt. 9:18–26) offers us a powerful lesson on faith, hope, and complete trust in Christ. Though their situations were different, both individuals shared one thing in common: they turned to Christ when all human solutions had failed. Their confidence in Him transformed their desperation into deliverance, something that we should learn to do also. The ruler publicly pleaded with Jesus to restore his daughter to life, despite the seemingly impossible situation. The woman, on the other hand, quietly approached Him through the crowd, convinced that simply touching His garment would bring healing. Both acted with unwavering faith, and both received the miracle they sought. Their example reminds us that whenever we encounter trials beyond our strength, our first response should be to seek Christ. Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by sadness, self-pity, or discouragemen...

By Carlos V. Cornejo Growth in the intellect is achieved through reading books, studying for a course, attending seminars, etc.   Emotional growth follows our intellectual growth.   Emotion is an internal bodily reaction we would have as a consequence with whatever we perceive in our minds.   If I perceive you as a friend, I will feel comfortable being with you.   Emotionally I am glad to see you.    However, if I perceive you as an enemy, my physical reaction will be one of fight or flight.   My muscles will grow tense and my heartbeat will accelerate.   Perhaps, I feel afraid of you and don’t want to be in your presence.   In short, whatever dominates our thoughts would likewise be the prevailing emotions.   If we think of good thoughts, good feelings will follow.   If we think of bad thoughts, like imagining ourselves having failed, bad feelings would follow.   That’s why many self-help books would recommend to control ...

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...