The Ilocos Times

WHEN the disciples asked Christ why he spoke in parables , his answer was simple and direct: "Because they look but do not see, and they hear but do not listen or understand." (Mt. 13:13) Later, he explained the deeper reason. They did not want to be converted. That answer should make us examine ourselves. Christ's parables are much more than memorable stories. They reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those who approach him with faith and humility. At the same time, they test the disposition of every listener. Those who sincerely seek God receive light. Those who close themselves to him remain confused. The problem is not with the message but with the heart that refuses to receive it. The same principle applies to all the truths of our faith. Faith has to come first. Reason is indispensable, but it has to be enlightened by faith. Human intelligence, no matter how brilliant, has its limits. Left on its own, it can only grasp what is visible and measura...

  T he Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) convened the "Nuclear Workforce Educational Forum: A US-PH Exchange of Ideas" on June 11 at the University of Makati. The event is part of the Freedom 250 Lecture Series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program . Attended by representatives of the energy sector from Philippine higher education institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders such as AboitizPower and Meralco , the forum aimed to increase awareness and strengthen understanding of nuclear education and operations in support of workforce readiness for the country's emerging nuclear sector. In his opening remarks, PAEF Executive Director Julio Amador III emphasized the importance of nuclear energy to the Philippines and highlighted how the United States' decades of experience in developing a safe and regulated nuclear workforce can provide valuable lessons for the country's ...

  At least 131 market stalls were burned in the Batac Public Market firer that began on July 5 and continued into the early hours of July 6, 2026. (Doms dela Cruz) By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter City of Batac —At least 131 business stalls were reduced to ashes in the fire that hit the Batac Public Market on July 5, 2026, starting at about 8:50 pm and continuing until around 6:00 am the following morning, Batac Mayor Mark Christian “Markee” Chua said. In response, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, headed by Batac Vice Mayor and presiding officer Abert D. Chua, immediately held a special session to declare the city under a state of calamity , following the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government . The declaration was also needed for the release of the city’s Quick Response Fund. Fire/Sr. Insp. Heinrich Gudoy and other members of the inspection team attended the session, in t...

  Balangay award . Pagudpud Mayor Rafael Ralph Benemerito receives the Balangay Seal of Excellence Award as Drug-Cleared Municipality from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for being recognized as a Drug-Cleared Municipality. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the LGU, law enforcement agencies, barangays, and the community in promoting a safer, healthier, and drug-free Pagudpud. (Photo courtesy of LGU Pagudpud)

GOV'T INCENTIVES. Visitors at the Paoay sand dunes in this undated photo. The provincial government said on July 10, 2026 that it continues to offer incentives to filmmakers, offering its cinematic landscapes such as this. File photo  By Leilanie Adriano LAOAG CITY —The film industry in Ilocos Norte is getting a boost as the provincial government strengthens initiatives to attract local and international productions through a package of incentives and streamlined support services. The initiative aims to position Ilocos Norte as a premier filming destination by offering assistance with site matching, location fee waiver, logistical coordination, and access to the province's diverse natural landscapes, heritage sites, and cultural attractions. It is also part of the province's broader strategy to strengthen film tourism and promote Ilocos Norte as a competitive destination for local and international productions. “At present, the provincial government’s Media Inc...

By Dominic B. dela Cruz;  Staff reporter Laoag City —The city government here is urging all 80 punong barangays to intensify awareness, prevention and response measures against leptospirosis to reduce infections during and after heavy rains. Laoag Councilor Justine Clarence Chua reminded barangay officials that Laoag’s frequent tropical cyclones and prolonged rainfall increase the risk of waterborne diseases transmitted through floodwaters and contaminated soil, including leptospirosis. He described the disease as a serious bacterial infection that can cause high fever, jaundice, kidney failure, meningitis and death, and warned that even a few cases can burden local health services and families. The City Health Office reports four confirmed cases since July 2025, including two from Barangay Bengcag and two fatal cases from Barangays 6 and 46. Chua said barangay health workers, working with punong barangays, are key to early detection, reporting, education and referrals that e...

  MORE AWARDS. Vintar Mayor Richard Agregado Degala receives two awards from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Sinagtala Award , and Timpuyog Award in a ceremony held in San Fernando City, La Union on June 11, 2026. The Sinagtala Award recognizes the mayor’s outstanding partnership and unwavering commitment bringing government services closer to Overseas Filipino Workers ( OFW ) and their families in Vintar. Through responsive governance and meaningful collaboration, LGU Vintar has served a vital bridge between OWWA RWO1 and local communities ensuring that programs, opportunities and assistance reach those in need. While the Timpuyog Award also recognizes the mayor’s exemplary commitment to promoting the welfare, protection and empowerment of OFWs and their families through responsive local governance and innovative public service. Through the mayor’s steadfast partnership with OWWA ROW1, LGU Vintar has strengthened family resilience, expanded opportunitie...