Ilocos Norte mayors' ‘lakbay aral’ to Bali, Singapore brings new perspective for investment opportunities

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Laoag City—The week-long study tour of Ilocos Norte mayors to the popular tourism destinations of Bali in Indonesia and in Singapore gave them a new perspective explore other opportunities for investment.

Led by Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, the League of Mayors of the Philippines-Ilocos Norte chapter with their spouses flew to Bali on May 26 and then to Singapore on May 29 for an eight-day study tour.

Piddig mayor Eddie Guillen of Piddig said both countries they visited has widened their horizon to become more “aggressive” in terms of pursuing investment opportunities in their respective towns and cities.

“Comparing our infrastructure and tourism investment potentials, we are highly competitive. We only have to advertise and become more aggressive in promotion,” Guillen said in a telephone interview on after their arrival in Laoag City.

According to Mr. Guillen, their field visits and technology shopping from the various tourism destinations in neighboring Asian countries make them realize of the possible investment opportunities in their local communities and to further strengthen their leadership capabilities that they are on the right track of pursuing Ilocos Norte’s master plan for tourism development.

Taking cue from the best practices of other countries, Guillen said, “Kung kaya nila, kayang-kaya din natin. Masapul met nga iyapaltayo ti bagbagitayo).”

By bringing in local chief executives for a study tour abroad, Ms. Marcos is optimistic that they will gain new insights on how to run their respective local government units in support of the provincial government’s master plan for development.

Like in Nueva Era town, Ms. Marcos lauded the leadership of Nueva Era town mayor Aldrin Garvida for initiating the construction and on-going development of the eco-park and tribal village inspired by the same group’s previous lakbay aral to Vietnam.

To date, the eco-park and tribal village is now attracting foreign and domestic tourists while inviting more tourism infrastructure investment opportunities in the area.

All mayors except mayors Diosdado Garvida of Bangui, Lervie Espiritu of Dumalneg, Melanie Grace Valdez of San Nicolas and Chevylle V. Fariñas of Laoag City attended the lakbay aral of Ilocos Norte mayors this year.

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