Ilocanos propose Laoag-Cebu direct flights

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—As air travel demand continues to increase, the sole airline that services Manila-Laoag flights might consider opening direct flights connecting this northern gateway of Luzon to the central Visayas region.

Xavier Ruiz, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Tourism Office confirmed this as talks are underway for the proposed direct flights from Cebu to Laoag and vice versa.

“Since we are participating in international travel marts, we are constantly receiving a number of inquiries should airlines consider adding new flights and we are glad about it,” said Mr. Ruiz following Ilocos Norte’s latest participation in the International Travel Festival held in Cebu City last week.

In 2011, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee" R. Marcos and then Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia signed a pact for the sister-province ties between Ilocos Norte and Cebu.

With the signing of the sister province bond, both local government units envisioned to promote big opportunities on economic investment, tourism, agriculture as well as the passion for culture and heritage, among other things.

Mr. Ruiz said the first step to maximize the sisterhood agreement is to open direct flights from Cebu to Laoag and vice-versa.

To date, going to Ilocos Norte from Cebu has two options. First, Cebu residents and visitors may fly from Manila and avail of a connecting flight to Laoag or take the flight from Cebu to Clark in Pampanga and then ride a bus going to Laoag.

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