Ilocos Norte governor vows to boost tourism, investment

Laoag City—Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos pledged her administration’s commitment to strengthening Ilocos Norte’s tourism and investment sectors as she delivered her first 100 days report, outlining the province’s continuing progress toward Ilocos Norte as a "greener pasture."

“Tourism is truly Ilocos Norte’s greatest beauty, and we are committed to taking it to new heights,” Araneta-Marcos said.

In her report, the governor highlighted several milestones in the tourism sector, including Ilocos Norte’s PHP 6.5 million in sales and second runner-up Best Booth recognition at the 36^th Philippine Travel Mart. She also emphasized the uncovering of “hidden gems” in the province, such as the cascades of falls in Pasuquin and the mountain ranges in Solsona, as potential destinations.

Visitor services at the Laoag International Airport have been improved to offer guests a “warm and seamless welcome,” she said.

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is also advancing “world-class” tourism infrastructure, including the construction of the Currimao Tabacalera and Kapurpurawan Stalls, the development of the La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel, and the transformation of the province’s lakesides into vibrant recreational and educational hubs through the Paoay Lakeshore Quays Project.

“We are already among the best, but there is still much work to be done,” she noted.

“By connecting infrastructure, local talent, and global promotion, tourism will not only showcase the beauty of our land but also uplift the lives of our people,” she added.

 

New renewable energy farm

Meanwhile, on investments, Araneta-Marcos reported new partnerships and renewed investor confidence in the province. The provincial government recently signed a lease and development agreement with ALBA Renewable Energy for a renewable energy farm in Dungon-Dungon property in Burgos.

To make the province more “investor-friendly,” the provincial government revised the investment code to include incentives such as free use of government-owned properties.

Major renewable energy firms, namely Aboitiz, Vena, North Maharlika, Sta. Clara, and Shinfox are likewise in the pre-development stage of their projects, reinforcing Ilocos Norte’s branding as the “Renewable Energy Capital of Southeast Asia.”

The first-term governor also emphasized housing development for the province’s expanding workforce. With national government support, her administration plans to establish housing projects powered by solar energy, creating sustainable communities for workers in the province’s economic zones.

“As we welcome more industries, we must also ensure our people have homes where they can live comfortably and choose to stay,” she stressed.

“With trust as our foundation and our home as our driving force, I believe we will rise together and build a future full of hope and opportunity for every Ilokano,” she ended. (Kenneth Dhovan C. Natividad, PGIN-PIO)