Laoag: An Industrialized City of Ilocos Norte

Renowned as a high class city located at the heart of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines, Laoag is the center of political, economic and industrial activities of the province. Being the center of almost all commercial activities of Ilocos Norte, Laoag is recognized by the Philippine government as the province’s capital city. Based on the outcomes of the 2000 Census in the city, the population of the city is estimated at 94,446 with households of 19,751.

One of the factors that affected the fast development of the economy of Laoag is its location. If we will have a look at the geography of this city, we can see that if a person will travel from Laoag to Hong Kong, China, by plane, it will only take that person 45 minutes. On the other hand, if a person will travel from the city to the Kaohsiung port city in Taiwan, it will only take that person 30 minutes. Because of the short distance between Laoag city and these Asian cities, trade and industry in the city is improving.

Aside from the location of the city, the improving number of financial institutions and banks that are established in Laoag also helped with its economic expansion. According to statistics, there are presently 25 banks and financial services companies that provide the needs of its residents. The presence of these institutions in the city is believed to help a lot to provide the economic needs of Laoag.

Its improving tourism industry is also one of the sources of income of people in the city. Every year, the proportion of people who go to Laoag to visit the historic sites and tourist spots like beach resorts increases. Because of the mushrooming of attractive beach resorts in Laoag, the employment rate in the city also improves.

Some of the tourist spots that travelers can visit at Laoag are the Sinking Bell Tower, the Tobacco Monopoly Monument, the Ilocos Lighthouse and the Ilocos Norte Museum. On the other hand, Laoag is very known for the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Hotel where the remains of late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos lied for several years.

Laoag does not just focuses on its economic sector but it also highlights its education sector. The Mariano Marcos State University, the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades and the College of Teacher Education are the most popular schools and universities in the city. With the importance given by the local government of Laoag to its education and economic sector, it is definitely one of the industrialized cities that can be found in the northern part of the Philippines.