Laoag Tourist Information
For several years now Laoag City has been at the fulcrum of the development and progress of Ilocos Norte. Not only is it the place where most business and commerce takes place but it is also where one can experience the best of its culture.
Geography and Location
Laoag City is encompassed by the municipalities of Sarat, Nicolas, Paoay, Bacarra and Vintar. From the eastern section are the hills leading up to the famous Cordillera mountains, and over to the western front the expanse of the South China Sea can be seen.
As with other parts of the region, the climate is characterized by a rainy period lasting from May till October and the dry season from May up until the month of October.
The People
The great majority of the people of Laoag City are Ilocano, and their language, practices, and customs all pertain to that ethnic group. Being overwhelmingly Catholic, part of their culture include the observance of Christian and Catholic Holy Days as well as feasts dedicated to various local patron saints.
However, there have been in recent years an increasing number of adherents of other Christian sects, like the Jesus is Lord Movement, Baptists
and other religions like Islam and Buddhism.
Educational System
Because education is crucial to its development, Laoag City has made the construction of quality schools and universities a priority.
Among the most well known educational institutions are the College of Industrial Technology, the College of Teacher Education, the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades, Divine College of Laoag, AMA Computer College and more. There are also other private schools, and even some military schools as well.
Economy
Laoag City is situated in the North Luzon Economic Triangle, a special area designated by the Philippine government for economic development. As such, Laoag enjoys an advantage over others, because it is less than an hour away from such important trade partners like Hong Kong and Taiwan.
With the inflow of products and foreign investments, several financial institutions have been setup. The Northwest Luzon Quadrangle is a project that is boosting the agricultural sector and also various other industries like local handicrafts.
Today there are several industries growing, including furniture ships, jewelry making, processing of rice, and other factories.
Transportation
As tourism starts to play a vital part in the growth of the economy, the transportation infrastructure of Laoag City is keeping pace. The Laoag International Airport is capable of handling both local and international flights.
Most of the major airliners now offer direct flights to the city, a testament to the growing number of people interested in visiting and/or conducting business. The Currimao Port is the center of shipping services and other goods.
Once in the metropolis, there are several ways that people can move about. Everything from buses, to jeepneys and taxis are widely available. For shorter trips there are the ubiquitous tricycles.
History
Long before Juan Salcedo embarked on the shores of Pdsan River in 1572, Laoag was already populated by the Austronesians, an ethnic group that might have been living in the area as early as 300 BC. By the time the Spaniards came, the local inhabitants were already conducting trade with Chinese and Japanese merchants.
As they did with other provinces, the conquistadors set about converting the locals to Christianity and began building churches as well as houses. In time most of the residents became Christian converts.
It was after World War II that Loaag City, then a town, was rebuilt and began to grow. At first relying heavily on fishing, agriculture and tobacco production, it has now managed to focus on other areas like manufacturing and other endeavors. .
Facts and Figures
Location: Region 1 (the Ilocos Region)
Province: Ilocos Norte
Barangays: there are currently 80
Foundation Day: Laoag had been in existence since 1580, but it
became a city on June 19, 1965.
Population: approximately 120,000
Land Area: 127 sq km (approx. 76 sq m).
