Visit Ilocos!

According to the old folks, the citys name was derived from an Ilocano term, which means, "light". History further reveals that way back in the Hispanic era, an Augustinian missionary had commented in his Diccionarios Geogratico Estatistico Historico de las Islas Filipinas that Laoag has a clear atmosphere presenting a beautiful sky - so explained its name.

History books pointed to the Ilocos Region as one of the first three political divisions of Luzon that was organized into a province at the early stage of the Spanish colonization. Toward the northern portion of the Ilocos Region is Ilocos Norte where the proposed Laoag City Commercial Complex Project designed for the central public market and the commercial complex is located.

Laoag City was converted into a city on January 01, 1966 through a plebiscite and ever since remained the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte. From thereon the city has undergone a lot of improvements. It is continuously growing and progressing because of its geographical location, the characteristics of its people and the unbelievably good peace and order situation.

The City of Laoag, the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia, is located at the west central part of the Province of Ilocos Norte bordering the China Sea. It is along the Manila ? North Road. It is 78 kilometers from Vigan; 217 kilometers from San Fernando City; 363 kilometers from Tarlac; 420 kilometers from the National Capital (Manila); and 274 kilometers from Baguio City.

Tourist Spots

Laoag City is the center of tourism in the Province of Ilocos Norte as gleaned from the influx of tourists. Among the tourist lures are the following:

1. Laoag City Commercial Complex - This 3 storey building was constructed to replace the old public market.

2. Tobacco Monopoly Monument - The only one of its kind in the country, a slender tall but graceful monument. It was erected in 1882 to commemorate the gratitude of the people of the Province of Ilocos Norte to his Majesty King Alfonso XIIL Q. D.G., for having lifted the tobacco monopoly that had been enforced in Northern Luzon since 1782 to 1882.

3. Laoag City Hall - This structure of Spanish Colonial vintage located just to the left of the Marcos Bridge when coming from the south is the seat of the city government of Laoag. It was impressively restored under the administration of Hon. Mayor, Atty. Rodolfo C. Fariñas

4. Sinking Belltower - The sinking bell tower of Laoag City is reputed to be the most solid, most massive and tallest bell tower in the Philippines.

5. St. William's Cathedral - It is the one of the biggest church of the country. It was in 1612 that the foundations of the present church of Italian Renaissance were made replacing the former wooden chapel. The church was damaged by hurricane in 1640, by earthquake in 1706, by fire in 1843. The church was restored in 1880.

6. Aurora Park - It is located south of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol and at the center is where the statue of the maiden Pamulinawen is strategically placed atop the fountain.

7. Marcos Hall of justice - This was formerly the site of a low one?floor brick building called "Carcel provincial" where the late Pres. Marcos was incarcerated or detained when he was accused in the staying of Nalundasan.

8. La Paz Sand Dunes - Noted of its panoramic view overlooking the China Sea where local and foreign movie industry had location shooting. It is located in Brgy. La Paz.

9. Rizal Park - At the park, the statue of Jose Rizal was erected in 1957 by the Ilocos Norte Teachers Club with the cooperation of civic spirited citizens of the Province of Ilocos Norte. The park was restored/renovated under the administration of Hon. Gov. Atty. Rodolfo C. Fariñas wherein a playground, a swimming pool, a picnic ground and a mini?zoo are found.

10. Laoag City-Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena This centennial arena was undertaken by the joint effort of the city and provincial government. This is a venue for sports competitions, cultural shows, and other related activities of the city, province, region and national as well. It is the biggest in Northern Luzon with a sitting capacity of 5,000. It is located at Brgy. 3, Laoag City with a total land area of 1 (one) hectare.

The tourism industry in the province remains untapped in spite of some good tourism facilities. The Laoag International Airport is one of the country's few ports of entry in the north to and from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Taiwan alone can generate about 50,000 tourists annually, and this market has not yet been fully tapped.