Ilocos Norte rekindles ties with Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is reviving ties with Cebu province to maximize both provinces’ potential in tourism, trade, and investments following the opening of the first-ever Cebu-Laoag direct flight by Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said while there was an existing sisterhood agreement between his province and Cebu before his entry as Governor, he admitted that this is not active.

“Historically speaking we do have a sisterhood agreement with Cebu. But to be honest it's not very active. The two provinces signed a sisterhood relationship was signed in 2013. We are looking for strong partnerships to revive that sort of sisterhood relationship—whether informal or formal,” said Monotoc during his visit to Cebu officially introducing the opening of Ilocos Norte to the rest of Visayas and Mindanao market through direct flight.

The Presidential nephew said Cebu and Ilocos Norte could potentially work on linkages in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and other potential for investments, as well as mutually promote both provinces’ potential for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibits) events.

“We are opening up Ilocos Norte for investments. We know that many big businessmen in the Philippines are either from Cebu or traced their roots to Cebu. We’d like to explore business opportunities between the two provinces,” he said.

In tourism, the Governor boosted his province's potential to attract not only young and adventurous travelers but also families saying “We are the only province in the Philippines that can offer a slice of Dubai with our sand dunes, a glimpse of Boracay through of award-winning white-sand beach in Pagudpud, and a touch of Baguio’s charm.”

This bold assertion underscores the diverse and unique attractions that set the province apart, catering to a broad spectrum of travelers.

Its eco-tourism attractions, along with delectable gastronomic offerings are a few of the allure that travelers from Cebu and the rest of Southern Philippines can explore, like the famous Bagnet, inventive treats like pinakbet pizza, and other enticing local flavor options.

At present, Monotoc said his province is attracting young travelers from Metro Manila. But with the opening of a two-and-a-half hours flight from Cebu to Laoag, Manotoc hopes to attract not only young travelers but likewise families from Visayas and Mindanao.

In an earlier interview with then, Ilocos Norte Governor, now Senator Imee Marcos, she said that both provinces have complementary strengths that need to be further developed saying "Cebu and Ilocos are a perfect fit. Cebu has good beaches and fashion accessories. Good shopping facilities. While we are also offering good attractions in culture and heritage, and the wind and sand sport activities.”

Today, Manotoc, the youngest son of Marcos, is reviving the partnership ties between Cebu and Ilocos Norte. With a surge in domestic travel interest following the pandemic and a heightened awareness of business and investment opportunities between the two provinces, this collaboration is gaining renewed momentum.

Known as the garlic basket in the  Philippines, Ilocos Norte located at the northwest corner of Luzon Island, is also rich in other agricultural produce. It is also known as the Philippine gateway to East Asia with its proximity to China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.

Starting December 15, 2023, PAL opens the Cebu-Laoag-Cebu route every Tuesday and Friday departing at 7:35 a.m, and arriving at 10:05 a.m. From Laoag, it will fly back to Cebu at 10:25 a.m arriving at 12:35 p.m. The daily Cebu-General-Santos-Cebu flight will depart Cebu at 2:30 p.m, arriving at 3:50 p.m.