Ilocos Norte aims to revive sisterhood links with Cebu

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte , Philippines   — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is going to intensify its existing sisterhood partnership with Cebu to further exchange mutual benefits in tourism and other industries.

In an interview with Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos, she said that Cebu and Ilocos Norte have complementary strengths and that she is looking forward to discuss further developments with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide, Jr.

Ilocos Norte signed a sisterhood agreement with Cebu in July 2011 with then  Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. Both provinces have already implemented exchange programs such as tourism promotion, linkages with the business organizations like Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and industry.

However, the partnership has taken a backseat due to the transition in government leadership and also the province’s attention was focused on the rehabilitation of areas devastated by the twin disasters last year.

Marcos said the province is going to initiate the revival of the sisterhood agreement, while Ilocos Norte now gears up for tourism advancement and would like to complement Cebu's tourism advantage.

"Cebu and Ilocos are perfect fit. Cebu has good beaches, fashion accessory. Good shopping facilities. While we are also offering good attraction in culture and heritage, and the wind and sand sport activities," Marcos said.

As tourism started to perk up in the province, the lady Governor is hoping to make stronger partnership with Cebu, including the tourism private sector players. The lack of hotel accommodation and over-booked airport are just few of the complementary exchanges that the two provinces can mutually benefit from.

Ilocos Norte has an international airport, situated in its capital Laoag City, wherein Marcos is actively inviting airlines to open international direct flights.

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. About two or three years ago, Marcos said her province had been able to rescue the depleting supply of mangoes in Visayas and Mindanao, and aided to sustain the requirement of food manufacturing companies in Cebu like Profood International.

While rich in fertile agricultural lands, Marcos said Ilocanos are conservative in nature and naturally not enterprising like the Cebuanos.

"Cebu is good at wealth creation. This is something that we could learn from Cebu. The issue on inclusive. growth doesn’t apply here," she said.

Ilocos Norte's economy is largely driven by overseas remittances, as 61 percent of the total population is funded by Ilocanos who work, and reside in different countries around the world.

The sudden surge of tourism in the province, the Governor said is a "wake up call for us." She is also inviting investors to take advantage of the profitable tourism sector especially in hotel, and other support facilities.

Aside from the province’s well known heritage and cultural strength, Marcos said her government is constantly developing more attractions to boost repeat visitors.

Now Ilocos Norte boasts of its sprawling sand dunes for adventure sand dune ride, the new developments of multi-million-dollar windmills, improved Marcos trail, among others. (FREEMAN)