Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte government is collaborating with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan to attract more tourists and investors to the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, provincial board member Saul Lazo announced the recent approval of Provincial Resolution No. 2025-09-050, which authorizes Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos to sign a memorandum of agreement with MECO, represented by Director Corazon Padiernos, and Cheese Advertising Co., Ltd., represented by Director Ling Peng or other authorized representatives. This agreement aims to promote Ilocos Norte’s tourism and cultural industry in Taiwan.
Lazo, who sponsored the resolution, stated that the primary goal of this initiative is to position Ilocos Norte as a premier travel destination for Taiwanese tourists through influencer-led content and data-driven digital engagement strategies. A tourism campaign program, funded by the provincial government, is set to launch soon in partnership with influencers from Taipei. These influencers will visit Ilocos Norte in October to explore and document the province’s top tourism and investment opportunities for the Taiwanese market.
The memorandum of agreement seeks to strategically establish Ilocos Norte as a top investment destination for East Asian countries and a commercial hub in northern Philippines, connecting the northern and central regions of Luzon with Taiwan, Hong Kong, and countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea.
Lazo mentioned that the campaign targets family tourists from Taiwan and those interested in casino and golf activities. Currently, the 18-hole Paoay golf course and a casino operation are being prepared for tourists in the province.
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has allocated PHP12 million for the redevelopment of the golf course and is working with private investors to create golf packages for leisure and professional golfers. Meanwhile, plans are underway to revive the casino operation at the Fort Ilocandia Resort, which previously attracted foreign visitors through chartered flights at Laoag International Airport.
