Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte provincial government has announced plans to enhance its healthcare infrastructure by establishing more Rural Health Units this year, utilizing the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). This initiative is aimed at improving healthcare access for residents, particularly in underserved areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has facilitated this development by ordering the direct release of funds to local government units (LGUs), thereby streamlining processes and accelerating project implementation. This move has been welcomed by local officials, including Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, who expressed relief over the ease of fund access during a press briefing.

Governor Araneta-Marcos emphasized the necessity of upgrading rural health facilities to alleviate patient congestion in provincial hospitals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the province's public healthcare system, which includes upgrading health facilities, acquiring new equipment, and recruiting additional healthcare professionals.

For the current year's LGSF, Ilocos Norte has been allocated PHP68 million for its rice program to promote food sufficiency and an additional PHP68 million for infrastructure development. The 2026 LGSF allocation surpasses the previous year's PHP114,188,800, with PHP54 million earmarked for ICT and infrastructure development, particularly for advancing the Universal Health Program through digital integration.

Furthermore, the provincial government has allocated PHP15 million each to the City of Laoag and the municipalities of Bangui, Dumalneg, and Piddig for the construction of multipurpose buildings, indicating a comprehensive approach to regional development.