Laoag City
Encyclopedia
The City of Laoag is a 1st class city in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines
. It is the capital city of Ilocos Norte, and the province's political, commercial, and industrial hub. It is the location of the Ilocos region's only commercial airport. The municipalities of San Nicolas
, Paoay
, Sarrat
, Vintar
, and Bacarra
form its boundaries. The foothills of the Cordillera Central
mountain range to the east, and the South China Sea
to the west are its physical boundaries.
Laoag experiences the prevailing monsoon
climate of Northern Luzon
, characterized by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October, occasionally visited by powerful typhoons.
According to the latest census, it had a population of 102,457 people in 19,751 households.
for "light or clarity"), is an old, flourishing settlement known to Chinese and Japanese traders when the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo
arrived at the northern banks of Padsan River in 1572. Augustinian missionaries established the Roman Catholic Church in the area in 1580 and designated Saint William, the Hermit as its patron saint.
The number of households is 19,751 and the average household size is five (5) persons per household. Male-female ratio is 1:1; Birth rate is 26.44% while Death rate is 4.28%.
In the city of Laoag as of year 2000, Urban barangay San Lorenzo had the largest number of population at 2,883; followed by Rural barangay Buttong at 2,277; and then by Barangay 2 Sta. Joaquina at 2,048. With the least inhabitants was Rural Barangay 39 Sta. Rosa, 592, and then Brgy. 52-A San Mateo, 594. Noticeably, the residents of Brgy. 23 San Matias decreased by 740.
Its ethnic population is overwhelmingly Ilocano
. Unlike the rest of the region, however, the Roman Catholic Church does not predominate. The Aglipayan Church which is the majority religion, Iglesia ni Cristo
, and other Protestant groups have strong followings.
With a 12,747.35m total land area, Laoag City provides a large opportunity for economic expansion. The historic scenic tourist spots, availability of internationally competitive accommodations and facilities, and the presence of supportive national government agencies, makes Laoag an ecotourism center, as classified by the Department of Tourism. The Northwestern Luzon Growth Quadrangle, fondly called the NORTH QUAD, also aims to develop rural areas through an integrated countryside agri-industrial development approach with emphasis/focus in attaining sustainable and equitably growth; increase the productivity of agriculture and fisheries; encourage industrial competitiveness in the local and foreign markets like Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. Plans are also being undertaken for the establishment of an ECO-TOURISM village, which will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Ilokanos and the local industries.
Laoag and the surrounding municipalities also bolster a strong workforce. A proposed industrial park name "Laoag Ecozone" is set to rise within the city limits to host manufacturing companies. Opposite the industrial site will be housing projects and along the national highway going to the Laoag International Airport are rural barangays to become residential zones. At present, most industries in the city are small-scale consisting of small-scale food processing factories, rice mills, jewelry-making, hollow blocks factories and metal crafts.
The city is also in the forefront of green-technology after Danish investors set-up the first wind-driven powerplant in Southeast Asia. The 25-megawatt plant cost $47.6 million US Dollars and an $11 million US Dollar expansion is concurrently under construction, which is set to quadruple the capacity.
Most of the lower-level schools are government-owned and are divided into three districts comprising a total of thirty three primary and elementary schools. Seven private elementary schools are also present, however, most are sectarian and run by religious organizations. In addition, there are eight private and three public high schools, although the latter has significantly higher number of attendees. The Department of Education, Division of Laoag City is currently supervised by Ms. Aracelli C. Pastor.
In order to provide continuing education to sustain the economic momentum of the region, the government has established tertiary public learning institutions in the city, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) of the Mariano Marcos State University
.
In addition, private colleges and universities are also found in the city, each with their own specialization. Some of private higher education institutions in the city includes Northwestern University, Northern Christian College
, and Divine Word College of Laoag
.
Also found in Laoag are four private special vocational schools: STI Laoag, the Overseas Technical Institute, the Lazo Fashion School, and the Bel Arte School of Fine Arts. Slated for development in the government's educational plan (2018) is the building of Ateneo de Laoag, UST Up North and the Catholic University of Laoag.
services flights to and from Hong Kong
and mainland China
, as well as, domestic flights by Philippine Airlines
and Cebu Pacific
. Foreign airlines offer direct charter flights to Laoag as part of travel packages with optional excursions to tourist sites outside of the city. Once in the city, tourists can find travel agencies all over including ticket offices of several airlines in the airport terminal.
Several large bus companies serve Laoag City making connections to major and minor Philippines destinations. These transportation services are provided by GV Florida Transport
, Maria de Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Lines, RCJ Trans, Dominion Bus Lines
, Partas
, Philippine Rabbit
and Farinas Transit Company
. Partas
is also a major national bus line and also Autobus Busline. Laoag is a 10-14 hour drive from Manila
.
A South Korean airline has recently unveiled plans to open direct flights to Laoag.
s.
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. It is the capital city of Ilocos Norte, and the province's political, commercial, and industrial hub. It is the location of the Ilocos region's only commercial airport. The municipalities of San Nicolas
San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte
San Nicolas is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 33,642 people in 7,423 households...
, Paoay
Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Paoay is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 23,117 people in 4,567 households.-Barangays:Paoay is politically subdivided into 32 barangays.* Bacsil* Cabagoan...
, Sarrat
Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
Sarrat is a fourth class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It is situated geographically east of Laoag City. Other municipalities that form part of its boundaries are: Vintar, Piddig, Solsona and San Nicolas...
, Vintar
Vintar, Ilocos Norte
Vintar is a 1st class and largest municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 29,405 people in 6,282 households.-History:...
, and Bacarra
Bacarra, Ilocos Norte
Bacarra is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 31,485 people in 6,289 households.-Barangays:Bacarra is politically subdivided into 43 barangays.-External links:*...
form its boundaries. The foothills of the Cordillera Central
Cordillera Central, Luzon
The Cordillera Central is a massive mountain range situated in the northern central part of the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. Several provinces bound it, namely Benguet, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Baguio, a chartered city located entirely within Benguet...
mountain range to the east, and the South China Sea
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
to the west are its physical boundaries.
Laoag experiences the prevailing monsoon
Monsoon
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea...
climate of Northern Luzon
Luzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
, characterized by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October, occasionally visited by powerful typhoons.
According to the latest census, it had a population of 102,457 people in 19,751 households.
Laoag History
"Laoag" (IlocanoIlokano language
Ilokano or Ilocano is the third most-spoken language of the Republic of the Philippines....
for "light or clarity"), is an old, flourishing settlement known to Chinese and Japanese traders when the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo
Juan de Salcedo
Juan de Salcedo was a Spanish conquistador. He was born in Mexico in 1549 and he was the grandson of Miguel López de Legazpi and brother of Felipe de Salcedo. Salcedo was one of the soldiers who accompanied the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in 1565...
arrived at the northern banks of Padsan River in 1572. Augustinian missionaries established the Roman Catholic Church in the area in 1580 and designated Saint William, the Hermit as its patron saint.
Government
Laoag City has been governed by political families over several decades. At the moment it is governed by the Farinas family. At the helm is Mayor Michael V. Farinas. His wife Chevylle is currently the president of the League of Barangays of the city.People
Laoag City has a total population of 94,466 for the year 2000 as per NSO official report. In 1995, the total inhabitants of the city was 88,336, an increase of 6,130. Based on the 1995 and 2000 intercensal periods, the Average Annual Growth Rate of the city is 1.45%.The number of households is 19,751 and the average household size is five (5) persons per household. Male-female ratio is 1:1; Birth rate is 26.44% while Death rate is 4.28%.
In the city of Laoag as of year 2000, Urban barangay San Lorenzo had the largest number of population at 2,883; followed by Rural barangay Buttong at 2,277; and then by Barangay 2 Sta. Joaquina at 2,048. With the least inhabitants was Rural Barangay 39 Sta. Rosa, 592, and then Brgy. 52-A San Mateo, 594. Noticeably, the residents of Brgy. 23 San Matias decreased by 740.
Its ethnic population is overwhelmingly Ilocano
Ilocano people
The Ilocano or Ilokano people are the third largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group. Aside from being referred to as Ilocanos, from "i"-from, and "looc"-bay, they also refer to themselves as Samtoy, from the Ilocano phrase "sao mi ditoy", meaning 'our language here.' The word "Ilocano" came from...
. Unlike the rest of the region, however, the Roman Catholic Church does not predominate. The Aglipayan Church which is the majority religion, Iglesia ni Cristo
Iglesia ni Cristo
Iglesia ni Cristo also known as INC, is the largest entirely indigenous Christian religious organization that originated from the Philippines and the largest independent church in Asia. Due to a number of similarities, some Protestant writers describe the INC's doctrines as restorationist in...
, and other Protestant groups have strong followings.
Economy
Apart from being the provincial capital, Laoag City is also the center of the fast developing North Luzon Growth Quadrangle http://www.northquad.gov.ph/. The city is situated in a strategic area close to the economic centers of East Asia and is reachable in 45 minutes by plane from Manila. Having critical infrastructure such as the Laoag Airport at Gabu and the Currimao Port makes Laoag the port of entry of goods and services complemented by an extensive road and highway system that connects it to other cities. An extensive banking system is also found in the city with an impressive number of twenty-five different local, domestic, and foreign banks ready to serve any financial needs.With a 12,747.35m total land area, Laoag City provides a large opportunity for economic expansion. The historic scenic tourist spots, availability of internationally competitive accommodations and facilities, and the presence of supportive national government agencies, makes Laoag an ecotourism center, as classified by the Department of Tourism. The Northwestern Luzon Growth Quadrangle, fondly called the NORTH QUAD, also aims to develop rural areas through an integrated countryside agri-industrial development approach with emphasis/focus in attaining sustainable and equitably growth; increase the productivity of agriculture and fisheries; encourage industrial competitiveness in the local and foreign markets like Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. Plans are also being undertaken for the establishment of an ECO-TOURISM village, which will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Ilokanos and the local industries.
Laoag and the surrounding municipalities also bolster a strong workforce. A proposed industrial park name "Laoag Ecozone" is set to rise within the city limits to host manufacturing companies. Opposite the industrial site will be housing projects and along the national highway going to the Laoag International Airport are rural barangays to become residential zones. At present, most industries in the city are small-scale consisting of small-scale food processing factories, rice mills, jewelry-making, hollow blocks factories and metal crafts.
The city is also in the forefront of green-technology after Danish investors set-up the first wind-driven powerplant in Southeast Asia. The 25-megawatt plant cost $47.6 million US Dollars and an $11 million US Dollar expansion is concurrently under construction, which is set to quadruple the capacity.
Education
As the provincial capital, Laoag is the center of social and economic activity with almost all major commercial and institutional establishments gravitating towards it. The importance of education in socializing its population is shared by both the local government and the private sector, which has invested heavily in the development of the academic infrastructure. The city is home to public and private schools offering elementary, secondary, and tertiary education programs. Current Philippine law requires free compulsory education to the general population from elementary to high school, as well as, subsidized tertiary education in state-ran institutions. Alternative private schools offering parallel programs to government schools are also found with additional programs to cater to students with various needs. These schools are an important component of the educational system and reflect the city's diversity as they include Chinese schools, Catholic schools, all-male and all-female boarding schools, and military schools.Most of the lower-level schools are government-owned and are divided into three districts comprising a total of thirty three primary and elementary schools. Seven private elementary schools are also present, however, most are sectarian and run by religious organizations. In addition, there are eight private and three public high schools, although the latter has significantly higher number of attendees. The Department of Education, Division of Laoag City is currently supervised by Ms. Aracelli C. Pastor.
In order to provide continuing education to sustain the economic momentum of the region, the government has established tertiary public learning institutions in the city, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) of the Mariano Marcos State University
Mariano Marcos State University
The Mariano Marcos State University is a multidisciplinary, state-funded institution of higher learning that serves the Ilocos region and its surrounding regions.-History:...
.
In addition, private colleges and universities are also found in the city, each with their own specialization. Some of private higher education institutions in the city includes Northwestern University, Northern Christian College
Northern Christian College
Northern Christian College is a post-secondary educational institution. Baccalaureate programs are offered in the fields of Liberal Arts, Ministry, Nursing, Teacher Education, Accountancy, and Commerce-Secretarial. The school also offers a Master's degree program in Education...
, and Divine Word College of Laoag
Divine Word College of Laoag
The Divine Word College of Laoag, earlier known as Saint William's College, is a Catholic institution of higher learning run by the Society of the Divine Word or SVD in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was founded by Rev. Fr. Alphonse Mildner, SVD in 1946.-Founding:In February 1945, Rev....
.
Also found in Laoag are four private special vocational schools: STI Laoag, the Overseas Technical Institute, the Lazo Fashion School, and the Bel Arte School of Fine Arts. Slated for development in the government's educational plan (2018) is the building of Ateneo de Laoag, UST Up North and the Catholic University of Laoag.
Tourism
Tourism has become a major economic driver of Laoag City, paving the way for new commercial investments and infrastructure development. A recent surge in Chinese and Taiwanese tourists have been flocking to splurge in the city's profitable casino located inside the only 5-star hotel in the northern Philippines, Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort. Other places of interest include a tour of heritage sites featuring Spanish colonial buildings, Philippine-baroque churches, white-sand beach resorts of Pagudpud, and Marcos-era mansions. The dramatic increase in tourist arrivals also prompted the establishment of a Chinese consulate to oversee the security of Chinese citizens living or visiting the city. A new immigration policy set to simplify entry of Chinese tourists into the country by issuing visitor visas in the airport after arrival is expected to entice more guests to come. To supplement the anticipated growth in tourist-related business activity, the government of Ilocos Norte has started construction on a multimillion dollar convention center and hotel to supply the demand and diversify services. Laoag City has been recently adjudged as the number one tourist destination in Region I and among the top ten in the whole archipelago.Transportation
Laoag International AirportLaoag International Airport
Laoag International Airport is the main airport serving the general area of Laoag City, the capital city of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It is the only airport in Ilocos Norte and is the northernmost international airport in the Philippines by geographical location...
services flights to and from Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and mainland China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, as well as, domestic flights by Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines, Inc. operating as Philippine Airlines, is a flag carrier of the Philippines. Headquartered in the Philippine National Bank Financial Center in Pasay City, the airline was founded in 1941 and is the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name...
and Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Air, Inc., operating as Cebu Pacific Air, is based on the grounds of Ninoy Aquino International Airport , Pasay City, Metro Manila, the Philippines. It offers scheduled flights to both domestic and international destinations...
. Foreign airlines offer direct charter flights to Laoag as part of travel packages with optional excursions to tourist sites outside of the city. Once in the city, tourists can find travel agencies all over including ticket offices of several airlines in the airport terminal.
Several large bus companies serve Laoag City making connections to major and minor Philippines destinations. These transportation services are provided by GV Florida Transport
GV Florida Transport
G.V. Florida Transport, Inc. is a Philippine bus company incorporated in 1999, and it is one of the major bus companies in Northern Philippines....
, Maria de Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Lines, RCJ Trans, Dominion Bus Lines
Dominion Bus Lines
Dominion Bus Lines is a bus transportation company in the Philippines. It operates a 24/7 service for passengers and freight between Metro Manila and northwest Luzon .-History:...
, Partas
Partas
Partas Transportation Co., Inc. is a bus transportation company in the Philippines. It operates a 24/7 service for passengers and freight between Metro Manila and northwest Luzon , with services also running to Baguio City and the Central Luzon plains .Aside from transportation by bus, Partas also...
, Philippine Rabbit
Philippine Rabbit
Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines, Inc. is considered one of the pioneering bus companies in the Philippines. It was founded in 1946.The company's area of coverage extends from Metro Manila to northern provinces of Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Quezon, Ilocos Sur,...
and Farinas Transit Company
Farinas Transit Company
Fariñas Transit Company is one of the major Philippines public transport companies connecting the Luzon provinces to the national capital in Manila...
. Partas
Partas
Partas Transportation Co., Inc. is a bus transportation company in the Philippines. It operates a 24/7 service for passengers and freight between Metro Manila and northwest Luzon , with services also running to Baguio City and the Central Luzon plains .Aside from transportation by bus, Partas also...
is also a major national bus line and also Autobus Busline. Laoag is a 10-14 hour drive from Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
.
A South Korean airline has recently unveiled plans to open direct flights to Laoag.
Barangays
Laoag City is politically subdivided into 80 barangayBarangay
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...
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Television Networks
- UNTV - Channel 37
- Associated Broadcasting CompanyAssociated Broadcasting CompanyThe Associated Broadcasting Company, Inc is a television network in the Philippines, with main broadcast facilities and transmitter located at 762 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. The network was previously known as the , Associated Broadcasting Company remains the legal...
- DWTE-TVDWTE-TVDWTE-TV, channel 2, is a television station of Philippine television network of Associated Broadcasting Company located at Barangay 31, Talingaan Street, Laoag City....
- Channel 2 - GMA NetworkGMA NetworkGMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
- Channel 5 - ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation - DWRD-TVDWRD-TVDWRD-TV, channel 7, is a television station of Philippine television network ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation in Laoag City. Its studios are located at 2/F CAP Building Brgy. 9, Balintawak St., Cor. F.R...
- Channel 7 - Intercontinental Broadcasting CorporationIntercontinental Broadcasting CorporationIntercontinental Broadcasting Corporation is a Philippine VHF television network of the Government Communications Group headed by the Press Secretary. Its studios are located at Broadcast City, Old Balara, Capitol Hills, Diliman, Quezon City and its transmitter is located at the Coca Cola plant,...
- DWCS-TV - Channel 13 - Studio 23Studio 23Studio 23 is a Filipino television network owned by the ABS-CBN Corporation. The network is named for its flagship station in Metro Manila, DWAC-TV, which is carried on UHF channel 23...
- Channel 23