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Ilocos Norte recently recorded impressive economic growth, leading Region I with an 8.6% expansion, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Key industries, including services, accommodation, transportation, and storage, saw substantial gains, with output increases ranging from 15.6% to 29.7%.
Rona Leigh Cheng Bueno, head of the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Office, highlighted that the province’s impressive economic growth is fueled by a business-friendly environment. Streamlined business transactions have attracted renewable energy projects and BPO companies, boosting development.
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Increased Job Opportunities
Ilocos Norte has maintained a strong employment rate of 98.7%, making the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) the top performer in Region 1. Data reveals that over 350,000 people landed jobs, with employment opportunities in the province rising significantly—up to 50% from just 3% in 2010.
PESO manager Lizette Atuan credited the increase in employment to various efforts, including recruitment events, vocational training programs, entrepreneurial support, and cash-for-work initiatives offered by the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, a report from DOLE emphasized the ongoing need for job creation and quality employment. It stated, “Total employment rose from 2.025 million in 2018 to 2.240 million in 2023, reflecting growth, particularly in services, agriculture, and construction industries.”
In terms of agriculture, Ilocos Norte remains a leader in the production of premium crops in the Philippines. The province has focused on upgrading agricultural methods through advanced equipment, which boosts productivity, lowers expenses, and improves the livelihoods of local farmers. Enhancing irrigation infrastructure also supports consistent farming throughout the year.
The tourism sector in Ilocos Norte has become a main contributor to the province’s development, capitalizing on its rich traditions, scenic landscapes, and lively festivals to attract both local and foreign visitors.
The province is also focusing on infrastructure enhancements, including ongoing upgrades to the Laoag International Airport, aimed at improving access and handling the growing influx of tourists and investors.
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The Renewable Energy Capital of Southeast Asia
Renewable energy is driving Ilocos Norte’s economic growth. With a wind energy potential of 719 MW, a solar potential capacity of 312.5 MW, and strong hydropower generation, the province is fast becoming a major economic hub in Northern Luzon.
Ilocos Norte’s renewable energy sector is marked by significant projects that bolster the province’s economic growth. In March 2023, the 83.3-MW Currimao-2 solar project was inaugurated in the municipality of Currimao. This facility covers approximately 24 hectares and contributes significantly to the province’s renewable energy supply.
The Bangui Wind Farm, established in 2005, was the first in Southeast Asia, featuring 20 turbines with a combined capacity of 33 MW. Adjacent to it, the Burgos Wind Farm, completed in 2014, boasts 150 MW.
The Caparispisan Wind Farm in Pagudpud, commissioned in 2014, adds 81 MW to the region’s capacity. Currently, the Balaoi and Caunayan Wind Farm is under construction in Pagudpud. This project, initiated in 2021, is set to become the largest in the Philippines upon completion, with a planned capacity of 160 MW.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240455
https://rsso01.psa.gov.ph/content/ilocos-nortes-economy-expanded-86-percent-2023
https://www.power-technology.com/projects/balaoi-caunayan-wind-farm-ilocos-norte-phillippines
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199734
https://www.dof.gov.ph/diokno-ilocos-region-a-strategic-partner-in-clean-energy-transition/