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Ilocos Norte is utilizing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to solidify its economic position and advance major development projects. To facilitate this, the provincial government has signed an agreement with the PPP Center, a government agency established in 2010 to promote and coordinate infrastructure projects through private-sector collaboration.
A native of Ilocos Norte, Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan underscored the value of maximizing industry knowledge to boost efficiency and promote sustainable growth. He shared, “By leveraging the strengths of both the public and private sectors, we can mobilize resources, enhance efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability in our development efforts.”
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Projects on the horizon
The collaboration with the PPP Center will help advance Ilocos Norte’s various development projects. A key focus is reviving international flights at Laoag International Airport to boost connectivity with China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, reinforcing the province’s role as a regional trade and tourism hub.
In a March 4 announcement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) stated that the partnership seeks to accelerate infrastructure projects and drive economic expansion in Ilocos Norte. The PPP Center operates under NEDA’s supervision.
Meanwhile, Governor Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc aims to bring airlines to Laoag International Airport for direct routes to destinations such as Honolulu. Currently, the airport handles only domestic flights.
The PPP initiative also includes measures to strengthen agriculture “by empowering farmers through the organization of cooperatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices,” NEDA said.
Moreover, the collaboration seeks to strengthen Ilocos Norte’s technology sector by fostering innovation in data centers, manufacturing, and renewable energy. These initiatives hope to create quality jobs and attract local and international investments.
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Ilocos Norte on the rise
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Ilocos Norte posted an 8.6% economic growth rate in 2023, the fastest among provinces in Region I. Alongside Ilocos Sur, it contributed 14.2% of the region’s total economy, with a per capita GDP of P122,330—the region’s highest.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized that leveraging both government and private sector is crucial. “We can mobilize resources, enhance efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability in our development efforts,” he explained.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of PPPs in driving economic expansion and the PPP Center’s key role in executing these initiatives. Balisacan also noted that Republic Act 11966, the PPP Code of the Philippines, offers a clearer framework for local governments and agencies to pursue similar projects.
“I hope the activities outlined in the MOA and the lineup of proposed projects by the provincial government inspire other local government units and implementing agencies to explore PPPs as a means for rapid and sustainable economic transformation,” Balisacan added.
Sources:
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/03/04/ilocos-norte-eyes-ppp-as-economy-booster
https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/3/laoag-flights-to-china-taiwan-eyed-under-ppp-deal