Laoag

Capital of Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Not to be confused with Laoac or Laoang.

Component city in Ilocos Region, Philippines

Laoag

Component city

From top, left to right: Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, Exterior of Laoag International Airport, La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag Cathedral, Sinking bell tower of Laoag

Flag

Seal

Etymology: Ilocano: lawag ("light")
Nickname:

The Sunshine City

Anthem: Marcha de Laoag (Laoag March)

Map of Ilocos Norte with Laoag highlighted

OpenStreetMap

Laoag

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 18°11′52″N 120°35′37″E﻿ / ﻿18.1978°N 120.5936°E﻿ / 18.1978; 120.5936
Country|  Philippines
Region| Ilocos Region
Province| Ilocos Norte
District|  1st district
Founded| 1580
Cityhood| June 19, 1965
Barangays| 80 (see Barangays)
Government

[1]

• Type| Sangguniang Panlungsod
• Mayor| Michael Keon
• Vice Mayor| Rey Carlos V. Fariñas
• Representative| Sandro Marcos
• Mayor-council government|

Members

*   * Juan Conrado A. Respicio II
* Roger John C. Fariñas II
* Handy T. Lao
* Justine Clarence G. Chua
* Edison U. Chua
* Derick B. Lao
* Jason Bader L. Perera
* Roque Benjamin C. Ablan
* Jaybee G. Baquiran
* Edison H. Bonoan

• Electorate| 83,819 voters (2022)
Area

[2]

• Total

| 116.08 km2 (44.82 sq mi)
Elevation

| 57 m (187 ft)
Highest elevation

| 759 m (2,490 ft)
Lowest elevation

| 0 m (0 ft)
Population

(2020 census)[3]

• Total

| 111,651
• Density| 960/km2 (2,500/sq mi)
• Households

| 27,875
Economy

• Income class| 3rd city income class
• Poverty incidence|

3.38

% (2021)[4]
• Revenue| ₱ 1,134 million (2022)
• Assets| ₱ 20,971 million (2022)
• Expenditure| ₱ 734.3 million (2022)
• Liabilities| ₱ 640.3 million (2022)
Service provider

• Electricity| Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC)
Time zone| UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code|

2900

PSGC|

012812000

IDD : area code | +63 (0)77
Native languages| Ilocano
Tagalog
Website| www.laoagcity.gov.ph

Laoag ([laʊˈag]), officially the City of Laoag (Ilocano: Siudad ti Laoag; Filipino: Lungsod ng Laoag), is a component city and capital of the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 111,651 people.[3]

It is the province's most populous settlement, as well as its political, commercial, and industrial hub. The Ilocos Region's busiest commercial airport is also built in Laoag. It is also the northernmost city in the Philippines.

The municipalities of San Nicolas, Paoay, Sarrat, Piddig, Vintar, and Bacarra form its boundaries. The foothills of the Cordillera Central mountain range to the east, and the West Philippine Sea to the west are its physical boundaries.

Laoag experiences a prevailing monsoon climate of Northern Luzon, characterized by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Despite being battered by powerful typhoons occasionally, Laoag can still be referred to as the "Sunshine City".

## History

[edit]

Aerial view of Laoag, 21 July 1923 11:06 am

Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there already existed an extensive region consisting of the present provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union renowned for its gold mines. Merchants from Japan and China would often visit the area to trade gold with beads, ceramics, and silk. The Austronesian inhabitants of the region called their place samtoy, from sao mi itoy, which literally meant "this is our language."[citation needed]

In 1571, when the Spanish conquistadors had Manila more or less under their control, they began looking for new sites to conquer. Legaspi's grandson, Juan de Salcedo, volunteered to lead one of these expeditions. Together with eight armed boats and 45 men, the 22-year-old voyager headed north.[citation needed]

On June 13, 1572, Salcedo and his men landed in Vigan and then proceeded towards Laoag, Currimao, and Badoc. As they sailed along the coast, they were surprised to see numerous sheltered coves (looc) where the locals lived in harmony. As a result, they named the region "Ylocos" and its people "Ylocanos".[citation needed]

As the Christianization of the region grew, so did the landscape of the area. Vast tracts of land were utilized for churches and bell towers in line with the Spanish mission of bajo de las campanas ('under the bells') – a proclamation by King Philip's 1573 Law of the Indies. In the town plaza, it was not uncommon to see garrisons under the church bells. The colonization process was slowly being carried out.

The Spanish colonization of the region, however, was never completely successful. Owing to the abusive practices of many Augustinian friars, a number of Ilocanos revolted against their colonizers. Noteworthy of these were the Dingras uprising (1589) and Pedro Almasan revolt in San Nicolas (1660). In 1762, Diego Silang led a series of battles aimed at freeing the Ilocanos from the Spanish yoke. When he died from an assassin's bullet, his widow Gabriela continued the cause. Unfortunately, she too was captured and hanged. In 1807, the sugar cane (basi) brewers of Piddig rose up in arms to protest the government's monopoly of the wine industry. In 1898, the church excommunicated Gregorio Aglipay for refusing to cut off ties with the revolutionary forces of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Unperturbed, he established the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Aglipay's movement and the national sentiment it espoused helped restore the self-respect of many Filipinos.

A street of Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte, 1900–1913

"The great increase in population from 1715 to 1818 from 18,980 to 282,845 made the administration of the province very difficult. Due to the excessive monopolies and forced labor, there were several uprisings: first by the people of Dingras in 1589; one that was led by Pedro Almazan in 1616; the revolt of Diego Silang in 1762–1763; by Ambaristo in 1788; by Pedro Mateo in 1808 (also known as Basi Revolt) and uprising of Sarrat in 1815. For this reason, the division of the Ilocos into two provinces was recommended by the local authorities. On February 2, 1818, a Spanish Royal Decree was promulgated dividing the Province of Ilocos Norte from Ilocos Sur. Laoag, which was then the biggest center of population, was made the capital of Ilocos Norte."

Laoag was captured by the Japanese Army on December 12, 1941, two days after the landing at Vigan and Aparri. Its airport was then used by the Japanese for most of World War II.

### Cityhood

[edit]

Main article: Cities of the Philippines

On June 19, 1965, Laoag changed from municipality to city status, following a plebiscite and passed into law by the Senate President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. It remained the capital of Ilocos Norte. Mayor Eulalio F. Siazon and Engineer Trinidad Lucas Aurelio were part of a team that led the drive to convert Laoag into a city. Another members of the group was Simeon M. Valdez who filed the bill in congress, co-authored by Antonio V. Raquiza. The first city mayor was Eulalio Fonacier Siazon.[5]

## Geography

[edit]

Laoag is located at the west-central part of the Province of Ilocos Norte bordering the South China Sea. It is bounded on the east by the Municipality of Sarrat; in the southeast by the Municipality of San Nicolas; in the southwest by the Municipality of Paoay, in the northeast the Municipality of Vintar; in the northwest by the Municipality of Bacarra; and in the west by the South China Sea. It is one of the largest cities in the Ilocos Region.[6]

### Barangays

[edit]

Laoag is politically subdivided into 80 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

The 80 barangays of the City of Laoag[7] Conventional Long Name | Barangay
Number | Name | Former
Name/Territory

|
|
|

Barangay No. 1, San Lorenzo (Poblacion) | 1 | San Lorenzo | Poblacion
Barangay No. 2, Santa Joaquina (Poblacion) | 2 | Santa Joaquina | Poblacion
Barangay No. 3, Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Poblacion) | 3 | Nuestra Señora del Rosario | Poblacion
Barangay No. 4, San Guillermo (Poblacion) | 4 | San Guillermo | Poblacion
Barangay No. 5, San Pedro (Poblacion) | 5 | San Pedro | Poblacion
Barangay No. 6, San Agustin (Poblacion) | 6 | San Agustin | Poblacion
Barangay No. 7-A, Nuestra Señora del Natividad (Poblacion) | 7-A | Nuestra Señora del Natividad | Poblacion
Barangay No. 7-B, Nuestra Señora del Natividad (Poblacion) | 7-B | Nuestra Señora del Natividad | Poblacion
Barangay No. 8, San Vicente (Poblacion) | 8 | San Vicente | Poblacion
Barangay No. 9, Santa Angela (Poblacion) | 9 | Santa Angela | Poblacion
Barangay No. 10, San Jose (Poblacion) | 10 | San Jose | Poblacion
Barangay No. 11, Santa Balbina (Poblacion) | 11 | Santa Balbina | Poblacion
Barangay No. 12, San Isidro (Poblacion) | 12 | San Isidro | Poblacion
Barangay No. 13, Nuestra Señora de Visitacion (Poblacion) | 13 | Nuestra Señora de Visitacion | Poblacion
Barangay No. 14, Santo Tomas (Poblacion) | 14 | Santo Tomas | Poblacion
Barangay No. 15, San Guillermo (Poblacion) | 15 | San Guillermo | Poblacion
Barangay No. 16, San Jacinto (Poblacion) | 16 | San Jacinto | Poblacion
Barangay No. 17, San Francisco (Poblacion) | 17 | San Francisco | Poblacion
Barangay No. 18, San Quirino (Poblacion) | 18 | San Quirino | Poblacion
Barangay No. 19, Santa Marcela (Poblacion) | 19 | Santa Marcela | Poblacion
Barangay No. 20, San Miguel (Poblacion) | 20 | San Miguel | Poblacion
Barangay No. 21, San Pedro (Poblacion) | 21 | San Pedro | Poblacion
Barangay No. 22, San Andres (Poblacion) | 22 | San Andres | Poblacion
Barangay No. 23, San Matias (Poblacion) | 23 | San Matias | Poblacion
Barangay No. 24, Nuestra Señora de Consolacion (Poblacion) | 24 | Nuestra Señora de Consolacion | Poblacion
Barangay No. 25, Santa Cayetana (Poblacion) | 25 | Santa Cayetana | Poblacion
Barangay No. 26, San Marcelino (Poblacion) | 26 | San Marcelino | Poblacion
Barangay No. 27, Nuestra Señora de Soledad (Poblacion) | 27 | Nuestra Señora de Soledad | Poblacion
Barangay No. 28, San Bernardo (Poblacion) | 28 | San Bernardo | Poblacion
Barangay No. 29, Santo Tomas (Poblacion) | 29 | Santo Tomas | Poblacion
Barangay No. 30-A, Suyo | 30-A | Suyo | –
Barangay No. 30-B, Santa Maria | 30-B | Santa Maria | –
Barangay No. 31, Talingaan | 31 | Talingaan | –
Barangay No. 32-A, La Paz East | 32-A | La Paz East | –
Barangay No. 32-B, La Paz West | 32-B | La Paz West | –
Barangay No. 32-C, La Paz East | 32-C | La Paz East | –
Barangay No. 33-A, La Paz Proper | 33-A | La Paz Proper | –
Barangay No. 33-B, La Paz Proper | 33-B | La Paz Proper | –
Barangay No. 34-A, Gabu Norte West | 34-A | Gabu Norte West | –
Barangay No. 34-B, Gabu Norte East | 34-B | Gabu Norte East | –
Barangay No. 35, Gabu Sur | 35 | Gabu Sur | –
Barangay No. 36, Araniw | 36 | Araniw | –
Barangay No. 37, Calayab | 37 | Calayab | –
Barangay No. 38-A, Mangato East | 38-A | Mangato East | –
Barangay No. 38-B, Mangato West | 38-B | Mangato West | –
Barangay No. 39, Santa Rosa | 39 | Santa Rosa | –
Barangay No. 40, Balatong | 40 | Balatong | –
Barangay No. 41, Balacad | 41 | Balacad | –
Barangay No. 42, Apaya | 42 | Apaya | –
Barangay No. 43, Cavit | 43 | Cavit | –
Barangay No. 44, Zamboanga | 44 | Zamboanga | –
Barangay No. 45, Tangid | 45 | Tangid | –
Barangay No. 46, Nalbo | 46 | Nalbo | –
Barangay No. 47, Bengcag | 47 | Bengcag | –
Barangay No. 48-A, Cabungaan North | 48-A | Cabungaan North | –
Barangay No. 48-B, Cabungaan South | 48-B | Cabungaan South | –
Barangay No. 49-A, Darayday | 49-A | Darayday | –
Barangay No. 49-B, Raraburan | 49-B | Raraburan | –
Barangay No. 50, Buttong | 50 | Buttong | –
Barangay No. 51-A, Nangalisan East | 51-A | Nangalisan East | –
Barangay No. 51-B, Nangalisan West | 51-B | Nangalisan West | –
Barangay No. 52-A, San Mateo | 52-A | San Mateo | –
Barangay No. 52-B, Lataag | 52-B | Lataag | –
Barangay No. 53, Rioeng | 53 | Rioeng | –
Barangay No. 54-A, Camangaan | 54-A | Camangaan | –
Barangay No. 54-B, Lagui-Sail | 54-B | Lagui-Sail | –
Barangay No. 55-A, Barit-Pandan | 55-A | Barit-Pandan | –
Barangay No. 55-B, Salet-Bulangon | 55-B | Salet-Bulangon | –
Barangay No. 55-C, Vira | 55-C | Vira | –
Barangay No. 56-A, Bacsil North | 56-A | Bacsil North | –
Barangay No. 56-B, Bacsil South | 56-B | Bacsil South | –
Barangay No. 57, Pila | 57 | Pila | –
Barangay No. 58, Casili | 58 | Casili | –
Barangay No. 59-A, Dibua South | 59-A | Dibua South | –
Barangay No. 59-B, Dibua North | 59-B | Dibua North | –
Barangay No. 60-A, Caaoacan | 60-A | Caaoacan | –
Barangay No. 60-B, Madiladig | 60-B | Madiladig | –
Barangay No. 61, Cataban | 61 | Cataban | –
Barangay No. 62-A, Navotas North | 62-A | Navotas North | –
Barangay No. 62-B, Navotas South | 62-B | Navotas South | –
Conventional
Long Name | Barangay
Number | Name | Former
Name/Territory

* Note: Italicized names are former names/territories.

### Climate

[edit]

Laoag has a tropical savanna climate with warm to hot temperatures year round. Temperatures dips sightly during the winter months between December and February. Characterized by two well-pronounced seasons; dry and wet and is classified as mild and pleasant climate. Dry season usually starts in November until April and wet during the rest of the year. The city is shielded from northeast monsoon and trade winds by the mountain ranges of Cordillera and Sierra Madre but it is exposed to the southwest monsoon and cyclone storms.

The rainy seasons, which has an average monthly rainfall of more than 100 millimetres (3.9 in). is from May to September with its peak in June, July and August. Rainfall during the peak month represents 68% of the annual rainfall with an average of 200 millimetres (7.9 in).

In the afternoon of May, temperature reach up to 36.2 °C (97.2 °F) and drops down to 11.4 °C (52.5 °F) in the early mornings of January. The city recorded an average temperature of 27.25 °C (81.05 °F) with a relative humidity of 75.5% in 1996. The city experiences an average of four to five tropical cyclones every year.

Climate data for Laoag City (1991–2020, extremes 1908–2023)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °C (°F)  | 36.0
(96.8)  | 36.8
(98.2)  | 39.5
(103.1)  | 39.6
(103.3)  | 41.8
(107.2)  | 38.3
(100.9)  | 37.8
(100.0)  | 36.7
(98.1)  | 37.1
(98.8)  | 37.1
(98.8)  | 37.2
(99.0)  | 37.1
(98.8)  | 41.8
(107.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)  | 30.6
(87.1)  | 31.2
(88.2)  | 32.5
(90.5)  | 33.6
(92.5)  | 33.7
(92.7)  | 33.1
(91.6)  | 32.2
(90.0)  | 31.6
(88.9)  | 31.8
(89.2)  | 32.1
(89.8)  | 32.0
(89.6)  | 31.1
(88.0)  | 32.1
(89.8)
Daily mean °C (°F)  | 25.2
(77.4)  | 25.8
(78.4)  | 27.2
(81.0)  | 28.6
(83.5)  | 29.2
(84.6)  | 28.9
(84.0)  | 28.4
(83.1)  | 28.0
(82.4)  | 27.9
(82.2)  | 27.8
(82.0)  | 27.4
(81.3)  | 26.3
(79.3)  | 27.6
(81.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)  | 19.8
(67.6)  | 20.4
(68.7)  | 21.9
(71.4)  | 23.6
(74.5)  | 24.7
(76.5)  | 24.8
(76.6)  | 24.5
(76.1)  | 24.4
(75.9)  | 24.1
(75.4)  | 23.5
(74.3)  | 22.8
(73.0)  | 21.4
(70.5)  | 23.0
(73.4)
Record low °C (°F)  | 11.1
(52.0)  | 11.9
(53.4)  | 13.0
(55.4)  | 16.3
(61.3)  | 20.4
(68.7)  | 18.9
(66.0)  | 19.5
(67.1)  | 20.9
(69.6)  | 20.0
(68.0)  | 16.1
(61.0)  | 13.3
(55.9)  | 12.0
(53.6)  | 11.1
(52.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches)  | 6.1
(0.24)  | 3.0
(0.12)  | 5.3
(0.21)  | 21.8
(0.86)  | 218.8
(8.61)  | 286.5
(11.28)  | 478.9
(18.85)  | 593.7
(23.37)  | 412.9
(16.26)  | 117.2
(4.61)  | 36.6
(1.44)  | 6.2
(0.24)  | 2,187
(86.10)
Average rainy days (≥ 1 mm) | 2  | 2  | 1  | 2  | 8  | 12  | 16  | 17  | 13  | 7  | 4  | 2  | 86
Average relative humidity (%)  | 75  | 75  | 74  | 75  | 78  | 82  | 86  | 87  | 87  | 80  | 78  | 75  | 79
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 246.4  | 256.1  | 294.4  | 291.9  | 249.1  | 229.3  | 218.1  | 196.8  | 201.5  | 227.7  | 227.9  | 242.7  | 2,881.9
Source 1: PAGASA[8][9]
Source 2: Deutscher Wetterdienst (sun, 1961–1990)[10][11]

## Demographics

[edit]

Population census of LaoagYear| Pop.| ±% p.a.

|
|

1903 | 34,454| —
1918 | 38,469| +0.74%
1939 | 41,842| +0.40%
1948 | 44,406| +0.66%
1960 | 50,198| +1.03%
1970 | 61,727| +2.09%
1975 | 66,259| +1.43%
1980 | 69,648| +1.00%
1990 | 83,756| +1.86%
1995 | 88,336| +1.00%
2000 | 94,466| +1.45%
2007 | 102,457| +1.13%
2010 | 104,904| +0.86%
2015 | 111,125| +1.10%
2020 | 111,651| +0.09%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[12][13][14][15]

According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 111,651 people,[3] with a density of 960 inhabitants per square kilometre or 2,500 inhabitants per square mile.

Laoag City had 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 was 1.35%.

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 Santa Joaquina at 2,048. With the least inhabitants was Rural Barangay 39 Santa Rosa, 592, and then Barangay 52-A San Mateo, 594. Noticeably, the residents of Barangay 23 San Matias decreased by 740.

### Language

[edit]

The dominant dialect spoken in Laoag City is Ilocano.

### Religion

[edit]

The Roman Catholic and the Aglipayan Church are the dominant religious affiliations. The rest of the existing religions in the city include the Iglesia ni Cristo, and other Protestant groups with a significant number of adherents.

## Economy

[edit]

Poverty incidence of Laoag

2000
10.96

2003
17.12

2006
6.50

2009
9.91

2012
3.75

2015
6.61

2018
2.36

2021
3.38

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]

Strategically located at the northern tip of the Northwestern Luzon Growth Quadrangle. It is within hours of air travel to any one of East Asia's economic tigers such as Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan by way of the Laoag International Airport.[6]

A banking system is also found in the city with more than twenty different local, domestic, and foreign banks ready to serve any financial needs.[citation needed]

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 equitable growth; increase the productivity of agriculture and fisheries; and encourage industrial competitiveness in the local and foreign markets.

Laoag and the surrounding municipalities also bolster a strong workforce. 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. Retail giants like SM Prime Holdings with three stores (SM Savemore, Savemore Market, SM Hypermarket), and Puregold are present within the central business district. CityMall will soon to rise south of the Padsan River, while SM City Laoag, an SM supermall is expected to open in May 2025, located in Barangay Nangalisan West. Unitop, Mart One, Novo, New India, ME, JTC, Miniso, and ØNE Ø 5IVE are popular shopping centers. Robinsons Ilocos is only 5 minutes ride from Laoag City Hall.

Megaworld has also secured 15 billion peso project to be developed in Barangay Calayab along the coast to be called "Ilocandia Coastown," its 34th township. The mixed-use beachfront is an 84-hectare parcel of land with 1.4-kilometer beach line adjacent to Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel. Other townships under construction are the EL Sands Residences in Barangay Talingaan, and Bramasole Residences in Barangay Zamboanga. Robinsons Homes, Hanalei Heights, and Camella are located closely to the airport.[24]

Meanwhile, Plaza San Guillermo located east of Aurora Park is on its first phase of construction. It will feature a modern shopping center, a hospital and a high-rise hotel.

Following the opening of SM City Laoag these foreign food and convenience stores have established their branches some of which have multiple locations:

7-Eleven = 7, currently; McDonalds = 4; Dunkin = 2; Shakey's = 2; Starbucks = 2; Bonchon; Botejyu; BreadTalk; J.CO Donuts & Coffee; Kenny Rogers Roasters; KFC; Krispy Kreme Doughnuts; Marugame Udon; Mister Donut; Pancake House; Pepper Lunch, among others.

## Government

[edit]

### Local government

[edit]

Main article: Sangguniang Panglungsod

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol Laoag City Hall

Laoag, belonging to the first congressional district of the province of Ilocos Norte, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a city council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.

### Elected officials

[edit]

Laoag City elected officials, term of office June 30, 2022 – June 30, 2025:[25]

Mayor  | Michael Marcos Keon

|

Vice Mayor  | Rey Carlos M. Fariñas
Councilors  |

* James Bryan Q. Alcid
* Handy T. Lao
* Enrico F. Ang
* Jeff Ericson P. Fariñas
* Jaybee G. Baquiran
* Juan Conrado A. Respicio II
* John Michael V. Fariñas
* Jason Bader L. Perera
* Roger John C. Fariñas
* Derick B. Lao

ABC President  | Roque Benjamin C. Ablan
SK Federated President  | Michael Christophe R. Agustin

### City seal

[edit]

Official seal of Laoag City

* Building and Garden — the Ermita Garden and Building on top of the Ermita Hill.
* Bridge — formerly the Gilbert Bridge, recently renamed Marcos Bridge.
* Airport — the Gabu Airport, one of the international airports of the country.
* Tower — the Sinking Tower, one of the oldest and strongest edifices built during the early Spanish Regime.
* Monument — the Tobacco Monopoly Monument, the only one of its kind in the entire country.
* Farmer plowing — symbol of the agricultural industry of the Ilocos Region.

## Tourism

[edit]

See also: List of Cultural Properties of the Philippines in the Ilocos Region

Museo Ilocos Norte Aurora Park

Tourism has become a major economic driver of Laoag City, paving the way for new commercial investments and infrastructure development. Fort Ilocandia Resort, first and only 5-star hotel in the north, continues to attract foreign and domestic tourists. Other places of interest include a tour of heritage sites featuring Spanish colonial buildings, baroque churches, La Paz Sand Dunes, white-sand beach resorts of Pagudpud, and Marcos-era mansions.

The Laoag Cathedral was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. It also serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. Built with an Italian Renaissance, the church has an unusual two-story façade, supported by two pairs of columns on each side of the arched entrance architecture design and at the top of the facade holds a recessed niche that showcases the image of the city's patron saint, William of Maleval.

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 was made to simplify entry of Chinese tourists into the country by issuing visitor visas at the airport upon arrival to entice more guests to come. Laoag City has been named as one of the top tourist destinations in Region I and in the country.

## Transportation

[edit]

Gilbert Bridge spanning across the Padsan River

Laoag International Airport services flights by PAL Express, Cebu Pacific and Sky Pasada with destinations to and from Manila, Cebu, Calayan Island, and Basco, Batanes. The Honolulu \- Laoag vice versa will soon resume its direct flight with Philippine Airlines as its carrier. Foreign airlines offer direct charter flights to Laoag as part of travel packages with optional excursions to tourist destinations outside the city. Tourists can find travel agencies including ticket offices of several airlines at the terminal building.

Several large bus companies serve Laoag City making connections to North and Central Luzon provinces including Metro Manila. These transportation services are provided by GV Florida Transport, Viron Transit, Maria de Leon Bus Lines, Partas and Fariñas Transit Company. Laoag is 487 kilometres (303 mi) from Manila via South Road Access of Laoag and 750 kilometres (470 mi) via North Access of Laoag from Metro Manila.

Mode of transport within the city includes taxi, jeepney, tricycle, and kalesa. Mini buses have daily routes to and from Pagudpud, Batac, and Vigan among others.

The Laoag bypass linking Paoay on the western part serves as diversion road to long wheeler trucks without crossing the city proper. Another bypass road east of the city is under construction linking Bacarra and San Nicolas towns will help decongest traffic upon completion.

Although a fast developing city and premier tourist destination in the north Laoag has no modern traffic light system in major thoroughfares of the city.

## Education

[edit]

Laoag Central Elementary School

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.

Most of the lower-level schools are government-owned and are divided into three districts, comprising a total of thirty-three elementary schools. Ten private elementary schools are also present including a Chinese school. In addition, there are eight private and six public high schools, and significant rise of integrated schools.

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.

Other higher education institutions in the city include Northwestern University, Northern Christian College, Divine Word College of Laoag, Data Center College of the Philippines, Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades, AMA Colleges, and STI College.

Also found in Laoag are vocational schools namely Overseas Technical Institute, Lazo Fashion School, and Bel Arte School of Fine Arts.

The Rodolfo CG Fariñas Jr. National Science High School which is the second being established in Ilocos Region under the Department of Science and Technology, located in Barangay Vira east of bypass road, has already opened this school year 2024–2025 for Grade 7 students.

## Sister cities

[edit]

* Vigan, Ilocos Sur
* Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental
* Caloocan, NCR
* Dagupan, Pangasinan
* Xiamen, China
* Changsha, China
* Laibin, China
* Huangshan, China
* Honolulu, Hawaii
* Kauai, Hawaii

## Notable people

[edit]

* Roque Ablan, Sr. – governor of Ilocos Norte and Worl War II guerilla.
* Fidel Segundo – Filipino brigadier general and World War II hero.
* Severino Montano – National Artist of the Philippines for Literature
* Purificacion Pedro – Filipina social worker and Catholic layman who was killed by soldiers under the Marcos dictatorship. Her name is inscribed in the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.
* Soledad Salvador – Filipina religious worker and activist in the Philippines who fought against the Marcos dictatorship. Her name is inscribed in the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.
* Antonio Zumel – Filipino journalist during the Marcos dictatorship. His name is inscribed in the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.
* Orlando Quevedo – Filipino Catholic cardinal, and Archbishop Emeritus  Archdiocese of Cotabato
* Fred Ruiz Castro – 12th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
* Diosdado Peralta – 26th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
* Ysabel Ortega \- actress

## References

[edit]

1. ^ City of Laoag |  (DILG)
2. ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
3. ^ a b c Census of Population (2020). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
4. ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
5. ^ "History". City Government of Laoag. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
6. ^ a b "Geographical Location". City Government of Laoag. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
7. ^ "2010 Census of Population and Housing: Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay:as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 23, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
8. ^ "Laoag, Ilocos Norte Climatological Normal Values" (PDF). Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 13, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
9. ^ "Laoag, Ilocos Norte Climatological Extremes" (PDF). Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 13, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
10. ^ "Station 98223 Laoag". Global station data 1961–1990—Sunshine Duration. Deutscher Wetterdienst. Archived from the original on October 17, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
11. ^ "Station ID for Laoag is 98223. Use this station ID to locate the sunshine duration". Archived from the original on October 17, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
12. ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
13. ^ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region I (Ilocos Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
14. ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
15. ^ "Province of Ilocos Norte". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
16. ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
17. ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. November 29, 2005.
18. ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. March 23, 2009.
19. ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. August 3, 2012.
20. ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. May 31, 2016.
21. ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 10, 2019.
22. ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
23. ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
24. ^ Valmontge, Kaycee (October 14, 2024). "Megaworld heads up north with 84-hectare Laoag township". Rappler. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
25. ^ "Laoag City Partial, unofficial results aggregated from Comelec data". ABS-CBN News. May 13, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2022.

## Bibliography

[edit]

* Dela Torre, Visitacion (2006). The Ilocos Heritage. Makati: Tower Book House. ISBN 978-971-91030-9-7.
* Historical Markers: Regions I-IV and CAR (in Filipino). Manila: National Historical Institute (Philippines). 1993. p. 88\. ISBN 9715380611.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Laoag.

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Laoag.

* Official website
* Philippine Standard Geographic Code
* Philippine Census Information
* Local Governance Performance Management System

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Laoag

|  | Bacarra | Vintar

|
|

|  |
South China Sea |

Laoag

| Piddig
|  |
| Paoay / San Nicolas | Sarrat

* v
* t
* e

Province of Ilocos Norte

Laoag (capital and largest city)

Municipalities|

* Adams
* Bacarra
* Badoc
* Bangui
* Banna
* Burgos
* Carasi
* Currimao
* Dingras
* Dumalneg
* Marcos
* Nueva Era
* Pagudpud
* Paoay
* Pasuquin
* Piddig
* Pinili
* San Nicolas
* Sarrat
* Solsona
* Vintar

Component cities|

* Batac
* Laoag

Barangays|

See: List of barangays in Ilocos Norte

* v
* t
* e

Ilocos Region (Region I)

Regional center|

* San Fernando

Provinces|

* Ilocos Norte
* Ilocos Sur
* La Union
* Pangasinan

Independent component city|

* Dagupan

Component cities|

* Alaminos
* Batac
* Candon
* Laoag
* San Carlos
* San Fernando
* Urdaneta
* Vigan

Provincial capitals|

* Laoag
* Lingayen
* San Fernando
* Vigan

Municipalities|

* Adams
* Agno
* Agoo
* Aguilar
* Alcala
* Alilem
* Anda
* Aringay
* Asingan
* Bacarra
* Bacnotan
* Badoc
* Bagulin
* Balaoan
* Balungao
* Banayoyo
* Bangar
* Bangui
* Bani
* Banna
* Bantay
* Basista
* Bauang
* Bautista
* Bayambang
* Binalonan
* Binmaley
* Bolinao
* Bugallon
* Burgos (Ilocos Norte)
* Burgos (Ilocos Sur)
* Burgos (La Union)
* Burgos (Pangasinan)
* Caba
* Cabugao
* Calasiao
* Caoayan
* Carasi
* Cervantes
* Currimao
* Dasol
* Dingras
* Dumalneg
* Galimuyod
* Gregorio del Pilar
* Infanta
* Labrador
* Laoac
* Lidlidda
* Lingayen
* Luna
* Mabini
* Magsingal
* Malasiqui
* Manaoag
* Mangaldan
* Mangatarem
* Mapandan
* Marcos
* Nagbukel
* Naguilian
* Narvacan
* Natividad
* Nueva Era
* Pagudpud
* Paoay
* Pasuquin
* Piddig
* Pinili
* Pozorrubio
* Pugo
* Quirino
* Rosales
* Rosario
* Salcedo
* San Emilio
* San Esteban
* San Fabian
* San Gabriel
* San Ildefonso
* San Jacinto
* San Juan (Ilocos Sur)
* San Juan (La Union)
* San Manuel
* San Nicolas (Ilocos Norte)
* San Nicolas (Pangasinan)
* San Quintin
* San Vicente
* Santa
* Santa Barbara
* Santa Catalina
* Santa Cruz
* Santa Lucia
* Santa Maria (Ilocos Sur)
* Santa Maria (Pangasinan)
* Santiago
* Santo Domingo
* Santo Tomas (La Union)
* Santo Tomas (Pangasinan)
* Santol
* Sarrat
* Sigay
* Sinait
* Sison
* Solsona
* Sual
* Sudipen
* Sugpon
* Suyo
* Tagudin
* Tayug
* Tubao
* Umingan
* Urbiztondo
* Villasis
* Vintar

Luzon, Republic of the Philippines

* v
* t
* e

List of cities in the Philippines

Highly urbanized
cities|

* Angeles City
* Bacolod
* Baguio
* Butuan
* Cagayan de Oro
* Caloocan
* Cebu City
* Davao City
* General Santos
* Iligan
* Iloilo City
* Lapu-Lapu City
* Las Piñas
* Lucena
* Makati
* Malabon
* Mandaluyong
* Mandaue
* Manila
* Marikina
* Muntinlupa
* Navotas
* Olongapo
* Parañaque
* Pasay
* Pasig
* Puerto Princesa
* Quezon City
* San Juan
* Tacloban
* Taguig
* Valenzuela
* Zamboanga City

Independent
component cities|

* Cotabato City
* Dagupan
* Naga, Camarines Sur
* Ormoc
* Santiago

Component cities|

* Alaminos
* Antipolo
* Bacoor
* Bago
* Bais
* Balanga
* Baliwag
* Batac
* Batangas City
* Bayawan
* Baybay
* Bayugan
* Biñan
* Bislig
* Bogo
* Borongan
* Cabadbaran
* Cabanatuan
* Cabuyao
* Cadiz
* Calaca
* Calamba
* Calapan
* Calbayog
* Candon
* Canlaon
* Carcar
* Carmona
* Catbalogan
* Cauayan
* Cavite City
* Danao
* Dapitan
* Dasmariñas
* Digos
* Dipolog
* Dumaguete
* El Salvador
* Escalante
* Gapan
* General Trias
* Gingoog
* Guihulngan
* Himamaylan
* Ilagan
* Imus
* Iriga
* Isabela
* Kabankalan
* Kidapawan
* Koronadal
* La Carlota
* Lamitan
* Laoag
* Legazpi
* Ligao
* Lipa
* Maasin
* Mabalacat
* Malaybalay
* Malolos
* Marawi
* Masbate City
* Mati
* Meycauayan
* Muñoz
* Naga, Cebu
* Oroquieta
* Ozamiz
* Pagadian
* Palayan
* Panabo
* Passi
* Roxas
* Sagay
* Samal
* San Carlos, Negros Occidental
* San Carlos, Pangasinan
* San Fernando, La Union
* San Fernando, Pampanga
* San Jose, Nueva Ecija
* San Jose del Monte
* San Pablo
* San Pedro
* Santa Rosa
* Santo Tomas
* Silay
* Sipalay
* Sorsogon City
* Surigao City
* Tabaco
* Tabuk
* Tacurong
* Tagaytay
* Tagbilaran
* Tagum
* Talisay, Cebu
* Talisay, Negros Occidental
* Tanauan
* Tandag
* Tangub
* Tanjay
* Tarlac City
* Tayabas
* Toledo
* Trece Martires
* Tuguegarao
* Urdaneta
* Valencia
* Victorias
* Vigan

* v
* t
* e

Provincial capital cities and municipalities of the Philippines

Luzon

* Abra: Bangued
* Albay: Legazpi
* Apayao: Kabugao / Luna1
* Aurora: Baler
* Bataan: Balanga
* Batanes: Basco
* Batangas: Batangas City
* Benguet: La Trinidad
* Bulacan: Malolos
* Cagayan: Tuguegarao
* Camarines Norte: Daet
* Camarines Sur: Pili
* Catanduanes: Virac
* Cavite: Imus / Trece Martires1
* Ifugao: Lagawe
* Ilocos Norte: Laoag
* Ilocos Sur: Vigan
* Isabela: Ilagan
* Kalinga: Tabuk
* La Union: San Fernando
* Laguna: Santa Cruz
* Marinduque: Boac
* Masbate: Masbate City
* Mountain Province: Bontoc
* Nueva Ecija: Palayan
* Nueva Vizcaya: Bayombong
* Occidental Mindoro: Mamburao
* Oriental Mindoro: Calapan
* Palawan: Puerto Princesa
* Pampanga: San Fernando
* Pangasinan: Lingayen
* Quezon: Lucena
* Quirino: Cabarroguis
* Rizal: Antipolo
* Romblon: Romblon
* Sorsogon: Sorsogon City
* Tarlac: Tarlac City
* Zambales: Iba

Visayas

* Aklan: Kalibo
* Antique: San Jose de Buenavista
* Biliran: Naval
* Bohol: Tagbilaran
* Capiz: Roxas
* Cebu: Cebu City
* Eastern Samar: Borongan
* Guimaras: Jordan
* Iloilo: Iloilo City
* Leyte: Tacloban
* Negros Occidental: Bacolod
* Negros Oriental: Dumaguete
* Northern Samar: Catarman
* Samar: Catbalogan
* Siquijor: Siquijor
* Southern Leyte: Maasin

Mindanao

* Agusan del Norte: Cabadbaran / Butuan1
* Agusan del Sur: Prosperidad
* Basilan: Lamitan / Isabela1
* Bukidnon: Malaybalay
* Camiguin: Mambajao
* Cotabato: Kidapawan
* Davao de Oro: Nabunturan
* Davao del Norte: Tagum
* Davao del Sur: Digos
* Davao Occidental: Malita
* Davao Oriental: Mati
* Dinagat Islands: San Jose
* Lanao del Norte: Tubod
* Lanao del Sur: Marawi
* Maguindanao del Norte: Datu Odin Sinsuat
* Maguindanao del Sur: Buluan
* Misamis Occidental: Oroquieta
* Misamis Oriental: Cagayan de Oro
* Sarangani: Alabel
* South Cotabato: Koronadal
* Sultan Kudarat: Isulan
* Sulu: Jolo
* Surigao del Norte: Surigao City
* Surigao del Sur: Tandag
* Tawi-Tawi: Bongao
* Zamboanga del Norte: Dipolog
* Zamboanga del Sur: Pagadian
* Zamboanga Sibugay: Ipil

1 de facto seat of provincial government

* v
* t
* e

Metropolitan areas of the Philippines

Current|

* Cebu
* Davao
* Manila

Former/Proposed|

* Angeles
* Baguio
* Bacolod
* Batangas
* Cagayan de Oro
* Dagupan
* Iloilo–Guimaras
* Naga
* Olongapo

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States
* Israel

*[PSGC]: Philippine Standard Geographic Code
*[Pop.]: Population
*[±% p.a.]: Per annum growth rate. Executive Order 135 §6 states that for "census years" (years divisible by 10) the reference date would be May 1st, but for all other years, the reference date is to be the "middle of the year". This means that growth rates, although correct, are not necessarily simple year-on-year comparisons.
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