LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- This year’s edition of Miss Ilocos Norte focused on enlivening creative industries that featured Ilocano designers’ creations in the different segments of the pageant.
Over the years, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, through the leadership of Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc, has supported the creative industries to boost their potential and foster cultural exchange, create a sense of pride and identity, and drive economic growth in Ilocos Norte.
The pageant featured a total of 50 local fashion designers and 150 creatives.
Manotoc expressed his intentions to continue supporting them, saying:
“We would like to support all of our creatives dito sa Ilocos Norte and of course those who rely on events like these. Kaya we continue to host large events despite it not being completely necessary (because) we know the livelihood and opportunities it provides for so many.”
The Communications and Media Office (CMO) of the provincial capitol reported that during the second preliminary competition of the Miss Ilocos Norte 2023 at the Currimao Sea Wall on May 22, the candidates displayed the exquisite works of the said fashion designers in the Inabel Fashion, Balintawak, and Terno categories.
Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer and pageant director Aian Raquel said: “The Miss Ilocos Norte is an ideal platform to provide opportunities not only to the 23 candidates but to the young Ilocano creatives who do not have other opportunities but beauty pageants.”
Raquel also believes that Miss Ilocos Norte is one of the biggest platforms for all these designers, creatives, weavers, and performers to display their crafts and talents.
“The provincial government of Ilocos Norte will always be here to help and support all Ilokano creatives in fulfilling their dreams and aspirations to be a major creative in the future,” Raquel added.