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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Ilocos Norte, PPP Center sign deal to restore international flights, boost economy

Ilocos Norte, PPP Center sign deal to restore international flights, boost economy

Published Mar 4, 2025 05:31 am

Flights to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan from Ilocos Norte’s Laoag International Airport may soon return as the province aims to transform into Southeast Asia’s economic hub through public-private partnership (PPP).

This plan is included in the memorandum of agreement (MOA), signed on Friday, Feb 28, between the PPP Center of the Philippines and the Ilocos Norte provincial government.

In a March 4 statement, the state planning agency National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the MOA is aimed at enhancing infrastructure development and spurring economic growth in Ilocos Norte. The PPP Center is attached to NEDA.

Specifically, the plan to revive China and Taiwan flights to and from Laoag’s airport would “boost tourism, strengthen the local economy, and increase connectivity between the province and major international markets.”

At present, the airport services only local flights.

The PPP deal also covers policies to strengthen the local agriculture sector by organizing farmer cooperatives and promoting sustainable farming.

Additionally, the partnership aims to move the province’s technology sector forward through innovations in data centers, manufacturing, and renewable energy (RE).

“These efforts aim to generate high-quality jobs and unlock new opportunities for both local and global investments” in Ilocos Norte, NEDA said.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said that by capitalizing on the strengths of both the government and the private sector, “we can mobilize resources, enhance efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability in our development efforts.”

He also stressed the critical role of PPPs in accelerating economic growth and the crucial role of the PPP Center in the implementation of the country’s PPP program.

“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 said.

PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez and Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew J. Marcos-Manotoc led the MOA signing at the PPP Center office in Quezon City.

Balisacan and PPP Center Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey I. Manalo were also present at the event.

Related Tags

PPP Center National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Ilocos Norte provincial government
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