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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Ilocos Norte launches travel incentive for Holy Week visitors

Ilocos Norte launches travel incentive for Holy Week visitors

Published Mar 24, 2026 09:02 pm
MARCOS (FB)
MARCOS (FB)
LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte province is launching a travel incentive program to attract visitors to head north despite rising fuel prices.
Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos confirmed this on Tuesday, encouraging the public to register now to secure spots for free bus rides to and from Ilocos Norte during the Holy Week from March 31 to April 3.
The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, in a statement, said it is leading the Holy Week program.
“There is a limited seat initiative that covers your bus fare, so the only thing you have to worry about is what to eat in Ilocos Norte,” it said.
In partnership with GV Florida Transport Inc., a registered transport service provider in Northern Luzon, travelers between Manila and Laoag can avail of a one-way free bus ride on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We are reactivating this program initiated during the pandemic in response to the ongoing oil and energy crisis,” Ilocos Norte tourism officer Aianree Raquel said in an interview on Tuesday.
He said at least two buses will ferry Ilocos Norte residents who avail of the program daily at 10 p.m. and visitors at 11 p.m. from March 31 to April 2, on the Manila-Laoag route.
After the three-day pilot test, the travel incentive program will continue from April 8 to 10 with scheduled trips at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. from Manila to Laoag.
Raquel said negotiations are ongoing with the provincial government to implement the travel incentive program throughout the summer.
“This is not going to solve our problem, but at least the subsidized connectivity will soften the impact on various sectors,” Raquel said, citing that the summer season is a blockbuster for tourist arrivals in previous years. (PNA)

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Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos Free bus rides Holy Week
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