The City of Laoag as a capital of Ilocos Norte is projected to become a Primary Urban Center A in the Seven Level Hierarchy Settlements.
As such growth center, major infrastructure projects have been programed for establishment & construction in the city. Such projects are the expansion and rehabilitation of the Laoag International Airport, construction of Laoag City Central Terminal and the establishment of the Laoag Tourist Night Market. Also, several national government agencies have focused some of their projects in Laoag. Eventually, an industrial center shall be established within the Laoag City Special Economic Zone (LAOAG ECOZONE) at Barangays Calayab and Balacad.
The name of the city "Laoag", is a derivation of the Ilocano term, which means light/brightness. Buzeta, an augustinian Missionary, in his Diccionarios Geografico Estatistico Historico de las Islas Filipinas, states that Laoag has a clear atmosphere which presents a beautiful, blue skyline and that there is no doubt that this is the reason why the place was given the name "Laoag".
Laoag City has 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 is 1.45%. 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%.
The City of 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 by the Municipality of Vintar, in the northwest by the Municipality of Bacarra, and in the west by the South China Sea. It is located between 120 degrees and 31 minutes to 120 degrees and 40 minutes in longitude and between 18 degrees and 16 minutes north latitude.
In the City of Laoag, the monies received by the local treasury are appropriately disbursed according to governmental procedures particularly those emanating from the Department of Budget and Management. Budget Processes consist of budget preparation involving income and expenditure estimation; budget authorization whereby the executive budget is submitted by the City Mayor to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval and authorization; budget review, budget execution and budget accountability.
In the City of Laoag, the center of commercial activities or the Central Business District is in the urban barangays. Of the 3,968 firms registered with the Office of the City Mayor's License Division, noteworthy are the presence of 80 computer shops/schools, a Muslim compound with 24 stalls, 244 real estate lessors, 25 banks, 15 lending institutions, 11 broadcasting radio and TV stations and 24 goldsmith/jewelry shops.
Laoag City is a 2nd class city in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It is the capital city of Ilocos Norte, and the province's political, commercial, and industrial hub. The municipalities of San Nicolas, Paoay, Sarrat, Vintar, and Bacarra form its boundaries. The foothills of the Cordillera Central mountain range to the east, and the South China Sea to the west are its physical boundaries.
The town experiences the prevailing monsoon climate of Northern Luzon, characterized by a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October, occasionally visited by powerful typhoons.
According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 94,466 people in 19,751 households.
Economy
Laoag's economy is based primarily in agriculture, producing rice, tobacco, and garlic as economic staples. The region is renowned for pottery, blacksmithing, furniture-making, and weaving.
People
Its ethnic population is overwhelmingly Ilocano. Unlike the rest of the region, however, the Roman Catholic Church does not predominate. The Aglipayan Church, Iglesia ni Cristo, and other Protestant groups have strong followings, as well as, animism and non-religiosity.
History
"Laoag" (Ilocano for "the place of light or clarity"), is an old, flourishing settlement known to Chinese and Japanese traders when the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived at the northern banks of Padsan River in 1572. Augustinian missionaries established the Roman Catholic Church in the area in 1580 and designated Saint William, the Hermit as its patron saint.
Pedro Almazan crowned himself king in 1661 in a bid of insurrection and protest against Spanish tax mandates. Other rebellions flared throughout colonial times, including against Spanish tobacco monopoly in 1782.
Laoag became a city in 1965.
Transportation
Laoag International Airport services flights to and from Taiwan and some charter flights by Philippine carriers.
Laoag is a 10-14 hour drive from Manila. Provincial buses also provide transportation from Baguio City, Manila, and a number of other cities.
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