Ilocos Norte named “fastest-growing province” in Region I

Ilocos Norte posted a growth rate of 8.7%, the fastest growing among provinces in Region I according to the Economic Performance of the Ilocos Region for 2018 to 2022 Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in January 2024. 

Ilocos Norte was followed by La Union with 7.7%; Pangasinan with 7.4%; and Ilocos Sur with 7.1%. Apart from its growth rate, Ilocos Norte also contributed over P 90 billion to the region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product and achieved the highest GDP per capita at Php 122,330.00. 

The PPA serves as the mechanism of the PSA to compile the GDP of provinces and highly urbanized cities to measure their economic performance, which can be used by stakeholders in assessing their performances to strengthen planning and decision-making at the local level.

Ilocos Norte’s economic success is due to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) focused efforts in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, and employment. 

PGIN has sustained its lead as the top producer of high-value crops in the country by prioritizing the modernization of farm practices through the implementation of mechanization programs to support Ilokano farmers’ livelihoods by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding irrigation systems to ensure year-round farming.

Additionally, tourism has also emerged as a driver for economic growth, with Ilocos Norte utilizing its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and local festivals to attract both domestic and international visitors. The province has also prioritized infrastructure development to support its rapidly growing economy, with upgrades to the Laoag International Airport currently underway, to enhance connectivity and accommodate more tourists and investors.

Meanwhile, being the “Renewable Energy Capital of Southeast Asia,” Ilocos Norte’s lead in the renewable energy sector has also contributed to the province's economic performance. With a total generating capacity of over 350 MW, the Provincial Government continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio by partnering with private companies to also invest in solar and hydroelectric projects.

PGIN, under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, strengthens its commitment to uplifting the lives of its people by pursuing partnerships with stakeholders and implementing initiatives to stimulate economic growth, improve livelihoods, and achieve inclusive and sustainable development in the Province.