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LAOAG ... Sunshine city of the North
IV. ECONOMIC CENTER The City of Laoag as thecapital of Ilocos Norte is projected to become a Primary Urban Center A in the Seven Level Hierarchy of Settlements. As such growth center, major infrastructure projects have been programmed for establishment/construction in the city. One such project is the expansion and rehabilitation of the Laoag International Airport. 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. Laoag City has a total of 262 hectares forest area. These are situated in the northern and eastern part of city. Of all the forest zones in the city, Bacsil forest is the most famous lying along the mountainous eastern sector. Laoag City has no commercial fishing ground. However barangays La Paz and Caaoacan are considered exceptionally good fishing areas. Inland fisheries ate scattered in the Barangays of Apaya, Araniw and Cavit, Gabu Sur, Calayab and Caaoacan. COMMERCE Laoag City, being the provincial capital, is considered the busiest commercial district of Ilocos Norte. Commercial activities include operations of the Laoag City Commercial Complex, department stores, groceries, lumber and hardware, drugstores, movie houses, restaurants, snackbars, pawnshops, banking and lending institutions, farm supplies and bakeries among others. Thirty-three (33 banks operate in the city, accepting savings/time deposits, foreign ?exchange transactions, and engaging in extending loans for personal and commercial purposes. Laoag City has a good commercial relationship with its neighboring communities. Farmers in the nearby municipalities prefer to sell their farm produce in the market rather than through middleman or trader. The buying psychology of the people on the other hand, is somewhat biased, since they believe that goods and services in Laoag City are cheaper than in their respective communities. next page TOURISM Copyright 2001
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