INvest Ilocos Norte

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

25/05/2026

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and the Ilocos Norte delegates met with officials of the Hawai‘i National Guard to strengthen cooperation on disaster response, climate resilience, and humanitarian assistance initiatives between the State of Hawai‘i and the Province of Ilocos Norte.

Discussions focused on sharing knowledge and best practices in typhoon, flood, and wildfire management, as well as exploring possible collaboration on community-based disaster preparedness, climate-adaptive infrastructure, and emergency response.

The meeting also discussed opportunities for joint training exercises and stronger international partnerships to improve public safety and disaster readiness for vulnerable communities. [A]

25/05/2026

The Ilocos Norte delegation, headed by Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, joined the 4th Hawai‘i Philippines Business Tradeshow, Symposium, and Reception on May 19, serving as a platform to strengthen collaboration and advance economic cooperation between the State of Hawai‘i and the Philippines.

Representing Ilocos Norte as panelists were Ms. Soya Cheng Bueno, Head of the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotion Office, who participated in the discussion on “Island Economies in Partnership – Trade, Investment, and Market Access,” and Mr. Aianree Raquel, Head of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, who joined the panel on “Workforce, Talent, and Innovation Across Borders,” with Mr. A-Xavier Ruiz, Deputy Tourism Head, serving as moderator.

Gov. Araneta-Marcos reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Ilocos Norte and Hawai‘i, highlighting the province’s commitment to people-centered governance and inclusive development. She also emphasized efforts to expand investment opportunities, strengthen international cooperation, and position Ilocos Norte as a competitive hub for trade, tourism, and innovation. [A]

25/05/2026

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, together with the Ilocos Norte delegation, conducted an official visit to deepen economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Ilocos Norte and Hawai‘i, while supporting broader Philippines–United States relations as both countries mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

The Consulate recognized the delegation’s key engagements, highlighted by the signing of the Hawai‘i–Ilocos Norte Sisterhood Reaffirmation Agreement.

Gov. Araneta-Marcos also emphasized the enduring partnership between Ilocos Norte and Hawai‘i, stating, “As we move forward, the Province of Ilocos Norte and the State of Hawai‘i will continue to stand as partners shaped by shared history and united in building a future defined by stronger economies, empowered communities, and deeper cultural ties.” [A]

25/05/2026

𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗜𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 ⚡️

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos joined the launch of the Astra Solar Energy Project in Currimao, reflecting the Provincial Government’s shift toward clean energy and sustainable development in Ilocos Norte.

With strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and energy stakeholders, the province continues to move toward a more sustainable future. [A]

25/05/2026

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos met with Governor Josh Green to discuss key areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening the long-standing partnership between Ilocos Norte and the State of Hawai‘i.

Discussions centered on education and workforce mobility, including Ilokano J-1 teachers in Hawai‘i, teacher capacity-building programs, academic exchanges under the “Genuine Ilocano Program,” and expanded cultural and tourism cooperation.

Both parties also explored economic cooperation, including support for Ilocos Norte MSMEs seeking entry into the Hawai‘i market, as well as the establishment of a State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) office in Ilocos Norte, in line with Hawai‘i Senate Bill 817, which mandates the creation of an official Philippine office of DBEDT to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Hawai‘i and the Philippines. [A]

25/05/2026

Consul General Arman R. Talbo welcomed the Ilocos Norte delegation, headed by Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, for discussions on strengthening the long-standing ties between Ilocos Norte and Hawai‘i, rooted in shared heritage and generations of Ilokano migration. This year marks the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Sakadas in 1906, whose labor and legacy helped shape what is now one of the largest and most influential Filipino communities in the United States.

Discussions focused on the institutional and logistical mechanisms that support economic and labor exchange between the two communities. A parallel business meeting was also held between Hawai‘i’s business sector and representatives from the Provincial Government and private sector to explore opportunities for trade, investment, and workforce mobility.

Governor Araneta-Marcos expressed her gratitude to the Consul General and reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to deeper engagement with the Ilokano community in Hawai‘i through cultural exchange, youth initiatives, tourism promotion, and expanded business and investment opportunities. [A]

05/05/2026

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte launches the 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰, an information drive aimed at helping households and small businesses better understand the shift to renewable energy, from upfront costs to long-term savings and grid impact.

With energy prices remaining unpredictable, the province is promoting practical and scalable solutions that help secure a more reliable energy future while supporting climate goals.

The conversation on clean energy continues—this time, right in our communities. See you, kakailian! [A]