Ilocos Norte fortifies econ ties with Hawaii, sister provinces

BAGUIO CITY (March 5, 2025) -- More than 200 government officials, industry leaders, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners from Hawaii and Ilocos Norte gathered in Laoag City last Monday “to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and cultural exchange”, the Ilocos Norte provincial government said.

In partnership with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) and the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Office, the provincial government hosted the 2nd Philippines-Hawaii Sister Province Business Symposium at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Laoag City.

The symposium sought to strengthen economic partnerships, with FCCH members seeking to establish connections with their sister provinces in the Philippines.

Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos emphasized their commitment to fostering investment and global partnerships. “Ilocos Norte stands as a dynamic and growing hub in the country, and we are committed to promoting investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth,” she said.

Jade Butay, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations for the State of Hawaii, reaffirmed Hawaii’s dedication to deepening economic and cultural ties with Ilocos Norte, a province with strong historical links to Filipino-Hawaiian migration.

Representatives from sister provinces Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Cebu, and Isabela also participated, engaging in discussions on investment opportunities, trade linkages, and workforce collaboration with Hawaii-based businesses.

An exhibition featured products and services from local organizations and homegrown brands, including MAKA Collective, Red Dot, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Artritos, Sister Provinces, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Office (MSMEO).

Ms. Rona Leigh Bueno, head of the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Office, expressed hope that the symposium would encourage local MSME owners to expand their businesses and connect with industry leaders.

The 2nd Philippines-Hawaii Sister Province Business Symposium reaffirmed Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Hawaii and its sister provinces, fostering long-term partnerships and growth.