Ilocos Norte's 2023: A Year of Academic Triumphs, Tourism Excellence, and Agricultural Modernization
In 2023, Ilocos Norte province experienced a year marked by notable achievements and prosperity. Leading the charge was the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), achieving remarkable success in various licensure examinations, including those for physicians, teachers, engineers, lawyers, and more.
Dr. Aira Cassandra Castro, an outstanding graduate of MMSU, made history by securing the top spot in the Physician Licensure Examination with an impressive 89 percent rating. Her commitment to serving Ilocos Norte led her to join the MMSU College of Medicine faculty, where she aims to contribute to the training of future Ilocano doctors.
Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc emphasized the province's dedication to its greatest wealth – its people. Despite a reduced budget of PHP2.1 billion in 2023, down from PHP2.4 billion the previous year, the province continued to deliver quality public service. Notably, Ilocos Norte boasted the lowest poverty incidence (2.5 percent in 2021) and a high employment rate (98.9 percent in 2022) in the region.
The province's economic resilience and hardworking spirit were acknowledged in domestic roadshows, with a focus on priority sectors such as energy security and human capital development. The government collaborated with public and private entities to provide scholarships, skills training, capital startups, and other initiatives to enhance the employability of the local population.
In the realm of tourism, Ilocos Norte secured its position as the Philippines' premier tourism hub, winning the 2023 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines Pearl Awards. The province experienced a substantial increase in tourism arrivals, reaching almost three million in 2022. With new routes and initiatives, 2023 was poised to surpass these records.
The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) achieved a significant reduction in power rates, thanks to efficient trading and dialogue with independent power producers. The province's commitment to energy security included partnerships with solar firms for direct power supply agreements.
The "Agri Ka Dito" program, benefiting 75,000 farmers, showcased the province's commitment to agricultural modernization. Post-harvest facilities and multipurpose warehouses equipped with solar dryers aimed to reduce losses and improve productivity, supporting farmers and boosting income.
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