PAL launches Cebu-Laoag-Cebu flight set to start December 15

CEBU CITY— The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the new Cebu-Laoag-Cebu direct flight route to start Friday, December 15, 2023 with Cebu to Laoag leaving on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:35am to 10:05am and the Laoag to Cebu leaves at 10:15am to 12:35am on Tuesdays and Fridays too.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc,

in a press conference and networking event on December 11 at Oakridge Business Park said, the economic and tourism potentials of this new route is tremendous as this will transform the regional landscapes of both provinces.

“This historic and inaugural flight from Cebu to Laoag opens up a lot more opportunities not only for Cebu, but also for this entire region because Cebu serves as the commercial hub of central and southern Philippines and we look forward to working with all of you to make sure that this route is successful, and sustainable and truly beneficial to so many Ilocanos and their families who depend on our tourism industry,” Manotoc said. 

Manotoc added that PGIN and PAL also look forward to inviting and attracting investment from Cebu.  “We know that so many of our business leaders in the Philippines trace their roots here, right here to Cebu and of course, with our international air and seaports and our strategic location being so close to East Asia.”

Manotoc added that Ilocos Norte is primed for investments and likes to refer the province as Philippine gateway to East Asia and he welcomed everyone to Ilocos Norte via Philippine Airlines. 

He describes Ilocos Norte as the only province in the country that can offer a slice of Dubai in its sand dunes; a slice of Boracay in its white sand beaches and a slice of Baguio in its Solsona Apayao.

In terms of gastronomy-food tourism, Ilocos Norte is very well known for its pork dishes, whether it be bagnet or longganisa and they also have the famous empanada and Pinakbet pizza and many native and local and exotic dishes.

PAL-Vice Pres. Sales Department, Salvador Britanico, Jr. said that the partnership between PGIN and PAL signifies a commitment to advancing regional connectivity, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange. 

The new flight route is poised to be an effective strategy for enhancing ties between the Visayas and Mindanao regions, offering Ilokanos residing in these areas a convenient and efficient transportation alternative.

The Cebu-Laoag route will be served by Philippine Airlines, the country’s leading carrier. With its reputation for providing top-notch services, PAL is positioned to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers on this new route, Britanico states.

“Cebu-Laoag” is anticipated to boost tourism by providing travelers with a direct link between Cebu and Ilocos Norte to open new opportunities for exploration for both local and international tourists.  This improved connectivity between the two provinces is expected to create an ideal environment for business partnerships and collaborations where entrepreneurs and business professionals can efficiently traverse the distance, spurring economic activity,” Britanico noted.

The inaugural flight will carry Ilocos Norte officials, tourism stakeholders, PAL executives and Cebu-based online influencers who will participate in the re-run of the “Himala sa Buhangin! Arts and Music Festival.”  They will also engage in the “Kakanin Cook-off, a celebration of traditional Ilokano delicacies, and witness the first-ever “Coffee and Food Festival” in Ilocos Norte.

“Ilocos Norte welcomed almost three thewe million visitors in 2022 with tourism receipts reaching an estimated P8.8 billion.  We regard the new Cebu-Laoag-Cebu route as the beginning of greater regional collaboration and connectivity to benefit Ilokanos in the tourism and business-related industries,” Manotoc concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)