Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is a province in the Ilocos Region, located in the northwestern part of Luzon. It is bordered by Cagayan and Apayao to the east, Abra to the southeast, Ilocos Sur to the south, and the South China Sea to the west. The province has 21 municipalities and 2 cities, with Laoag City serving as the capital.
With a land area of approximately 3,622.91 square kilometers, Ilocos Norte is known for its diverse landscapes, including coastal areas, mountains, and plains, Its population was 609,588 as determined by the 2020 Census. The province is famous for its wind farms, particularly the Bangui Windmills, as well as natural attractions such as Pagudpud Beach and the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.
The economy of Ilocos Norte is driven by agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. The province has a well-developed infrastructure, making it a key hub for trade and investment in the northern part of Luzon.
Agricultural Sector
Agriculture is a major industry in Ilocos Norte, providing employment to a significant portion of the population.
- Rice and corn – The province produces large quantities of rice and corn, benefiting from irrigation systems.
- Garlic and onions – Ilocos Norte is known for its high-quality garlic and onion production.
- Vegetables and root crops – Includes tomatoes, eggplants, and sweet potatoes.
- Tobacco – One of the leading cash crops, contributing to the province’s economy.
- Livestock and poultry – Hogs, cattle, and native chickens are raised for local consumption and trade.
Fisheries Sector
Ilocos Norte has a thriving fisheries sector, supported by its extensive coastline.
- Coastal fishing – Fishermen catch a variety of fish, including tuna, mackerel, and grouper.
- Aquaculture – Tilapia, bangus (milkfish), and shrimp are commonly farmed.
- Seaweed farming – A growing industry in coastal communities.
- Salt production – The province is known for its traditional salt-making industry.
Poverty Situation
Ilocos Norte has a lower poverty incidence compared to other provinces in the region. However, rural farming and fishing communities still face economic challenges due to climate-related risks and market fluctuations. Infrastructure development and livelihood programs help improve the quality of life for many residents.
Project Profile
DA
The DA-SAAD program in Ilocos Norte supports farmers by providing:
- Seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs for rice, corn, and high-value crops.
- Livestock dispersal, including goats and native pigs.
- Training on modern and climate-resilient farming techniques.
- Post-harvest equipment and facilities to improve productivity.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dumalneg | Kalaw (Dumalneg) | CATTLE PRODUCTION AND GINGER PRODUCTION | Riverside Greeners Association-risga Inc | 32 | 1,138,025.00 |
| 2024 | Adams | Adams (Pob.) | HIGH VALUE CROPS PRODUCTION, SHREDDER, WHEELBARROW, ORGANIC FERTILIZER | Malaggao Adams Farmers Association Inc. | 49 | 2,304,130.00 |
| 2024 | Carasi | Barbaqueso (Pob.) | GOAT PRODUCTION, DRUGS & BIOLOGICS, MOLASSES, FORAGE SEEDS | United Zanjera Cabanasan Irrigators Association Inc. | 40 | 993,840.00 |
| 2024 | Carasi | Virbira | CATTLE FATTENER PRODUCTION, MOLASSES,WHEELBARROW, OTHER INTERVENTIONS | Virvira Trival Zanjera Farmers Association Inc. | 49 | 2,256,250.00 |
| 2024 | Dumalneg | Kalaw (Dumalneg) | Organic soil conditioner, Assorted Vegetable Seeds | Riverside Greeners Association - Risga Inc. | 70 | 766,332.00 |
| 2025 | Adams | Adams (Pob.) | High Value Crops Production | Malaggao Adams Farmers Association Inc. | 49 | 4,057,000.00 |
| 2025 | Carasi | Barbaqueso (Pob.) | Goat Production | United Zanjera Cabanasan Irrigators Association, Inc. | 33 | 662,500.00 |
| 2025 | Carasi | Virbira | Cattle Production and High Value Crops Production | Virvira Trival Zanjera Farmers Association Incorporated | 49 | 1,107,500.00 |
| 2025 | Dumalneg | San Isidro | Hauling Truck Weighing Scale HDPE Pipe Processing equipment and tools Packaging Materials | Riverside Greener Association-rigsa Inc | 40 | 2,150,000.00 |
BFAR
The BFAR-SAAD program in Ilocos Norte focuses on enhancing fisheries livelihoods through:
- Fingerlings for tilapia and bangus farming.
- Provision of fishing boats, nets, and other fishing gear.
- Support for seaweed and shellfish farming.
- Training on sustainable fisheries management.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Adams | Adams (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in HDPE Cage | Adams Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 685,000.00 |
| 2023 | Dumalneg | Cabaritan (Dumalneg) | Tilapia Culture in HDPE Cage | Dumalneg Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 685,000.00 |
| 2024 | Adams | Adams (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in HDPE Cage | Adams Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 18 | 205,100.00 |
| 2024 | Burgos | Ablan Sarat | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Buraan Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 759,000.00 |
| 2024 | Carasi | Barbaqueso (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Carasi Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 318,750.00 |
| 2024 | Dumalneg | Cabaritan (Dumalneg) | Tilapia Culture in HDPE Cage | Dumalneg Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 18 | 205,100.00 |
| 2025 | Adams | Adams (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4m | Adams Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 20 | 360,800.00 |
| 2025 | Burgos | Ablan Sarat | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Buraan Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 485,000.00 |
| 2025 | Carasi | Virbira | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Carasi Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 335,000.00 |
| 2025 | Dumalneg | Cabaritan (Dumalneg) | Tilapia Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4m | Dumalneg Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 385,800.00 |
| 2025 | Dumalneg | San Isidro | Tilapia Culture in Pond | San Isidro Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 28 | 529,750.00 |
| 2026 | Adams | Adams (Pob.) | Tilapia Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4m | Adams Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 18 | 512,000.00 |
| 2026 | Burgos | Ablan Sarat | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Buraan Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 788,200.00 |
| 2026 | Carasi | Virbira | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Carasi Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 499,000.00 |
| 2026 | Dumalneg | Cabaritan (Dumalneg) | Tilapia Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4m | Dumalneg Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 18 | 483,000.00 |
| 2026 | Dumalneg | San Isidro | Tilapia Culture in Pond | San Isidro Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 28 | 316,400.00 |