President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said major infrastructure projects in the Ilocos Region are underway not only to boost tourism, but also promote countryside development.

During the inauguration of the Pagudpud Tourist Rest Area in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Marcos said the government is anticipating the influx of tourists in the area with the development of the Ilocos and Pangasinan Regional Historical Trail.

“As we anticipate the influx of tourists in the area, we are building more facilities to accommodate more visitors here in our province,” he said.

“All these projects are geared toward expanding not only tourism but also the development of the countryside, that allow for a strong tourism industry,” he added.

Among the projects the President mentioned is the construction of the Ilocos Norte Transportation Hub.

“Once completed in 2025, we anticipate that the intermodal terminal will ease [city] traffic control [and] connect transportation modes seamlessly,” he said.

He said the government is also pursuing the development of the Laoag International Airport, particularly the runway expansion and rehabilitation, to accommodate bigger aircrafts and bring in more tourists.

He said the funding has been released for the construction of new bridges and the Pancian Viaduct along the Manila North Road to ensure motorists’ safety.

“I am confident that these exciting developments will become a springboard for [the] further success [of] tourism in Ilocos Norte and the Philippines and from this moment onwards,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of synergy and cooperation in a whole-of-government approach to ensure the success of tourism programs.

“We hope for that continued support for all the tourism programs across the archipelago, and we will show that not only do Filipinos love the Philippines but we can tell our foreign friends, guaranteed, you will love the Philippines,” he said. (PNA)