The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has assured the allocation of PHP180 million for the development of Paoay Lake and Paoay Sand Dunes in order to lure more tourists and investors to Ilocos Norte.

Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc confirmed this on Friday as the province is poised to become one of the country’s premiere tourism destinations.

“We believe Ilocos Norte tourism is second to none and we aim to etch our position as a premiere tourist destination in the country,” he said in an interview.

Through a Special Use Agreement for Protected Area, the provincial government is eyeing to develop the 387-hectare Paoay Lake National Park by adding amenities, like non-motorized water vessels to ferry passengers around the lake for bird watching, among others.

Construction of three viewing stations is also part of the development.

Based on the Ilocos Norte Tourism development plan, the first station will feature the Paoay Lake Central Station, which will have a tourist center, cottages, a retention wall, a floating dock and a parking area and embankment.

The second station will have a clubhouse and boathouse with a floating dock, while the third station will be developed as a bird-watching zone that will include a showcase of pinakbet (Filipino dish of various vegetables) farm and an esplanade.

Since 2019, the Ilocos Norte government has been rooting for the development of the lake with the backing of TIEZA.

“We thank everyone at TIEZA, led by chief operating officer Mark Lapid, for funding the development of Paoay Lake and the sand dunes soon,” Manotoc said.

At the Paoay sand dunes, a tourism center with restrooms, souvenir area and ticketing booth for off-road riding and sand boarding will be constructed soon.

On Nov. 16 and 17, Ilocos Norte’s Himala sa Buhangin (Miracle in the Sands), a music and arts festival, will be staged anew at the vast sand dunes, with over 50,000 expected participants. (PNA)