05/08/2026
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In line with Ilocos Norte's vision of expanding its global reach, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos announced during her inaugural State of the Province Address on August 3 at the Ilocandia Cultural Center that the province will establish the State of Hawaiสปi Office in the Philippines (SHOP) in Dap-Ayan Building, an official State of Hawaiสปi office outside the United States.
Also in attendance was Mr. Benson Peralta, Executive Director of the State of Hawaiสปi Office in the Philippines, highlighting the strong partnership between Ilocos Norte and the State of Hawaiสปi.
The Governor said the establishment of SHOP marks another milestone in the province's investment promotion efforts, reinforcing Ilocos Norte's commitment to strengthening international cooperation, attracting investments, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.
The initiative is one of the major outcomes of the United States Trade and Investment Mission to Hawaiสปi and Los Angeles in May 2026. The mission built on the gains of the 2024 Trade and Investment Mission initiated under the administration of former Governor Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc, further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Ilocos Norte and the State of Hawaiสปi.
During the trade mission, the Ilocos Norte delegation met with government officials, business leaders, investors, and members of the Filipino community to explore opportunities for investment, trade, education, tourism, workforce development, and technology collaboration. These engagements culminated in the establishment of SHOP as a permanent platform for economic cooperation between Hawaiสปi and the Philippines.
Rooted in the enduring historical and cultural ties between Ilocos Norte and Hawaiสปi, SHOP will serve as a gateway for investment promotion, business matching, and strategic partnerships. The office is expected to connect prospective investors with opportunities in Ilocos Norte, support local enterprises in accessing new markets, facilitate government-to-government collaboration, and strengthen exchanges in tourism, education, innovation, and workforce development.
The establishment of SHOP underscores the Provincial Government's commitment to positioning Ilocos Norte as a competitive investment destination and a strategic gateway for international partnerships, while creating more opportunities that will benefit local businesses, workers, and communities.