The State of Hawaii will open its first overseas office in Ilocos Norte, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos announced. The office, to be housed at the Dap-ayan Center, aims to boost trade, investments, tourism and job opportunities while strengthening ties with the large Ilocano community in Hawaii, as reported by BusinessWorld.
The office will serve as a hub for economic and cultural exchanges between Hawaii and Ilocos Norte, facilitating partnerships in agriculture, renewable energy, and education. It is expected to create job opportunities for Ilocanos and attract investments from the Ilocano diaspora in Hawaii.
The establishment of the office underscores the deep connections between the Ilocano community in Hawaii and their home province. It marks a significant step in international relations for Ilocos Norte, which has one of the largest Ilocano populations abroad.