LAOAG, Philippines – Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. on Tuesday, August 08, 2023 joined Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio during the blessing and inauguration of BOC’s new sub-port at the Laoag International Airport (LIA) in Laoag City.
The sub-port is located in a two-storey building across the Laoag International Airport (LIA) in Barangay 36 Araniw.
Rubio said that the new office is expected to boost economic growth in the region. He also stressed the importance of bringing BOC services closer to ports of entries especially in the North to improve efficiency in customs operations and foster economic growth in the area.
Next to the sub-port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte and the sub-port of Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, this new sub-port is the third sub-port under the BOC District Processing Unit in the Port of Aparri, Cagayan.
During the event, Bulut took the opportunity to discuss with the commissioner possible areas of assistance and cooperation in terms of products and goods that can be availed by the province due to its proximity to the Port of Currimao and the LIA.
Their discussion yielded with Rubio’s initial commitment to look into possible donation of crude oil to support ongoing road clearing operations in Apayao in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Egay.
The event was attended as well by Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano, Batac City Mayor Albert Chua, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala, LIA CAACP General Manager Ronald Estavillo, and BOC Aparri District Collector Elenita Abano.
Gov. Bulut Jr. and Gov. Marcos Manotoc, meanwhile, agreed to collaborate in crafting a Tourism Master Plan for the Solsona-Calanasan Mt. Kilang area, with both leaders sharing optimism in the prospect of a new destination for local and international tourists.
The meeting with Ilocos Norte local officials likewise provided the governor with the opportunity to highlight current infrastructure developments in enhancing connectivity and inter-provincial access that will later open more economic activities for both provinces.
Apayao province stands to benefit from the established tourism and trade market of its neighbor province with these road improvements. By Apayao PIO
