Laoag City is taking on a new role in strengthening ties between Hawaii and the Philippines as the State of Hawaii opens its first foreign office outside the United States in Ilocos Norte.
The State of Hawaii Office in the Philippines (SHOP), under the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), held its soft opening and blessing on Friday, marking a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between Hawaii and the province.
Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, SHOP Executive Director Benson Peralta, and Hawaii Department of Education Human Resource Officer James Urbaniak joined the event and expressed optimism over the opportunities the office could create for Ilocanos.
Strengthening a Long-Standing Partnership
The new office builds on the sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Ilocos Norte, which was established more than two decades ago.
Araneta-Marcos said SHOP will provide a venue for closer coordination and exchanges in education, culture, tourism, trade, and other areas of mutual interest.
“The office will serve as a venue for facilitating exchanges and coordination between Hawaii and Ilocos Norte, supporting initiatives in education, culture, tourism, trade, and other areas of mutual interest,” she said.
The partnership also reflects the deep historical connection between Hawaii and the Ilocano community, with generations of Ilocanos having migrated to the islands and contributed to its economy and culture.
Opening Doors for Local Businesses
The office is expected to help Ilocos Norte businesses explore opportunities in the Hawaii market, particularly local micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Following her official visit to Hawaii in May, Araneta-Marcos said there is strong demand for the province's fresh and processed food products, including bagoong or fish sauce.
With a local office serving as a link between the two regions, entrepreneurs could find it easier to connect with potential buyers, business partners, and other opportunities in Hawaii.
Beyond Trade and Business
The partnership is expected to extend beyond commerce, with possible cooperation in investment, tourism, education, workforce development, innovation, and cultural exchange.
For Ilocos Norte, the Laoag office provides a direct gateway to Hawaii and its large Ilocano community.
For Hawaii, the presence in Laoag strengthens its connection with one of the Philippine regions with which it shares deep historical and cultural ties.
The opening turns a decades-old sister-state relationship into a more direct and accessible connection for communities on both sides of the Pacific.
