Ilocos Norte’s pedestrianization project to boost economy 

The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO), in collaboration with the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Center Office (INvest), has come up with the Capitol Pedestrianization Project to revitalize the province’s pandemic-hit economy.

On March 14, 2021, INTO and INvest held the soft-launching of its weekly activity dubbed as “Buy IN Sunday Market.” The Provincial Capitol grounds and adjacent streets were closed from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for partner-merchants to peddle their homegrown products. 

“Al fresco activities have become popular in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic as cities around the world promote outdoor dining and shopping to help businesses to recover,” according to the BuyIN team.

Experiencing summer fun while earning money and staying safe, “Buy IN Sunday Market” displays eye-catching food trucks along the streets, performing local bands and other outdoor entertainment activities.

“We hope to grow this weekly market of homegrown products and aspire to incorporate entertainment and other outdoor activities in a safe and refreshing setup,” Provincial Tourism Officer Mr. Ianree B. Raquel expressed.

Moreover, the pedestrianization project is part of the updated Ilocos Norte Tourism Development Masterplan, which transforms car-oriented streets into more “compact, pedestrian, and environment-friendlier” spaces.

INTO and INvest will open the “Buy IN Sunday Market” again on March 21, 2020, hoping that more local businesses will participate in the weekly pop-up activity.— Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO