FOLLOWING the opening of the Chinese Consulate in the province, Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas announced that the United States Embassy has also expressed interest about establishing a major presence in Northern Luzon. The Ilocos Times learned that Fariñas was invited by US Embassy officials recently regarding prospects about Vigan and Laoag City being their next targets. Fariñas however stated that the US Embassy officials did not elaborate on their actual plans but he said they promised to help the city government in all its programs and activities, especially the proposed projects of the current administration. When asked about Laoag’s needs in the future, Fariñas enumerated the city’s need for an additional hospital, employment opportunities, factories, tourist attractions and schools. These projects, according to the mayor, are his longtime dream for the city to help Laoag residents who are less fortunate and at the same time to create more jobs in the city. The Ilocos Times learned that this was also the request made by Fariñas when he was invited by Chinese consular officials on what Laoag needs. With these proposed projects, Fariñas is hopeful that these would soon be realized and would in turn become a big help to the city and its residents. During a press conference recently where he announced he would seek reelection, Fariñas identified education, agriculture, tourism and health as his priorities as he reiterated that these had been his platform during his first run for the city’s mayoralty post and that he would continue with them should he be given another term to serve the people. With a stronger presence from the Chinese and United States, Fariñas believes these are signs that Laoag City and Ilocos Norte are becoming more progressive as they had been noticed by the two economic superpowers. Dominic B. dela Cruz
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