Ilocos Norte road pedestrianization to boost economy

SUNDAY MARKET -- The Laoag City capitol grounds is becoming friendlier to pedestrians, local merchants, and residents through the weekly Sunday market. -- Provincial government of Ilocos Norte photo

By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco

LAOAG CITY – The province of Ilocos Norte is introducing ne
w ways in keeping economy and tourism thrive amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
    The provincial government, in collaboration with the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Center Office (Invest), came up with the Capitol Pedestrianization Project to revitalize local economy.
    Under its updated Ilocos Norte Tourism Development Masterplan, this pedestrianization project transforms car-oriented streets into more “compact, pedestrian, and environment-friendlier spaces.”
    Through this project, a weekly pop-up activity dubbed “Buy IN Sunday Market” was launched at the newly-refurbished Capitol open grounds and its adjacent streets.
    These areas are closed from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. to allow partner-merchants market their homegrown products.
    According to the Buy IN team, this is one way to promote safe outdoor activity wherein people can freely walk and commune with fresh air.
    Al fresco activities have reportedly 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 recover.
    This pop-up activity in Ilocos Norte gives a summer season-like experience to customers with the display of eye-catching food trucks along the streets, local bands performance and other 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 Ianree Raquel said.
    The Buy IN Sunday Market opened on March 21. -- PIA Ilocos Norte