Keon highlights achievements, overcoming pandemic challenges in first SOCA

In his first State of the City Address (SOCA), Mayor Michael Marcos Keon outlined the achievements of his administration since assuming office on 30 June 2019. Keon detailed significant strides in health, education, infrastructure, and economic development, while also highlighting how the city tackled the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Keon began by emphasizing the immense challenges posed by the pandemic, which hit Laoag City shortly after he took office. He recounted the swift implementation of strict border controls that allowed Laoag City to record zero casualties in the first year of the pandemic.
To support residents during this difficult time, the city provided cash assistance of Php 1,000 to 19,755 households and distributed essential relief goods such as canned goods, noodles, and rice. Although vaccine supply was initially limited, Mayor Keon worked closely with Senator Bong Go and Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr. to secure additional vaccines. As a result, Laoag became the first city in Region 1 to achieve herd immunity.

Photos by Jasper Dawang
In the education sector, the administration supplied 63 laptops to senior high school students and provided resources to the Department of Education to aid online learning efforts. Mayor Keon also highlighted the city’s "No Movement Day" policy, which earned national recognition for reducing unnecessary travel during the pandemic.
Addressing the mental health impacts of COVID-19, Laoag City established a mental health assistance center, offering counseling services to residents.
With the pandemic easing, the city resumed its regular programs, including the expansion of the Laoag City College Scholarship Program. The budget for the program was increased, benefiting more students than before.

Photos by Jasper Dawang
Mayor Keon also celebrated the city’s achievements in sports, recognizing athletes like Joaquin Dominic Tuzon, who earned international taekwondo victories, and Ma. Christine Joy Taliente, who excelled in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa. He also acknowledged Dr. Aira Cassandra Suguitan Castro for topping the 2023 Physician Licensure Examination.
In health services, Mayor Keon reported that the city administration successfully paid off significant loans taken out for the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH), making the hospital debt-free. He also noted that LCGH received three green stars from the Department of Health for being safe, resilient, and environmentally friendly.
Laoag City's peace and order initiatives were equally commendable, with the city’s Peace and Order Council and Anti-Drug Abuse Council receiving high functionality awards from 2019 to 2023. The establishment of Balay Silangan in 2023 to rehabilitate drug offenders was another major milestone. Furthermore, the city became the first in Ilocos Norte to open an animal pound to care for stray animals.
On the social welfare front, Mayor Keon discussed the Milestone Award Program, which provides financial assistance to senior citizens, as well as skills training and livelihood programs aimed at helping solo parents and low-income households. He also mentioned the city's Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center, which serves children with special needs.
