Kaohsiung, Taiwan —The Departments of Tourism and Transportation have shown full support for the revival of the Kaohsiung-Laoag flight proposed by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, as Taiwanese visitors remain a valuable source of foreign tourists for the Philippines.

At the Taiwan-Philippines Smart Port Development Forum on Wednesday, the governor said that the direct flights to Taiwan’s southern city would mean a lot to Ilocano overseas Filipino workers.

“They will not anymore shell out money for a fare going to Manila when going to Taiwan, particularly to Kaohsiung, when we relive that route. That will benefit our workforce,” said Araneta-Marcos in an interview.

Araneta-Marcos further said that the partnership with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) and the Taiwan tourism officials can boost investments in the region.

“That’s what we are lacking also, the manufacturing. In agriculture alone, that is our advantage, particularly tobacco and garlic. There is so much potential, especially for this collaboration. And we are bullish on artificial intelligence, especially now that Taiwanese business owners are willing to build a data center, as well as renewable energy (RE). There is still room for more,” the governor further expressed.

ACEN, the core business drivers of the Ayala Group, a pioneering conservation estate, operates the North Luzon Renewables wind farm that provides a significant contribution to the energy grid and supports the province of Ilocos Norte’s status as the RE capital of the country.

Aside from that, Araneta-Marcos said that another firm expressed optimism in putting up a waste-to-energy plant, addressing problems in waste management.

“That would eradicate landfill and all that. That is what we are excited about. They have already come, and they have sought a public-private partnership. We will provide the land, and we will provide the investment for the betterment of our province,” she said.

Meanwhile, the lady governor said they are pursuing Currimao Port as a premier cruise ship destination.

“Talking about proximity, Kaohsiung and Currimao Port are so near. Right now, our port has already opened for Star Cruises. Last week, we welcomed almost 2,000 passengers. And we are aiming for more cruise vessel arrivals because we are closer to Taiwan, compared to Manila,” she said.

Philippine Ports Authority general manager, Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago, meanwhile, said they are treating Currimao Port as a premier cruise vessel destination, next to Coron in Palawan and Cebu Province.

The Philippines was named “Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023” by the World Cruise Awards and “Best Port of Call 2024” at the Asia Cruise Awards in Jeju Island — clear proof that recognition, like aftershocks, comes in waves.

International cruise passenger arrivals are estimated to exceed 170,000 in 2025, up from about 90,000 last year, a report from the Chinese-run CNA said.