BAGUIO CITY — Provincial Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega said the planned improvement and modernization of La Union’s port is expected to boost the province’s economy and strengthen its tourism sector.

Ortega said a key priority of the provincial government is the development of the provincial port, which the administration aims to modernize to accommodate bulk carriers and containerized cargo transport.

He said the initiative aligns with national efforts to improve maritime infrastructure and logistics. Ortega also stressed that tourism is a major component of the port development plan.

The governor said the province intends to upgrade the port to support large cruise ships, positioning La Union as a strategic entry point for international travelers. By establishing the province as a maritime hub, the administration expects increased visitor traffic across Northern Luzon.

Ortega added that the benefits of an expanded port would extend beyond La Union, as the facility is expected to serve as a gateway for tourists bound for neighboring areas, including Pangasinan, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and parts of Ilocos Sur. He said the hub would provide easier access to major destinations such as Vigan and Laoag, helping spur broader regional economic growth.