Laoag is the capital city of Ilocos Norte province in the Ilocos and Pangasinan region. (link to regional page) It is renowned for its belltowers, historical monuments, and centuries-old churches, the best-known being the St. William's Cathedral. It is also the site of the massive 45-meter high Sinking Belltower-one of the tallest in the country. You will also find here several memorabilia of the late president, Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Laoag is now considered an international gateway since the opening of the Laoag International Airport. The city is also tagged "The Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia."