LAOAG CITY—The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)–Region I, launched the first-ever DICT-Region I Data Center in the region at the Provincial Capitol Extension Building on August 14, 2025.
This groundbreaking development positions Ilocos Norte as the first province in Region I to host such a pioneering facility, underscoring its role as a hub for digital innovation, e-governance, connectivity, and public service excellence in Northern Luzon.
As part of the DICT’s flagship program, the DICT-Region I Data Center will serve as a secure facility for data storage, management, and processing. It is envisioned to provide critical support to national and local government agencies, academic institutions, and the business sector. The facility is also designed to enhance e-governance, improve cybersecurity, and ensure that communities across Region I benefit from faster, more efficient, and more accessible public services.
Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos stressed that the establishment of the Data Center in Ilocos Norte signifies the province’s firm commitment to embracing technological advancement as a foundation of development.
“We are hopeful that this Data Center will serve as a gateway to better services for every Ilokano, providing students with faster and more reliable access to online learning, research, and educational resources; ensuring the safety of our communities through better coordination during emergencies, faster response times, and stronger protection of important information,” Araneta-Marcos said.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc emphasized the urgency of digital transformation in both governance and everyday life.
“I hope this is where we want to move towards because we have to. It’s not an option. It’s an absolute imperative. We have to adjust with the times, and we have to digitize kasi it’s much, much safer online. And I also believe that this is what we should tap into as a province,” he added.
With the launch of the DICT-Region I Data Center, Ilocos Norte reaffirms its leadership in digital transformation and sets the standard for technological advancement in Northern Luzon, paving the way for stronger connectivity, improved public service, and sustainable socio-economic growth. (Mariell J. Pahinag)
