Laoag

Laoag, city, northwestern Luzon, Philippines. It lies on the north bank of the nonnavigable Laoag River, a few miles above the latter’s mouth on the South China Sea. Laoag was first occupied by the Spaniards in 1572 and is now the largest city in northern Luzon.

A trade centre for an agricultural region producing corn (maize), rice, and tobacco, the city has warehouses, wholesale outlets, and several cigarette factories. It is also the base of a sizable fishing industry. Laoag is served by good roads and national ports at nearby Gaang and Salomaque bays. The city is also located on the Pan-Philippine Highway, and it has an airport. Pop. (2000) 94,466; (2010) 104,904.