SEC opens 1st extension office in Northern Luzon

Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc and SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the SEC extension office in Laoag City.

Laoag City—The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) opened its first extension office in Northern Luzon, located on the 5^th floor of the Dap-Ayan Commercial Center in this city.

The inauguration of the new SEC office on Jan. 9, 2025 was led by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc and SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino, both emphasizing the importance of the office in further boosting the economic performance of the provinces in Northern Luzon.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Meanwhile, Aquino remarked: “This office stands as a symbol of our Commission’s decisive action to spread economic progress and democratize wealth. It will not only promote ease of doing business but also ensure a robust investor protection as well as financial literacy.”

The SEC Laoag EO will accommodate the registration, compliance processes, and other SEC-related transactions of businesses across Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of services. It will also facilitate the commission’s investor protection and education programs to safeguard businesses against scams and other fraudulent schemes.

As an emerging commercial hub under the leadership of Manotoc, Ilocos Norte recorded the highest growth rate in the Region in 2023 at 8.6%, marking its 2nd consecutive year as the fastest-growing province in Region I, according to reports from the Philippine Statistics Authority.