According to the old folks, th city's name was derived from an Ilocano term which means "light". History further reveals that wau back in the Hispanic era, an Augustinian missionary had commented in his Dicionarios Geogratico Historico de las Islas Filipinas that Laoag has a clear atmosphere presenting a beautiful sky- so explained its name.
   
    History books pointed to Ilocos Region as one of the first three political divisions of Luzon that was organized into a province at the earlt stage oof Spanish colonization. Toward the northern portion of the Ilocos Norte where the proposed Laoag City Commercial Complex Project designed for the central public market and the commercial complex is located.

    Laoag City was converted into a city on January 1, 1966 through a plebiscite and ever since has remained the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte. From thereon, the city has undergone a lot of improvements. It is continously growing and progressing because of its geographical location, the characterustics of its people and the unbelievably good peace and order situation.

    The city of Laoag, the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia, is located at the west central part of the Province of Ilocos Norte bordering the Chibna Sea. It is along the Manila-North Road. It is 78 kilometers from Vigan; 217 from San Fernando(La Union); 363 kilometers from Tarlac; 420 kilometers from the National Capital(Manila); and 274 kilometers from Baguio City.