The province of Ilocos Norte keeps on introducing new ways to revive its local economy by maximizing the use of its outdoor spaces for people to gather safely, have fun and earn a living.

The Ilocos Norte Tourism and Investment Offices, both under the Ilocos Norte government, will hold a weekly pop-up activity, dubbed “Buy IN Sunday Market” that is giving new life to the newly-refurbished Capitol outdoor park and its adjacent streets in downtown Laoag.

From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Sunday, the park, in front of the Capitol, is home to food trucks full of home-grown goods for sale, a local band for entertainment, and other amenities.

The soft launch on March 14 earned positive feedback from netizens and residents.

Provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel said on Tuesday that “al fresco activities have become popular in 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic as cities around the world promote outdoor dining and shopping to help businesses to recover.”

During the soft launching of the program, few vendors were invited to join but they intend to invite more in the coming weekends.

Like in the previous pop-up events organized by the Ilocos Norte government, participants are constantly reminded to observe physical distancing, wear face masks and shields, as these are now part of the new normal. (PNA)