Why the City of San Fernando?

There are countless reasons why the City of San Fernando is the perfect place to live, work, and invest. Our resilient community, strong values, and commitment to good governance are just some of the qualities that make our city thrive with joy and purpose.

We remain steadfast in being a reliable, dependable, and caring partner—dedicated to supporting your goals and creating an environment where opportunities flourish. With a balance of progress, sustainability, and genuine hospitality, San Fernando stands ready to be your investment destination of choice.

ADMINISTRATIVE SEAT OF ILOCOS REGION

The City of San Fernando, La Union, is strategically located at the heart of Region I and serves as the administrative seat of the region. Recognized as the regional hub for finance, trade, commerce, education, healthcare, and culture, it also hosts key national government agency offices. This unique position strengthens its role as the center of governance and economic activity in Northern Luzon. With reliable infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and accessible location, San Fernando offers a competitive advantage for investors. Its dynamic growth and status as the region’s capital make it an ideal destination for sustainable business opportunities.

ONE OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE COMPONENT CITIES IN THE COUNTRY

In the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), the City of San Fernando, La Union, proudly ranked 9th among 112 component cities nationwide and earned the distinction of being No. 1 in the region. This recognition reflects the city’s strong performance in economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation. Beyond its CMCI achievements, San Fernando has consistently been recognized as a national finalist and recipient of Special Citations in the Search for the Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines, further affirming its commitment to good governance, inclusive growth, and an enabling environment for sustainable business and investment.

CENTER OF HEALTH CARE AND HOME TO SOME OF THE BEST HEIs IN THE REGION

The City of San Fernando, La Union, is recognized for its strong academic and healthcare institutions that contribute significantly to regional growth. It is home to Centers of Excellence and Development in education and information technology, producing a steady pipeline of highly skilled local talents ready to meet industry demands. This strong educational foundation ensures a workforce capable of driving innovation and competitiveness. The city also hosts the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), regarded as the heart of public health and medical care in Northern Luzon, providing advanced medical services, training, and research for the region.

AMONG THE MODEL IN GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE COUNTRY

Consistently recognized for excellence in governance, the City of San Fernando, La Union, has been a consistent recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance, affirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective public service. In 2024, the city further solidified its reputation by ranking first nationwide in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) under Government Efficiency. This distinction highlights San Fernando’s strong institutional capacity, responsive governance, and dedication to fostering a business-friendly and investment-ready environment.

AMONG THE MOST LIVABLE CITIES IN THE COUNTRY

Recognized as one of the most peaceful and orderly cities in the country, the City of San Fernando, La Union, upholds safety, security, and community resilience as top priorities. It has consistently gone beyond compliance in the Gawad Kalasag Seal for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, reflecting its proactive approach to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This distinction underscores the city’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding livelihoods, and ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for its people.

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PRIORITY INVESTMENT SECTORS

Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Fishery

Support facilities such as irrigation, post-harvest, cold storage, blast freezing and the production of fertilizers and pesticides

Tourism and Transportation

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Manufacturing / Processing

Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation, and Property Development

Ecological Solid Waste Management


Investments and Incentives Code of the City of San Fernando, La Union

Ordinance No. 2024-41



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Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos, PPMC

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PORO POINT FREEPORT ZONE

Invest in San Fernando Economic Zone, Poro, La Union—strategically located with robust infrastructure, incentives, airport, seaport, mixed-use development, and a 65.5-hectare tourism complex with Thunderbird Resorts, a premier Northern Luzon destination.

Click to learn more about PPFZ

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT - BIDAY

Barangay Biday in San Fernando City, La Union, offers strong investment opportunities with its strategic location and growing economy. Anchored by CSI Mall, Manna Mall, and the soon-to-open SM City La Union, it serves as a vibrant commercial hub. San Fernando City’s recognition as one of DICT’s 25 Digital Cities highlights its commitment to advancing ICT infrastructure, innovation, and digital transformation, further positioning Biday to benefit from technology-driven growth and long-term investments.

San Fernando, La Union, is proudly recognized as one of the Digital Cities PH by DICT, IBPAP, and Leechiu, positioning it as a prime hub for countryside development. With its strategic location at the heart of Northern Luzon, robust ICT infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce, the city offers an enabling environment for IT-BPM, digital services, and innovation-driven enterprises. Coupled with strong local government support, business-friendly policies, and modern facilities, San Fernando presents investors with vast opportunities to grow sustainably while contributing to inclusive regional development.

Click to view the roadmap

COST OF DOING BUSINESS

  • Wage Rates
  • Rental/Lease Rates
  • Power Rates
  • Water Cost
  • Telco/Internet Cost

Under: Wage Order No. RB1-23

  • Php 468.00 for non-agriculture employing 10 or more employees
  • Php 435.00 for agriculture and with less than 10 employees

REAL ESTATE:

  • Rent of Commercial
    • Php 200 to Php 550 - Average cost of Space rental (per sqm)
  • Rent of Residential
    • Average cost of rental for:
      • Php 5,000 to Php 8,000 - 1 Bedroom condo/apartment
      • Php 7,000 to Php 10,000 - 2-3 Bedroom condo/apartment
      • Php 8,000 to Php 15,000 - 4 Bedroom House
  • Php4,000 to Php60,000 - Cost of Land (per sqm)

LUECO as of August 2025

  • Php12.7878/kWh - Residential
  • Php14.1601/kWh - GenSer, X1
  • Php11.9481/kWh - GenSer, X2
  • Php10.9535/kWh - Hospital
  • Php13.0848/kWh - Industrial
  • Php12.9612/kWh - Streetlight
  • Commercial (per cu.m)

SETTING UP A BUSINESS

Granting of Building Permits

Granting of Certificate of Occupancy

Issuance of Business Permits

Issuance of Business Permits (Online Application)

Issuance of Individual Work Permit

Downloadable Forms

Business Permit: Unified Application Form

Individual Work Permit Form

Buidling Permit Application Form

Architectural Permit Form

Civil/Structural Permit Form

Electrical Permit Form

Sanitary/Plumbing Permit Application Form

Mechanical Permit Form

Electronics Permit Form

Demolition Permit Form