LAOAG  , a

town, port for coasting vessels, and capital of the province of Ilocos Norte, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on the Laoag river, about 5 M. from its mouth, and in the N.W. part of the island . Pop . (1903) 34,454; in 1903, after the census had been taken, the municipality of San Nicolas (pop . 1903, ro,88o) was added to Laoag . Laoag is on an extensive coast plain, behind which is a picturesque range of hills; it is well built and is noted for its fine climate, the name " Laoag " signifying " clear." It is especially well equipped for handling rice, which is shipped in large quantities; Indian corn, tobacco and sugar are also shipped . Cotton is grown in the vicinity, and is woven by the women into fabrics, which find a ready sale among the pagan tribes of the mountains . The language is Ilocano .