Aparri anchors hope on international port

What has long been known as the farthest town in the north, Aparri, Cagayan may soon become known as the Philippines' nearest international seaport to Taiwan, Japan, China, the two Koreas and other Asian destinations.

This old and erstwhile sleepy town used to have bustling business activities with foreign visitors during the time of the Galleon Trade of the 1600's but early historians claim that Aparri started as a Japanese trading post as far back as the 1400's.

As in many old towns, economic progress seems to have skipped Aparri after some time though that fact appears to be changing. It is now a host to a number of commercial banks and a popular food chain store (Jollibee). PAGASA's Meteorological station here is in the process of improvement and reconstruction and both the national and local governments are working not only to rehabilitate its old and crumbling fishing port but to build an international seaport in its place.

Once completed Aparrianos are expecting a surge in commercial activities that could boost their local economy.

In a way, Aparri is in some kind of competition with its sister town in Cagayan: Lal-lo, where an international airport is in the last stages of construction. — RDM