A true Filipino and Ilocano icon.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, as such as he led the wreath laying and commemoration activities on the 106th birth anniversary of his late father in Batac, Ilocos Norte on Monday.
At the heartwarming ceremony, President Marcos said that his father “remains a true Filipino and Ilocano icon whose exceptional mind matched the nation-loving spirit that he possesses and that he demonstrates.”
Marcos said thag his late father is remembered for the “peace and order that he fought and stood for,” which inspired Filipinos to build on and felt the dreams that he left in the hearts of many.
The chief executive called on the young leaders and government officials to aspire for greater roles and more meaningful endeavors.
“It is my earnest hope that my late father’s values, ideals, and visions for the country will spur you into aspiring for greater roles and more meaningful endeavors—much like how these have inspired me,” President Marcos said.
“Let us act in our own small and unique ways to support the government, to support our people in all the initiatives and programs, and continue to instill in every Filipino the sense of ownership and accountability in building our great nation,” he added.
The President reminded everyone of the Philippines’ true value and the work that needs to be done.
“The Philippines is ours to love, and the path to a new Philippines—a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient one—is ours to make.”
As everyone remembers and pays tribute to Apo Lakay, President Marcos encouraged everyone to take the gathering as a testament to the “unwavering pursuit of unity” that his father passionately espoused to the people.
“In his memory, may our actions from this point on be directed by the desire to preserve and share the rich heritage of our province, of our nation, President Marcos said.
President Marcos together with his family thanked everyone for joining them in revisiting the life of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos who left such a “rich legacy to the nation.”
Malacañang has issued Proclamation No. 327, declaring September 11 as a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte, to mark the birth anniversary of the former President.
Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, the President’s father, was born on Sept. 11, 1917 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. PND
