It is business as usual in Ilocos Norte on June 30.
 
The day of the historic inaugural ceremony of an Ilokano president, His Excellency Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
 
There are no parties.
 
There are no public events in place.
 
But Ilokanos are glued into their televisions and mobile phones as they watch the ceremonial oath-taking rites of their fellow province-mate and whom they address as “Apo BBM”.
 
Cities and municipal governments in Ilocos Norte have set up public viewing activities in their multipurpose centers and public halls to allow residents who wish to watch Marcos Jr. installed as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines.
 
Wide-screen LED walls were installed in front and indoors of the Imelda Cultural Center for better viewing experience of passers-by and supporters in Batac City.
 
Meanwhile, a LED wall in the Gilbert Bridge, leading Laoag City proper, has also shown the livestream coverage of the inauguration, allowing motorists and commuters to get a glimpse of the happenings at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Officials, employees, and teachers of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Ilocos Norte and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) paused for a while from their daily operations to watch the turnover and oath-taking of President Marcos.
 

In her message, MMSU President Shirley Agrupis is optimistic for the change and hope that are promised under the new administration.
 

“Being the sole state university in the province from where our newest president hails, we are very much proud of our PBBM, and optimistic of the greatness that will unfold for our country starting today,” said Agrupis.
 

Moreover, as business resumes in Ilocos Norte, customers and workers in some dining places and salons did not also miss the inaugural ceremony of the Ilokano president.
 

The Marcos family has always been loved by the people in Ilocos Norte.
 

As another kababayan has risen into the highest position in the land, Ilokanos are hopeful that Ilocos Norte will always come first when it comes to development and progress. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)