LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The province of Ilocos Norte commemorated the 118th Ablan Day to remember the heroism and contributions of former governor and labor leader Roque Ablan Sr. to the Ilokano community on August 9.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, together with Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Tull Traisorat, and LTCOL Marc Wyn Ubaldo of the 4th Marine Brigade, led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Ablan Shrine in this city.
During the commemoration activity, Olalia, who represented DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac as guest of honor and speaker, hailed Ablan Sr. as a symbol of strength and resilience.
The DMW officer said that being the governor during the 1930s, it can be assumed that Ablan Sr.’s constituents formed part of the first batch of workers to work in the sugar cane fields and commercial establishments in Hawaii, as well as the mainland of the United States of America.
“We can imagine how he sent them off, reminding them to be diligent and hardworking to showcase Filipino contract worker talents. We celebrate with you as we commemorate our roots like Governor Ablan and think of our global contributions, particularly the contributions of our modern-day heroes, our overseas Filipino workers,” Olalia remarked.
This year, the celebration carries the theme “Unity in Diversity, Celebrating our Roots and Global Contributions.”
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan, also a great-grandson of Ablan Sr., explained the significance of honoring both their roots and the contributions of migrant workers.
“The theme of this year’s celebration is about remembering our heritage and, of course, honoring the hardworking individuals we call our migrant workers,” Asec. Ablan said.
Moreover, some local government officials of the province recognized Ablan Sr.’s contribution to the province, who was named a labor leader and a World War II hero.
Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos recognized Ablan Sr.’s contribution and dedication to education and public welfare, citing that he has schools named in his honor in Solsona town.
“His initiatives aimed to uplift the standards of education and health services, ensuring that every citizen had access to the tools needed for a better life. His bravery in the face of adversity, his relentless pursuit of justice, and his unwavering dedication to public service are qualities that we all should hold in the highest regard,” she said.
She added, “As we reflect on his achievements today, it is important that we pass on his history and his values to the younger generation in a time when the world is rapidly changing. The principles of courage, integrity, and commitment to the greater good remain as relevant as ever.”
Meanwhile, Laoag City Vice Governor Carlos Fariñas urged Ilokanos to emulate Ablan Sr.’s bravery, heroism, and willingness for public service to contribute to the community.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the legacy of a great leader but also to reflect on the values he embodied that continue to inspire us today,” he said.
Aside from the commemoration activities, the Ablan family also organized the Thailand Trade Mission on August 8, an Agri Trade Fair that ran from August 7 to 8 at the Laoag City Hall and on August 9 at the Provincial Capitol grounds, and the Ablan Banchetto, or a food fair at Aurora Park, to showcase local products from August 7 to 11.
Ablan Day is a special non-working holiday celebrated every 9th of August in Ilocos Norte pursuant to Republic Act 6941. (AMB/EJFG/PIA Ilocos Norte)
