LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) is gearing up for the 107th birth anniversary of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. Sr. (FEM) in September.
Xavier Ruiz, officer-in-charge supervising tourism officer, outlined the activities for the former head of state’s birth anniversary celebration dubbed “Marcos Fiesta.”
“For this year, we have the fire tree planting on Sept. 5 at the Sirib Mile; Marcos Fiesta job fair on Sept. 7; Marcos Fiesta literary and arts competition on Sept. 9; Marcos Day celebration, Natnateng (vegetable) cook-off, and opening of Marcos Mansion on Sept. 11; and the I Love Ilocos Norte concert on Sept. 13,” said Ruiz.
The tree planting will be a collaborative activity with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Provincial Education Office, and Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office.
For the jobs fair, the provincial government will partner with the Department of Migrant Workers and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan, with the assistance of the Office of First District Representative Sandro Marcos.
In partnership with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the province will conduct a series of FEM lectures and will launch a rice paddy art featuring Senator Imee Marcos, the late president’s daughter.
“We’re expected to have activities in Sarrat and Batac City, the usual thanksgiving masses and wreath-laying ceremonies. As well as the event that highlights President Marcos Sr. ‘s dish, together with our LGUs (local government units), and free dialysis courtesy of the Office of Senator Imee Marcos,” added Ruiz.
When asked if FEM’s son, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., will be gracing the celebration in the province, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said the president’s attendance remains unconfirmed.
“As of now, it’s a possibility but unconfirmed. So, we shall see,” said Manotoc.
Marcos Sr. was born on Sept. 11, 1917, in Sarrat town and became the 10th president of the Philippines.
His administration focused on improving the country’s agriculture, education, infrastructure, energy production, and foreign policy.
He died on Sept. 28, 1989. (AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)
