Open Capitol kicks off Ilocos Norte’s 197th Foundation celebration

TIENDAAN NI GOB. Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos together with her junior counterpart, Mikaela Paguirigan cut the ribbon during the 197th Foundation Anniversary of the Province of Ilocos Norte on February 2, 2015 to formally open the Tiendaan ni Gob, an exhibition of all the 23 towns in Ilocos Norte showcasing their respective products. (PGIN-CMO)

Laoag City—Students from the 21 municipalities and two cities of Ilocos Norte lined up at the Provincial Capitol building On Feb. 2 to check on various exhibits set up in every office here to commemorate what the province have become for past 197 years.

The crowd-drawing event, attended by approximately 5,000 students here were treated to an entertainment showcase prepared in every department. Capitol workers were also dressed based on the theme of their exhibit which included the following: farming, fishing, tribal, Illustrado and modern.

For five years now, the Open Capitol program initiated under the administration of Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos is meant to familiarize Ilocos children about the various offices of the Provincial Government, what are the services and programs being offered and how it runs as an organization led by the governor, vice governor, provincial board members and the department heads and staff among others.

“While in Manila they keep talking about transparency, accountability and responsibility, dito sa Ilocos Norte ay buksan na ang Capitol, lahat ng opisina, tingnan lahat ang tables kung ang ginagawa ay tama, kausapin ang mga kawani at tingnan lahat ang proseso para makita na ang sinasabing kumplikado ay simple lang pala,” Ms. Marcos said at the opening ceremony attended by the different local government officials here.

Adding excitement to the program was the “Little Ilocos Norte Government Officials” program wherein several elementary pupils auditioned in Capitol on January 28 to act as the junior counterparts of Governor Imee R. Marcos and Vice Governor Angelo M. Barba as well as the Provincial Board Members during the Open Capitol. 

“On the 197^th foundation anniversary of our province, we stand proud making certain that our young people led by our junior officials will carry on our extraordinary tradition of leadership, heroism and excellence,” expressed the governor Marcos.

Mikaela Paguirigan, this year’s little governor from Kidz Kollege, said that it was “truly a great moment in my life, having been selected as this year’s Junior Governor of my beloved province. Indeed, it is a privilege that I speak on behalf of all the young Ilocano citizens.”

Other activities during Open Capitol included a mock session with the Little Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and Sirib Exhibition Debate. There were also painting and Ilocano poem or daniw reading competitions.

Becoming ‘the best little province in the country’

Launched on February 2 was the Tienda ni Manang Imee at the western parking area of the Capitol.

“This activity encourages Ilocanos to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. Different booths were set up showcasing the major and innovative products in the province and it will last until February 7. A merienda cook-off to be participated by different municipalities in the province was also conducted” revealed by the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO).

Meanwhile, the provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) also organized a mini job fair on the same day at the Lacasa Function Hall located at La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center in Laoag City.

Nicole Rudio, head of PESO, said that “nine firms participated in the mini job fair offering a total of 384 job vacancies.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to the provincial government for providing us an avenue to find quality jobs in the province,” said Jeremith Pucan, a job seeker from Currimao.

These activities contribute to the attainment of Governor Marcos aim for the province to become the best little province in the country by 2020.

Ilocano Youth in the Bicentennial Movement

This year’s celebration is a countdown to the province’s ‘bicentennial movement’ on 2018 wherein the Provincial Government is preparing the Ilocanos especially the youth for their participation in the development and transformation of the province on the following years.

Coinciding with this year’s celebration of the foundation anniversary, The Sirib Youth Office (SYO) has also organized a familiarization tour of the tourist spots in the province for the Ilocano youth on February 5 to 6.

While the province still mourns the death of a fallen SAF hero, PO2 Omar Nacionales from Brgy. Escoda in Marcos, Ilocos Norte, whose photo was displayed in front of the Capitol, she urged everyone to say a one-minute prayer for him as Ilocanos continue to pursue its fight for freedom and justice. (With a report from John Michael Mugas, PGIN-CMO)