Laoag
City—The Province of Ilocos Norte
commemorated the contributions of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. in
nation-building through the “Macoy Fest”, a week-long celebration which started
on September 7, 2019.
The annual conduct of the
Macoy Fest is spearheaded by the Ilocos Norte provincial government. It aims to
recall the patriotism, bravery, and intellectual excellence of the late
President in hope that these would inspire the same nationalism among the
present generation.
Various activities were held
throughout the province. Its newest addition includes a wall art painting along
the Sirib Mile in Laoag City. Over 100 creative Ilocano artists participated in
the mural street art which highlighted the heritage, history, and culture of
the province.
On September 7, 2019, PGIN
conducted a job fair during the kickoff of the Macoy Fest celebration to
provide more employment opportunities to Ilocano job seekers, especially to
those with civil service eligibility.
It also staged the ‘Nateng’ [vegetable’]
cook-off at a mall’s activity area in San Nicolas, featuring old and new
Ilocano vegetable dishes aside from the famous ‘dinengdeng’ — Mr. Marcos’s
favorite dish. Different local government units’ representatives participated
in the cook-off.
To show support to the
memorable deeds of the late president, hundreds of Marcos loyalists also
attended the simultaneous thanksgiving mass and wreath-laying ceremony in Batac
City and Sarrat on September 11, 2019.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew
Joseph M. Manotoc, in his speech, assured that his grandfather is now “gladly
watching” the Ilocanos who were united on his birthday: “102 years ago, a
Batacqueño was born. After all these years, I am sure that he is cheerfully
looking down upon us as we celebrate, honor, and remember his great legacy.”
For his part, Sarrat Mayor
Remigio B. Medrano expressed his admiration to FEM: “We are all proud here in
Sarrat because the greatest President in our country came from our town. He
became our motivation, our idol, and our role model. He is the greatest
president of all time, no matter how other people rewrite history,” he
emphasized.
Literary, arts activities
intensify youth participation
As part of the provincial government’s bid to make Ilocos
Norte a “learning hub,” the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office continues to open
opportunities for the youth to develop their skills and talents through the
conduct of various literary and arts competitions.
Among the usual contested
events participated by secondary schools are quiz show, contemporary dance,
vlog making, speech choir, and debate cup; while little “Ferdie and Imelda”
look-alike and singing contests were competed in by elementary pupils.
“Our province is fortunate to
have such an active youth sector stepping out with initiative and passion to do
their part to create and develop our great home. We believe that you have so
much potential which is why the Provincial Government has so much to offer to
all of you,” Mr. Manotoc said. (Stewart C. Ocampo & Blessing Angel V.
Agliam)
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