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)