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Laoag City—“Now, more than ever, my father continues to live in the heart of every Ilokano and every Filipino,” Senator Imee R. Marcos remarked during the wreath-laying ceremony for the 107th birthday celebration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. in the City of Batac on Sept. 11, 2024.
The province of Ilocos Norte commemorates every year the birth of
President Marcos Sr. through a week-long celebration with various activities
that aim to honor his legacy in nation-building.
In Marcos’ speech, she emphasized that her father's legacy
remains alive in the hearts of Filipinos, particularly Ilokanos, whose lives
were significantly shaped by his leadership.
She underscored how the late President's contributions have
transcended generations and continue to affect the various sectors at present.
"My father lives in the heart of every youth studying at
public high schools, state universities and colleges, and the Mariano Marcos
State University, which he founded," she said in Ilokano language,
highlighting her father's efforts to make education more accessible.
She also acknowledged her father’s impact on the agricultural
sector, emphasizing his initiatives to uplift farmers and fisherfolk,
pioneering infrastructure projects which have had a lasting influence on the
country’s development, and the establishment of medical institutions that
continue to serve the Filipino people to this day.
“Ano mang hirap at
panlilinlang, tulad niya [President FEM], ako ay Pilipino, taas noo kahit kanino,” Marcos ended.