President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (REUTERS file photo)
LAOAG CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday urged his fellow Ilocanos to be proud of their identity and showcase their customs and traditions.
He issued the call during the Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival here, Ilocos Norte’s biggest cultural festival.
“Let us share with our fellow Filipinos, and the rest of the world, the story of our roots in the upland indigenous communities, the vibrant communities of Ilocos, many of which have been crucial in molding us into what we are as a people today,” the President said in his speech.
“I could not find a better time to come back to Ilocos Norte but to join in celebrating the Tan-ok ni Ilocano: The Festival of Festivals to show off to the world the best that Ilocanos can offer,” he said.
He said the event will shine a light to Ilocano artists and small-scale workers who will display their skills for art and “serve as a gateway” to the province’s “rich and dynamic culture.”
The President said the festival is made “more special” since it was held at the newly renovated Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Memorial Stadium, which was named after his father and namesake.
During the festival, representatives from the 23 cities of the provinces had the chance to showcase their culture and traditions in their performances.
Thousands flocked to the stadium to witness the Tan-ok ni Ilocano festival, which means “the greatness of Ilocanos.”
The festival resumed this year after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.