President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (right). | (File photos: Official Facebook page of President Bongbong Marcos and Wikimedia Commons
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. remembers his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., as someone who fought for peace and order.
Marcos Jr. made the tribute as Ilocos Norte celebrated Marcos Sr.’s 106th birth anniversary with a holiday declaration.
“For the peace and order that he fought and stood for, the development that he inspired our own citizens to build, and the dreams that he left in the hearts of many,” the Chief Executive said in a speech.
“He remains a true Filipino and Ilocano icon, whose exceptional mind matched the nation-loving spirit that he possessed and that he demonstrated,” he went on.
The President also urged young leaders to be inspired by Marcos Sr.
“In his memory, may our actions from this point on be directed by the desire to preserve and share the rich heritage of our province, of our nation,” he recalled.
“To the young leaders and government officials, it is my earnest hope that my late father’s values, ideals and visions for the country will spur you into aspiring for greater roles and more meaningful endeavors, much like how these have inspired me,” he said.
The President told the audience that his father left a rich legacy for the nation.
He said he was happy to celebrate with his family and community.
The Mariano Marcos State University and the Philippine Rice Research Institute created and unveiled a rice paddy artwork featuring the President’s face.
The project supports the Chief Executive’s vision of food security.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and presidential son and Ilocos Norte First District Representative Sandro Marcos were in attendance, as well as Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, the son of Senator Imee Marcos and Marcos Jr.’s nephew.
Marcos was also joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romero Brawner and Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda, whom the President acknowledged as being from the ‘amianan’ or the North.
While Marcos Jr. celebrated his father’s memories, many critics and historians have deemed his father’s imposition of martial law as one of the darkest periods in Philippine history, categorized by rampant corruption and police violence.
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