Ilocanos still sing martial law songs

LIGHTING UP Hundreds of Ilocanos, mostly loyalists of Ferdinand Marcos, light candles at the plaza of Batac City in Ilocos Norte province on Sunday, the late dictator’s 99th birth anniversary. They also released white balloons in a ceremony held as part of a campaign for unity once Marcos’ remains are buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani. The burial was stopped by the Supreme Court. EV ESPIRITU/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON

BATAC CITY—For three days every September, the people of Ilocos Norte celebrate the birthday of their favorite son, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, to perpetuate his memory as the longest-serving Philippine President.

But what have become a fixture in each celebration are songs that, ironically, remind Filipinos about the dark days of martial law that Marcos declared on Sept. 21, 1972.

All activities during the celebration of the 99th birthday of the dictator from Friday to Sunday featured the “Bagong Lipunan” hymn—the anthem of Marcos’ vision for a “New Republic”—as well as “Pilipinas Kong Mahal,” a patriotic song that was also popular during his 21-year rule.

Tourists from Batangas province said they were surprised that the Bagong Lipunan hymn was repeatedly played here, as well as in Sarrat and San Nicolas towns.

“It’s been a while since we last heard those songs. Hearing them again brought back memories of martial law, which gave me the chills,” said Cristina Sancho, 53, of Lipa City in Batangas province.

 ‘The horror’

Sancho said she used to march to the Bagong Lipunan hymn during the flag ceremony as a high school student. Hearing it again brought back the horror of passing through checkpoints manned by government soldiers, she said.

For most Ilocos Norte residents, however, the martial law songs help them remember their “Apo Lakay,” whose planned burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani has roused outrage.

Whenever the songs blared out from the sound system here on Sunday, residents sang along with gusto. Members of Batac City National High School’s drum and bugle corps tried to join in when the Bagong Lipunan hymn was played. But many said they did not know the lyrics or the history behind the song.

Farmer Gaspar Medrano, 83, said the song reminded him of the “glory days” of martial law. “I like singing it because it helps me remember how, as a member of a choir back in the days, we used to sing it for (Marcos) and he would sing with us,” he said.

Grateful for support

During the wreath-laying ceremonies at Sarrat plaza on Sunday, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, the late President’s elder daughter, said the family was at the brink of giving up because of the controversy ignited by Marcos’ burial plans.

“So much has been said and these are well-publicized and vociferous. But we are forever grateful for the support that has been given through the years and which continues to give us strength,” she told a crowd of about 500 people, most of whom wore red shirts and dresses.

Activities lined up for this year’s Marcos Fiesta have one goal: To portray Marcos as the hometown hero. No mention was made of the atrocities and abuses committed during martial law.

On Friday, a memorabilia of souvenir items featuring Marcos were put on display at a mall in San Nicolas. Prizes were pledged to the owner of the most unique item.

 Look-alike tilt

On Saturday, little boys and girls were dressed up like Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, former first lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos. While in costume, the children sang the favorite Ilocano and Tagalog duets of the once most powerful couple.

A boy wore make-believe medals on his costume but did not win the “Makoy and Imelda look-alike” competition.

In Batac, a dinengdeng (vegetable stew) cooking contest was held on Sunday. The traditional Ilocano dish of fresh vegetables is said to be Marcos’ favorite.

Over social media, netizens were asked to post their sentiments about the Marcos burial, with the hashtag #iLibingna and #SalamatApo. “Let’s make Apo Lakay trend on social media!” urged an emcee over the public address system.

At each venue, desks were put up to gather signatures for an ongoing campaign urging the government to proceed with a Marcos burial at Libingan in Taguig City.

Before Sunday’s candle-lighting ceremonies in Batac, a video documentary was shown on a big screen at Imelda Cultural Park, showing the life story of Marcos, with emphasis on the early years of his presidency.