Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the wreath-laying ceremony for the 109th birth anniversary of his father, former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Screen grab from RTVM livestream.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to his family’s home province Friday to mark the 109th birth anniversary of his father, recalling advice on sacrifice and difficult choices that he said continues to influence his public service.
“Nothing worthwhile is achieved without sacrifice,” Marcos said, quoting one of the lessons he remembered receiving from former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The President led commemorative activities in Batac City, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marcos Monument following a Thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish.
Looking back on his younger years, Marcos said he had not realized at the time that ordinary moments with his father were also preparing him for responsibilities later in life.
“Spending time with him, and I never knew it, but he was already teaching me. He was already training me,” he said.
Another lesson, Marcos recalled, was to resist choosing convenience over principle: “Do not take whatever is the easy way out. Do what is right, no matter how difficult it may be.”
Marcos said those teachings ultimately centered on responsibility to the country and Filipinos rather than attaining political prominence.
Ilocos Norte observed Sept. 11 as a special nonworking day for the anniversary, while activities in Batac also included a “Natnateng” vegetable cook-off celebrating the province’s agricultural traditions.