Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Commemoration of the 106th Birth Anniversary of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
Thank you very much Governor Matt for your kind introduction. [Please take your seats.]
Ilocos Norte 2nd District Representative Angelo Marcos Barba; Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos. Hanggang ngayon hindi pa ako masanay-sanay na binabati ko ‘yung anak ko na Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos. Parang totoo ano?
Joining us tday is our AFP Chief of Staff General Romy Brawner; nandito rin po ang ating Chief PNP, Chief PNP Benjie Acorda. Hindi kaya tayo nahahalata na puro tiga-Amianan ang ating mga naging opisyal. Officials; employees; residents of the City of Batac led by the mayor, Mayor Albert Chua. Of course, my greetings would not be complete without greeting our First Lady, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. I saw the consul general, the Chinese Consul General was also here earlier. Oh there, Your Excellency, good morning. Other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, naimbag nga aldaw kadakayo amin.
It’s with very grateful and a joyful heart that we commemorate Apo Lakay, my father—President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos—on his 106th birthday.
It is indeed heartwarming to revisit the life that has left such a rich legacy to our nation, especially when done in the company of our family and in the company of our friends in our community.
So even if I not get to name you all, allow me to thank each of you—officials, residents, and guests alike—for taking the time out of your day to celebrate with us and to honor my father.
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, he remains a true Filipino and Ilocano icon whose exceptional mind matched the nation-loving spirit that he possessed and that he demonstrated.
So as we remember and pay tribute to his memory, let this gathering serve as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of unity that he so passionately espoused for our people.
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.
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.
It is not necessary for us to hold ceremonies, parades, or the like, to give credit to the efforts and sacrifices of Apo Lakay and those who have gone before him who share a deep and committed love for the Philippines.
Instead, let us act in our own small and unique ways to support government, to support our people in all the initiatives and programs and continue to instill in every Filipino the sense of ownership and accountability in building our great nation.
The Philippines is ours to love, and the path to a new Philippines—a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient one—is ours to make.
My profound thanks to all of you for celebrating with us the life of President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.
Dios ti agngina! [applause]
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