The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) bicentennial countdown and countdown to the centenary of Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) highlighted the 199th year foundation anniversary celebration of Ilocos Norte yesterday, February 2.
Governor Imee R. Marcos, together with the Provincial Board Members, Mayors, Sangguniang Bayan members, barangay chairmen, Department of Education (DepEd) teachers, guests, and students gathered in front of Sarrat Central Elementary School, where FEM himself studied, to celebrate the province’s 199th year of independence.
As of writing, there are 364 days to go before the bicentennial celebration and 220 days leading up to FEM’s centenary.
The little Governor, little Vice Governor, little Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and Little Mayors of the 21 towns and two cities of the province were also presented during the ceremony.
Governor Marcos clarified that the town of Sarrat was the first Capital town of the Province and where the late President was born. According to her, the founding anniversary, is “a recognition of a rebellious spirit, that innate independence and requisite for freedom that the Ilocano nation had,” referring to the province’s birth and marking the division of the Ilocos Province into Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union.
Governor Marcos stressed that the bicentennial event would be a province-wide celebration and every town would be provided with funding for surprise “bicentennial projects” next year. She also said that this historic event will surely be great for Ilocanos:
“When the bicentennial comes we will be ready not only with infrastructures or heritage buildings but more importantly with local history, with more research in our own local heroes—those who come from each one of our towns and have brought pride and honor to our province distinguished Ilocanos that have populated the pages of history books, of arts, of culture, of science, of the academe, ito sa inyong lahat inaasahan ko na yong bicentennial ay magiging meaningful sa ating lahat…”
The event was followed by miryenda cook-off at Santa Monica Parish Church, with each town showcasing their very own recipe and delicacy.
The top five were chosen to compete for the final cook-off on February 6. They are Bangui, Burgos, Pasuquin, Vintar and Laoag respectively.
In the afternoon, Governor Marcos officially unveiled PGIN’s front installation titled “My Home, Ilocos Norte” featuring giant household items set out on the Capitol grounds. The Provincial board members and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Karen Jimeno were among the main guests in the activity.— (Glenn T. Batuyong, PGIN-CMO)
