Among the guests were Lt. Col. Desiderio Alaba, the Battalion commander of 81st Infantry Battalion and Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay, 1st District representative of Zambales.
Highlights of the celebration include floral offerings at the Ablan Museum in Barangay 22, Laoag City, civic parade led by elementary students from the Department of Education in the province, the Boy Scout of the Philippines and Girl Scout of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and group of Marines.
A video show portrayed the life of the late Gov. Ablan, from his journey as a politician and his sacrifices during the World War II. A traditional marine band performed exhibition.
Born to a poor couple, Victor Ablan of Solsona and Raymunda Blanco of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the late Ablan Sr. was elected governor at the age of 31 and became the youngest provincial executive of his time.
The celebration was in accordance with the Republic Act No. 6941, which states that August 9 of every year is declared as Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. day, a special holiday in the province of Ilocos Norte. (ANL/CDG-PIA1 Ilocos Norte)
