Approaching its bicentennial anniversary this coming 2018, the provincial government continues to highlight a bright and innovative vision for Ilocos Norte as it is set to celebrate its 198th founding anniversary on February 2-5, 2016.
In February 2012, Governor Imee R. Marcos announced the creation of the bicentennial council through the Executive Order No. 83-12 which is tasked to prepare “fitting activities worthy of significance” for the 200th anniversary celebration of the province.
Kicking-off the 198th founding anniversary is the launching of the Tienda ni Gob and the Manang Imee’s NegoKart Express on February 2 further driving the province towards a real economic development as it promotes the importance of entrepreneurship among Ilocanos.
Staying true to Governor Marcos’ aim to bring in more quality jobs for the Ilocanos, the provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is also organizing a mini job fair at the Provincial Capitol Multipurpose Hall on the same day.
Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer Aianree Raquel revealed that the activities slated for the 198th founding anniversary focuses on the various efforts of the province towards strengthening local growth and development in the following years.
He added that this year’s celebration will be once again highlighted by the Open Capitol wherein the entire Provincial Capitol will look beyond today through the ‘futuristic’ theme of the exhibits of the different offices, in preparation for Ilocos Norte’s bicentennial anniversary on 2018.
The activity remains to be in line with Governor Marcos’ advocacy on openness and transparency in government transactions, adding that “we are a consultative, inclusive and open government.”
Raquel further said that the “activity is for the Ilocano youth for them to be better acquainted with the services that we provide [in the capitol].”
The countdown to the Ilocos Norte’s bicentennial movement on 2018 highly encourages the youth to participate in the transformational initiatives of the provincial government led by Governor Marcos.
As a part of the anniversary, the Sirib Youth Office has also organized youth-oriented activities on February 5.
Young Ilocanos are given the opportunity to hone their business management skills through the ‘SiriBiz’ to be held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. Aside from that, a Sirib Exhibition Debate is also set on the same day at the Sangunniang Panlalawigan Hall at the Provincial Capitol.
The set of activities organized by SYO also includes a familiarization tour for the young Ilocano of the various tourist spots of the province on February 3 to 4.
“We look forward to the next 200 years [of the province] because of today’s enthusiasm of the Ilocano youth for leading excellence and heroism,” said Governor Marcos.—(John Michael Mugas, PGIN-CMO)
