Gov. Marcos envisions continuous progress for Ilocos Norte

As part of the celebrations for the Bicentennial Founding Anniversary of the Province of Ilocos Norte, ‘junior officials’ representing provincial and other local government leaders showcased their wit and talents in the annual ‘Open Capitol’ exhibit.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos lauded the overwhelming participation of the youth, especially the school children who acted as ‘junior officials.’

“Yung mga bata, agaw-pansin talaga. We have a very talented group of kids. I am very much convinced that the next 200 years will be better and greater than the last 200 years.

“As far as we are proud of what we have accomplished in our province, sigurado ako na mas titindi pa rin ang pag-unlad at kaligayahan sa ating probinsiya dahil ang ating mga bata ay magagaling,” she said.

The pool of young, talented, and active pupils from the different municipalities and schools comprised the Bicentennial edition set of ‘junior jfficials’ led by ‘Little Governor’ Airish Abygaelle Guillermo, a grade six pupil of the Catalino Acosta Memorial Elementary School (CAMES) in Batac City.

Joining Guillermo were ‘Little Vice Governor’ Vincent Martin Leynes, ‘Little Senior Board Member’ Vince Euan Ramos, ‘Little Board Members’ Chloey Mariyah Madarang, Chris Lawrence Tagudin, Edrick Claeton Gaoat, Timothy Franco Lopez, Jonathan Manglan-lan, Ervin Marius Albano, Rex Valdez Jr., Denmark Abalos, Zydnhie Jhanea Dela Cruz, and Austene Dwayne Yuskei Lazo.

As part of the ‘Open Capitol,’ the ‘junior officials’ also had a mock session, which enabled them to pass resolutions such as the development of ‘green campuses,’ suggesting renewable energy materials and solar lights to be provided to all public elementary schools, strengthening the commitment of the Provincial Government to renewable and clean energy.

Another proposed point of action was the establishment of ‘Ilocano corners,’ in public school libraries, which will feature the books about the history of Ilocos Norte to commemorate the 200th founding year of the province.

The mock session was presided by ‘Little Vice Governor’ Leynes and was graced by his counterpart, Vice Governor Angelo Marcos Barba, and the rest of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

There were also ‘Little Mayors’ who presented their local products in their respective booths and exhibits.

“The privileged positions we hold today may be temporal, but even after this celebration, we will still be the Ilocano youth. We will still be members of the great Ilocano community that listens to our voices and empowers us to be the changes we want to see in this province,” said ‘Little Governor’ Guillermo in her speech.

The ‘Open Capitol’ started in 2011 through the initiative of Governor Imee R. Marcos. It is now on its eighth year, giving opportunities for youth to experience and witness how the Provincial Government works through an interactive open-door exhibit in all offices in the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol.
Approximately 5,000 elementary, secondary, and college students joined the event and visited the booths that were prepared by all the sectors of the provincial government. (PGIN-CMO)