TO HONOR ILOCANO OFWS MIGRANT SHRINE EYED

LAOAG CITY, Dec. 4 – Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos has eyed the construction of a “migrant monument” along Airport road in Laoag City as tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), balikbayans and other immigrants from the province.

Marcos disclosed her plan on the heels of three museums that were unveiled last week in the towns of Dingras, Burgos and Laoag City. The museums were realized to boost the ‘Paoay Kumakaway!’ tourism brand of Ilocos Norte.

She said honoring Ilocano OFWs and migrants is a fitting tribute to their sacrifices of having to leave their families in search for better work opportunities overseas.

The governor cited that almost all the residents in the province have relatives working abroad.

Meanwhile, Marcos mentioned another upcoming project in Pinili town to give recognition to the garlic farmers.

Just like the newly-opened museums, the Pinili project is being eyed to highlight the diverse culture of the province ranging from the Ilocanos and Cordilleran roots to the vital role of modern agriculture.

The “Balay Dingras,” which is a rice museum located in front of the Dingras town hall, showcases the concept of a rice miller’s house, which resulted from a project partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Its architectural design was inspired by Spanish-period houses in Dingras – a known rice granary of the province.

The Burgos Lighthouse Museum in Burgos town came forth as a result of renovating the historic Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. The new tourist center is now known as the Paru de Kabo Bojeador. The museum is added to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation as tourist destination in the town.

The Taoid museum located at the Tabacalera Lifestyle Center in Laoag City displays the pre-colonial side of Ilocandia and the province’s Cordilleran roots. It was inspired and put together by renowned screenwriter, Floy Quintos, and designed by Ohm David, resident technical director of Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas.

“The Taoid museum is our tribute to our indigenous people in the municipalities of Nueva Era, Dumalneg, Carasi and Adams,” Marcos said. (Freddie G. LazaroPIA- 1 Ilocos Norte with a report from the Communication and Media Office of Ilocos Norte)