Bongbong, family mark Marcos Sr.'s birthday with Mass at Libingan ng mga Bayani

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and other family members, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos, on Sunday attended a Mass to commemorate the 105th birth anniversary of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

In a video posted by Radio Television Malacañang on Facebook, Marcos Jr. conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the family’s longtime supporters who paid their respects to Marcos Sr.

“I would prescribe on behalf of the Marcos family, to thank you all for joining us to commemorate once again the birthday of then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.,” he said.

“Muli ang pasasalamat ko ay hindi lang para sa araw na ito pero sa taon-taong hindi niyo kami iniiwanan at sa taon-taon ninyo kaming sinusuportahan,” he added.

(Again, my gratitude is not just for this day, but for the many years you never left us and the many years you supported us.)

Marcos Jr. also promised to give his best performance throughout his term and fulfill his administration’s vision for a “better Philippines.”

“We do this to keep his [Marcos Sr.] plan. It is the rebirth of not perhaps the physical body of President Marcos Sr., but it is the rebirth of his dreams, of his wisdom, of his love for this country. So let us keep that flame alive. It is reborn. Let us keep it strong and fight. And let us guide through all that we do in the future in the service of our beloved Filipinos,” he said.

Others who attended the Mass were relatives, close friends, and former Presidential Security Group close-in officers.

Marcos Jr. is also expected to attend a ceremony at the “Daytoy ti Bannawag” monument in Batac City, Ilocos Norte later this day.

Malacañang earlier declared September 12 as a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte in celebration of the Marcos Sr.'s birth anniversary.

Nutribun feeding program

Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos launched a pilot test for a nutribun feeding program in Tanay, Rizal as part of Marcos Sr. 's birthday commemoration.

The program was also being pilot tested in Cebu and Ilocos Norte.

About 3,000 children from the three provinces were to benefit from the program.

“Ang enhanced nutribun ay fortified with malunggay, kalabasa at iba pang masustansyang sangkap,” the advisory said.

The program was launched in coordination with local government units, Municipal Social Welfare Department, Barangay Health Workers, and National Nutrition Council. —KG, GMA News