Marcos to execs, leaders: May Apo Lakay's ideals spur you to aspire for greater roles

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday urged government officials and young leaders to use the ideals of his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., as aspiration to get involved in greater roles.

Marcos made the call as he led the commemoration of the 106th birth anniversary of the late Marcos Sr. in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

In his speech, he said it was very heartwarming for him to revisit his father's life that has "left such as rich legacy to our nation."

"For the peace and order that he fought and stood for, the development that he inspired our own citizens to build, and the dreams that he left in the hearts of many, he remains a true Filipino and Ilocano icon, whose exceptional mind matched the nation-loving spirit that he possessed and that he demonstrated,"
Marcos said in his speech.

"In his memory, may our actions from this point on be directed by the desire to preserve and share the rich heritage of our province, of our nation," he said.

"To the young leaders and government officials, it is my earnest hope that my late father’s values, ideals and visions for the country will spur you into aspiring for greater roles and more meaningful endeavors, much like how these have inspired me," Marcos said.

Marcos also offered a wreath at the monument of his father. Prior to the wreath-laying ceremony, the First Family attended a Thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Batac.

Marcos, who will celebrate his birthday on September 13, was also given roses and a birthday cake.

Meanwhile, the younger Marcos said it is not necessary to hold ceremonies and parades for the efforts of his father, also referred to as Apo Lakay or "Respected Elder" in Ilocano, as well as for those who have also shared a deep and committed love for the country.

He instead called on the public to act in small and unique ways to support the government and the entire Filipino public to instill the sense of ownership and accountability in building the nation.

Marcos has declared September 11, 2023 as a special non-working day in the province of Ilocos Norte to mark the 106th birth anniversary of his father.

By authority of the President, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 327 on August 23.

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Ilocos Norte be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," the Proclamation read.

Leading the celebration of her father’s birth anniversary at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Senator Imee Marcos said Filipinos need Marcos Sr. 's courage and wisdom in addressing the crisis that the nation is currently facing.

“Si Bongbong na po ang pangulo natin. Ang ating pangulo President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. Sa kabila ng panalo nu’ng nakaraang taon, minabuti kong isuot ang damit ng tatay ko, lumang barong…pagkat sa panahong ito ng krisis at kahirapan ng bigas na pagkamahal mahal at hindi maabutan e palagay ko kailangan na naman natin ang tapang at dunong ng aking ama,” Senator Marcos said.

“Kailangan na naman natin magbigkis para sa mga susunod na mga araw. Kailangan din natin ang kanyang pang-unawa at pagpapatawad,” she added.

(Bongbong is already our president. Despite the win last year, I decided to wear my father’s old barong because in this time of crisis and issues on rice, I think we need again the courage and wisdom of my father. We need to band together in the days to come. We need his understanding and forgiveness.)—With Hana Bordey/KG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News