Marcos Jr. honors father on 107th birthday

MANILA, Philippines — Calling him his “guiding force” and “steady voice of reason,” President Marcos honored his late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the latter’s 107th birth anniversary yesterday.

“Not a day goes by where I don’t think about my father. His wisdom remains a guiding force, a steady voice of reason reminding me of the principles that should lead our nation forward,” the President said in a post on Facebook.

“Happy birthday, Dad! We continue to celebrate you and honor your lasting legacy,” he added.

In a separate Facebook post, the President urged Filipinos to pay tribute to his father’s memory by reflecting on his legacy and “meaningful” service to the nation.

“He is a symbol of hope, a great innovator and a fervent patriot. Indeed, he was a Renaissance man whose thoughts and ideas were far ahead of his time,” he said.

The President, together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, Simon and Vincent, attended a thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Batac City, Ilocos Norte before leading a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marcos Monument, also located in Batac.

Marcos’ sister Sen. Imee Marcos and other family members also joined the event.

In his brief remarks after the mass, the President said his father’s 107th birthday is meaningful for their family.

“And for us, the Marcos family, that’s always a significant number because seven is the lucky number of my father,” he said.

Marcos also graced the “Natnateng cook-off showdown,” a culinary event that showcases various signature vegetable dishes in the province of Ilocos Norte as part of the Marcos Day celebration.

Sept. 11 was declared a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte for the commemoration of the birth anniversary of the late former president.

As part of the Marcos Day celebration, the President distributed ambulances in Paoay town and assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program or AKAP program in Batac and Laoag.

“We should not only celebrate his birthday with festivities, but rather with the spirit of generosity and bayanihan, through giving