By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday marked the 108th birth anniversary of his father and namesake, the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., by urging Filipinos to live lives defined by service, sacrifice, and the defense of national dignity — which he described as the truest measure of honoring his father’s memory.
Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony at Marcos Monument in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, the President said the late leader left behind a standard of leadership anchored on devotion to the nation and selflessness.
“It is a legacy of service. It is a legacy of sacrifice,” Marcos said.
“If you are going to be a good Filipino, then you must be willing to sacrifice everything, including your life, for the Filipino, for the Philippines.”
He stressed that part of this legacy was an unwavering defense of Filipino dignity.
“We will not allow any great power, nor any person, to humiliate or put down a Filipino,” the President said. “We must always fight for the dignity of every Filipino and for the dignity of our country.”
Marcos added that commemorating his father’s life should not be confined to a ceremony but should be lived through daily concrete actions of service to others.
“We are only worthy of that legacy if we live a life of service, if we live a life of commitment, if we live a life of sacrifice for our people,” he said.
He also recalled how Marcos Sr. often reminded him to “make your own way” rather than following a road well-trodden, saying the pursuit of new paths was essential to progress.
“If you want to bring a better life to Filipinos, you must find your own path,” he quoted.
The commemoration began with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish, followed by the wreath-laying at the Marcos Monument.
The President later distributed medical equipment to local governments, witnessed a culinary showcase of Ilocano vegetable dishes, and received a floral crown and traditional Ilokano serenade as part of the Marcos Day celebrations. (PNA)
