Batac City, Ilocos Norte
September 11, 2024

“And I’m always reminded of what was engraved in the museleo when my father was still buried here. And those of you that have been to the museleo will remember that it was one single word – Filipino. And that is the essence of my father,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said as he commemorated the 107th birth anniversary of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marcos Monument in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

In his message, the President recalled that his father’s guiding principles of serving the Filipino people have been a constant source of guidance for him, particularly during times of confusion and complexity. He underscored the most important things he should remember, namely the need to serve and protect the Filipino people and the country.

“So, if we are to continue on this important legacy that he has left us. What again will be our guide? How again do we know what is the right path to make it better for the Philippines? To make life better for all Filipinos. To make sure that the Philippines is protected. That the Philippines is secure. That the Philippines is going to flourish. That the Philippines takes its place in the community of nations in the world,” he continued.

He likewise reaffirmed that he has followed his father’s credo since the beginning of his term and pledged to continue doing so. “Be a good Filipino. Be a Filipino that loves your countrymen. Be a Filipino that loves your country and do everything and sacrifice everything to achieve that purpose, to achieve that goal that you become a good Filipino and you leave the Philippines a better place than you found it,” he added.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive expressed his deepest gratitude to former President Marcos Sr. for teaching him valuable lessons and inculcating values that have served the country well over time.

“And so as we go through our daily lives, let us always remember that in the end, we do what we do. All that we do, we do for Filipinos. All that we do, we do for the Philippines… Let us be together in that. Let us continue that legacy of love of country. Let us continue that legacy of love of your kababayans and I think that if we do that, that we will always be led in the right direction,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his speech.

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