Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc leads 125th Independence Day celebration in Ilocos Norte

"We recall, commemorate, and honor those freedom fighters from our beloved province of Ilocos Norte. After all, we have the blood of freedom fighters running through our veins because we know the crucial role that Ilokanos played in our fight for freedom and independence," Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked as he led the celebration of the 125th Independence Day anniversary in the province through flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies in front of the Provincial Capitol in Laoag City, today.

Officials and employees of the provincial government, component local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Marine Corps, Highway Patrol Groups, Philippine Coast Guards, and Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office, among others, were present in the event.

"On this historic day, we look back and remember the freedom fighters who have made our daily lives possible,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc continued.

"It is upon us to properly honor their memory, live out their principles and valor, and keep their spirit alive now, centuries later," he added.

He then urged the entire Ilokano community to show their spirit of patriotism, saying:

"I urge the entire Ilokano community to come together to display our trademark—Ilokano timpuyog—to make sure that the spirit of patriotism and freedom is alive and well in our province today."

"We must continue to build our province just like our freedom fighters built our nation centuries ago," he ended.