The family of the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for declaring a special non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte for the late dictator’s 100th birthday September 11.
On September 7, Malacañang released Proclamation No. 310 which declared Marcos’ 100th birthday on Monday as a local holiday in the province of the former strongman.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea inked executive order by the authority of the president.
“The Ilocano community has been annually celebrating the birthdate of the late Ferdinand E. Marcos and commemorating his life and contributions to national development as a World War II veteran, distinguished legislator and former president,” the proclaimation, dated September 6, said.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Ilocos Norte be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” it added.
Local reports in Manila said Marcos family personally asked Duterte to declare the date as a special non-working day in the entire province.
A thanksgiving mass was held earlier today, September 10, at the Batac Church. Another mass will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday. The Marcos family said they will celebrate his 100th birthday in private.
Ferdinand E. Marcos was born on September 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, and grew up in Batac town, which is acknowledged as the Marcoses’ hometown.
