PBBM pays tribute to late father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., on 106th birthday

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the young leaders and government officials to be "inspired" by the values and ideals of his father, the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

In his remarks during the commemoration of his father's 106th birthday on Monday in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Marcos paid tribute to his father for his contributions to the country.

"For the peace and order that he fought and stood for, the development that he inspired our citizens to build, and the dreams that he left in the hearts of many, he remains a true Filipino and Ilocano icon whose exceptional mind matched the nation-loving spirit that he possessed and that he demonstrated," Marcos Jr. said.

"Let us act in our small and unique ways to support (the) government, to support our people, and all the initiatives and programs, and continue to instill in every Filipino the sense of ownership and accountability in building our great nation," he added.

The Chief Executive added that the Philippines is "ours to love" and the path to the new Philippines, a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient one, is "ours to make."

The event was attended by Marcos Jr.'s wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their children. It also featured a mass and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Marcos, Jr. has declared 11 September 2023 a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte province to commemorate the 106th birth anniversary of his namesake father.

Malacañang issued Proclamation No. 327 on 23 August 2023, stating that citizens of the province where the Marcos family is from should "be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration."

The late Marcos Sr. was born on 11 September 1917 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. He served as the 10th president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.

Marcos Sr. declared martial law in the Philippines on 23 September 1972 and lifted it on 17 January 1981. He and his family were driven into exile in Hawaii in 1986, and he was ousted as President during the People Power Revolution.

The former President lived in Hawaii continuously for three years until his death in Honolulu on 29 September 1989.