President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday made a vow to his father, the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. that he would continue what he started for the nation.

“Your legacy lives on, and for as long as I’m here, I will use everything I learned from you to continue your work,” Marcos said on his official Facebook page as he led the commemoration of his father’s 106th birth anniversary in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

He also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of his father, who he described as “a true Filipino and an Ilocano icon”.

“For the peace and order that he fought and stood for, the development that he inspired our own 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,” he said.

“So as we remember and pay tribute to his memory, let this gathering serve as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of unity that he so passionately espoused for our people. In his memory, may our actions from this point on be directed by the desire to preserve and share the rich heritage of our province, of our nation,” he added.

The President also urged young leaders and government officials to aspire for greater roles and more meaningful endeavors.

“Let us act in our own small and unique ways to support the government, to support our people in all the initiatives and programs, and continue to instill in every Filipino the sense of ownership and accountability in building our great nation,” Marcos said.

In his speech, the President also said the Philippines is for the Filipino people to love, and the path to a new Philippines – a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient one – is for the Filipino people to make.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined Marcos in the ceremony.

Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba was also present during the commemoration of the 106th birth anniversary of the former president along with Ilocos Norte Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjie Acorda, Mayor Albert Chua and other government officials and employees were also present during the event. (PNA)