‘One Ilocos Norte’ spirit being revived

By Freddie Lazaro 

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The “One Ilocos Norte” label of the province that suggests unity between the provincial and city governments seemed to have been revived after local officials joined together in the flag-raising ceremony on Monday at the capitol grounds.

The newly elected officials and employees of the province and the city stood together with other government and non-government organizations to signify renewed unity and stronger camaraderie.

“Senator Imee R. Marcos always spoke about ‘One Ilocos Norte.’ Once again, today is ‘One Ilocos Norte.’ This means that both the province and the city will work together in unity in order to implement the goals, programs, and visions that we have for Ilocos Norte and Laoag City. We at the city government will stand and we will work with you [at the PGIN] hand in hand,” said newly- elected Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon.

Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc also basked in the significance of the event. “Today marks a very symbolic and historic day. It’s been a long time since the city and the provincial Government had been on the same page. This is the reason why we ran on the same platform of One United Team here in Laoag and the province of Ilocos Norte.”

Manotoc challenged the officials and employees to work harmoniously for a more progressive province.

“We look forward to working with our fellow public servants in the city [government]. Today is a new day; may we all seize this day and this week. Let us maximize every hour that we have to work towards the Ilocos Norte that we all dreamed of and which we will eventually attain,” he said.