Great son of Ilocandia

RAIN OF FIRE
Cesar G.Bonilla

LAOAG CITY -- The late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos is always remembered by many Ilocanos as the pride of Ilocos Norte. September 11 is a historic event as it evokes patriotic sentimentalism in us for the great son of Ilocandia was born to change the course of Philippine history.

He had his struggles to find his destiny under the sun. He became a soldier, studied law, then became a politician who wanted to bring pride to the Philippines in the face of other nations by pushing the thrust for a national identity.

He had an effective leadership giving the far away province of Ilocos Norte a place in the international map. His brilliant oratorical prowess delighted world leaders so much as they admired his amazing wit and mind so full of encyclopedic knowledge.

His robust physical endowments, a pen sharpened by experience and personal charisma were developed that he used these to reach the zenith of individual triumph and political success. The man is our fellow Ilocano, our pride, who was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

The town is seven kilometers away from the capital city of Laoag. Sarrat, called San Miguel by the Spaniards became the first capital of Ilocos Norte during the arrival of the conquistadores. The old Edralin home where the President was born was located at the center of the town overlooking the Padsan River.

It was renovated and converted into a museum named after the longest-serving chief executive of the country and since its opening, it had become one of the top tourist draws in the north. The caretaker of the Marcos museum, Tata Gerry, is a good man.

It houses the memorabilia of the late president which include the bed of birth, a glass lamp, a rocking chair, an harp and an old wall clock that strikes every 7 a.m. the time Marcos was born.

I was still a little boy when I observed a semi-military training being conducted in our municipality , a basic preparation in case of emergency wherein all citizens are mandated to give military or civil service to the government. He organized the barangays into a homogeneous body to help shape affairs of government reducing problems affecting barangays in the country.
The Ilocanos should learn to value the contributions of President Marcos in the field of public service for it will inspire our present generation to seek greater heights un making this country a great nation.
***
San Nicolas town of Ilocos Norte celebrated its feat day on Sept. 10 in honor of its patron saint St.Nhicolas of Tolentine better known as San Nicolas de Tolentino. The municipality, headed by Mayor Alfredo Valdez Jr, is on the road to progress. Job fairs, among others, had provided an avenue for employment. Creaated under his term, the Robinsons Mall will be a boon to all San Nicolenos.

I met prominent officials of San Nicolas during the said event like Reidemor Bumanglag, Oscar Domingo of the sangguniang bayan, the dynamic chief of police of San Nicolas and many job applicants from towns in Ilocos.
***
The development of Ilocos Norte is a primordial task of government to create an industrial revolution in the province. The whole system is moving fast to welcome investment opportunities for Ilocanos and by their patience and love of labor, they could surely built a booming province.

But extra-judicial killings have brought fear among God-fearing and peace-loving citizens. The killing of Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative president Lorenzo Rey Ruiz shocked the province as a good man was gunned down in a broad daylight within the vicinity of the INEC office in Langayan,Currimao,Ilocos Norte.

What compels someone to resort in such an evil plan? I have known Ruiz through his son Cocoy, a decent guy and employee of the provincial government. His radio interviews manifested how respectful and brilliant he was in tackling various issues affecting INEC.

May justice soon be served to the victim to comfort members of his family. May those victims of other crimes be given justice to restore trust and confidence in government. May God save His people from the anger and envy of the angels of darkness.
***
I would like to greet the following tourists who recently visited the province, They enjoyed reading our newspaper as the tour went on to different historical and panoramic places in Ilocandia. My thanks to: Nitz V.Quinon,Charito Banes,Mercedes Baling,Layne Salumbides,Myrna Koopmans,Evelyn Tingson,Nenen Salazar,Anastacia Alarcon,Karyl Bolongan,Tess Sumande,Nitz Fuertes,Asuzana Salman, Ravena Lacopa,Nenesa Sibilira B.Lascano,Maria Lorica,Leny Lorica,Edna Jocobo,Irish Jacobo,Jane Barcela,Nelson Barcela,Connie Petes,Linda Edria,Janette Gatpatan,Erlinda Casipe,Teresita Pursuelo,Ma.Elemelda Abelito,Ma.Lourdes Mercado,Lorna Jaropillo,Lorna Gillera,Vilma Quilantang,Maria Anna Jamelo,Mary Joena Garbanzos,Angelito Cosas,Angelina Cosas,Nancy Ariola,Justa Fe G.Rojas,Nicasio C.Rojas,Jr.,Jessica Bituin,and Nelma Goli of Shaikna Travel and Tours Co..

I hope your stay in Ilocos Norte would be a memorable event because I saw in your faces the kindness and friendliness that we should uphold for the enrichment of our Christian life. Come again, Avon managers.
***
Congratulations to all DCCP FBLA officers Mark Ian Abrias, CEO ManSoc-Ilocos Norte Chapter; Minette Parado,deputy secretary; Jeff Fortes, deputy treasurer and Archie Guimsay, general committee chairman.

The Management Society is a conglomeration of all business administration students from MMSU, NWU, DWCL and DCCP. Its main purpose is to affiliate all members with recent updates on programs and activities of the business administration course.

I would like to mention Darwin V.Barcelona and head of the business administration department of Data Center College of the Phils..Prof.Efren V.Valdez for the success of our students. More Power to you.