‘Heritage Walk’ marks Marcos 96th birthday

By Freddie G. Lazaro

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — In celebration of the 96th birth anniversary of late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, a new walking tour tourist attraction was inaugurated Thursday at his birthplace in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

Dubbed as “Sarrat Heritage Walk”, this walking tour has seven stations, from museums to artifacts to view decks that showcase the rich memoirs and legacy of the former President.

Centuries-old religious artifacts of the Roman Catholic Church in the province are among the attractions.

The late President was born here in 1917 to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin.

The Marcos children – Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Gov. Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta – led local officials, residents and supporters graced the formal opening.

The Sarrat Heritage Walk starting point was at the restored Marcos birthplace, followed by the new Sarrat town’s hall, the old municipal hall, the historic Santa Monica Church, the diocesan museum, the old building of Sarrat Central School, and the Amparo Park or Santa Monica River View Deck.

“Bongbong” was elated over the establishment of the new project as a legacy of his father.

“(W)e are not only remembering his personality but we also recall his deeds and plans for the betterment of the Filipinos, his commitment to this country and to his people that very rare to see now, and we had not seen for a while,” he said in his address. “I just hope that this tradition will continue.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Marcos expressed her gratitude to the sponsors and supporters for the new tourist attraction, citing that the tangible tourism industry project was realized through private-public partnership.