LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – As part of Ilocos Norte’s 205th founding anniversary, the provincial government opened all its offices for at least 2,000 pupils, learners, and visitors for the “Open Capitol” on Feb. 13.
This activity aims to strengthen the provincial government’s commitment in educating young people in upholding transparency by touring them on the department offices of the capitol and learn their functions and services for the Ilokanos.
“This tradition of the Open Capitol was initiated by Sen. Imee R. Marcos to make sure that people know in fact what goes on at Capitol. Of course, this is truly in line with two of our principles here,” said Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc during the flag-raising ceremony.
He went on to mention these two principles for governance.
“First, being transparency, wherein we want our kakailian to know exactly what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and of course, for whom we are doing it. And second, of course, our sense of collaboration and our people-centered approach to governance－to make sure na talagang participative and collaborative ang ating approach to our provincial government,” added Manotoc.
To make it more fun and enjoyable especially with the pupils, the provincial government employees prepared interactive booths inside their offices and at the Capitol grounds.
Meanwhile, a tourism and investment forum dubbed “The New Ilocos Norte” was also launched and attended by local chief executives and stakeholders.
Also, Erden Eruç, a 61-year-old Turkish-American adventurer and 15-time Guinness World Record holder, visited Ilocos Norte as part of his round-the-world journey. He is famously known to be the first to perform a solo circumnavigation by human power.
He met the governor and presented his adventures of circling the planet on a solo journey. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)
