LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the importance of showcasing the culture, heritage, and history of Ilocos Norte through the Tan-ok ni Ilokano: Festival of Festivals held Friday.

The President said the celebration of this festival will help in the promotion of tourism industry, generation of jobs and local businesses, and spur the economic growth of the province.

“Beyond today’s revelry, this event is expected to stimulate economic activity and support Ilokano families by driving the tourism industry and sustaining local livelihood,” the President said.

President Marcos graced the festival night and served as the guest of honor.

The Tan-ok ni Ilokano Festival is a showcase of the province’s culture and history through a dance competition which was joined by the two cities and 21 towns of the province.

Moreover, President Marcos claimed that this festival will also put a spotlight on local artists and small scale workers who will serve as inspiration for the next generation of artists in the country.

He also recognized all the local chief executives of the province for supporting their representatives in the competition.

“It is always a great pleasure to see the different municipalities and cities of Ilocos Norte in one grand event to showcase with pride, with vigor our history and cultural heritage,” he said.

During his arrival at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium, he was accompanied by presidential son and Ilocos Norte First District Representative Sandro Marcos, Second District Representative Angelo Marcos-Barba, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines President Mayor Joefrey Saguid.

The comeback of the festival this year was attended by an estimate of 12,000 locals and tourists from different parts of the country.

Earlier, Governor Manotoc welcomed the guests, performers, and attendees to the Tan-ok ni Ilocano 2023: The Festival of Festivals.

“Ilocos Norte, our home, is a little province of just over 600,000 people. We are popular for our natural attractions, cultural heritage, and frugal, but more importantly, hardworking people. We are a proud, unified people who have made our province into what it is now. Nabileg, naandur, ken natan-ok (stronger, more resilient, and greater home),” the governor remarked. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)