Bongbong Marcos Recalls Father's Lessons on Public Service

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday recalled some of the lessons in life and public service that he learned from his late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., as he honored the elder Marcos's 109th birth anniversary. During a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marcos Monument in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, the President said, “Of course, I first knew him as my father and the many of the lessons that I remember were the ones he taught me when I was still very young.” He added, “And it is remarkable because now, I find myself in the position of President.” He said that he sometimes surprises himself when confronted with a situation and finds a solution or a proper response, asking himself, “How is it that you knew how to address the challenges that were put before you?” Marcos Jr. explained that his father imparted lessons through “teaching by example and by leadership.” He recounted that his father trained him “not to become an important public figure, not to reach the heights of political leadership and position, but about public service.” He also recalled his father’s constant advice: “Do not ever take the easy way out. Do what is right, no matter how difficult that may be.” The most important lesson he learned, the President stated, was that “public service must be about your country and your countrymen.” He affirmed that, guided by the same principles that led Marcos Sr., he now exercises judgment in every decision, putting the national interest first and asking what will best serve the Filipino people. He emphasized that service to the people is not for oneself but for the country and its citizens, and one must always remember that “there is no sacrifice too great for your people and for your country.” He further noted that this lesson is not just for those in government but for all Filipinos to carry into their everyday lives, urging them to serve their fellows and do their part to leave the Philippines a better place than when they found it. Prior to the wreath-laying ceremony, the First Family attended a thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Batac as part of the commemoration of Marcos Sr.’s birth anniversary. The President also attended the Natnateng Cook-off at the Imelda Cultural Center, which featured local culinary traditions and dishes made from locally grown produce. He also witnessed the cultural show “Raniag Ti Amianan” at the Salakot Theatre of the Ilocandia Cultural Center and visited the Mercato ni Nanay Ces at the cultural center grounds. Source: GMA News Philippines