ILOCOS NORTE

Ilocos Norte will celebrate its foundation anniversary on February 2, 2023, two (2) centuries and five (5) years after the province was officially created through a Royal Decree in 1818.

The Provincial Government will lead a flag-raising ceremony to be attended by local officials to commence the celebration, followed by a series of awarding of projects such as learning materials, pandemic recovery assistance, and agricultural equipment, among others.

Urging academic institutions to utilize multimedia materials produced by the Provincial Government for instructions that will contribute to the preservation of the culture of Ilokanos and renew the youth's sense of identity, a ceremonial presentation of "Tan-ok ni Ilocano" films to different school divisions of the Department of Education and local universities will be led by the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office and the Communications and Media Office.

Meanwhile, 14 local government units (LGUs) that prioritize children in their planning, budgeting, legislation, and service delivery and are capable of ensuring that all children have access to their basic rights will also be awarded the "Child-Friendly Governance" award.

Moreover, grants from the "Mataginayon a Progreso" and "KADIWA" programs will continue to bolster small businesses by helping them recover from the pandemic, become self-sufficient, and provide aspiring entrepreneurs with knowledge on starting, operating, and managing their businesses.

With a thrust to rebuild the province with a stronger economy, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc sustains his resolve by prioritizing micro, small, and medium enterprises owners, farmers, and livestock growers, more so now that Ilocos Norte strives to recover rapidly from the aftereffects of recent natural calamities.

Furthermore, 40 units of a combine harvester, four (4) units of 4-wheel tractors, six (6) units of multi-cultivators, and eight (8) units of hand tractors will be turned over to various farmer associations in the province, supporting Gov. Marcos Manotoc's farm mechanization initiatives, protecting farmers' sources of livelihood, and increasing their productivity and profitability.

The month-long celebration also includes the return of the "Open Capitol" on February 13 and the highly anticipated "Tan-ok ni Ilokano Festival of Festivals" on February 24.