Bongbong recalls lessons from Marcos Sr. on his 109th birth anniversary - GMA Network

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.

This, as the President honored the 109th birth anniversary of his father by leading a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marcos Monument in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

“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. And it is remarkable because now, I find myself in the position of President,” Bongbong Marcos said.

“Once in a while, I surprise myself when I'm confronted with a situation and have a solution or at least a response, a proper response to those situations. Also, I asked myself, ‘How is it that you knew how to address the challenges that were put before you?’”

He said the way his father imparted lessons was through teaching by example and by leadership.

“He was training me not to become an important public figure, not to reach the heights of political leadership and position, but he taught me about public service. And he always would say that…nothing worthwhile is achieved without great sacrifice,” the President said.

“So, one lesson immediately that I remember was he would ever say---do not ever take the easy way out. Do what is right, no matter how difficult that may be,” he added.

The chief executive also emphasized that the most important lesson he learned from his late father was that “public service must be about your country and your countrymen.”

He said that such principles that guided Marcos Sr. when he was alive, now guides him as the incumbent President.

“Because in every decision that we make, we must exercise judgment, put the national interest first, and ask what will best serve the Filipino people. Because what we do in service of our people is not for ourselves. It is for the country, it is for the people. And you must always remember that there is no sacrifice too great for your people and for your country,” he said.

“It is not a lesson only for those in government. It is something that all of us must carry into our everyday lives. We must serve our fellows. We must do our part to leave the Philippines a better place than when we found it,” he continued.

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. —VAL, GMA News