LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (February 14, 2023) -- The capitol of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte opened all its offices on Tuesday (Feb. 14) -- the first time since the pandemic -- to welcome at least two thousand Ilokano student leaders, learners, and visitors here.
As one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the province’s 205th foundation anniversary, the return of the "Open Capitol" strengthens the Provincial Government’s commitment to educating the younger Ilokanos on its efforts in upholding transparency and collaboration in government and providing them with first-hand experience in governance.
Then Ilocos Norte governor, now Senator Imee R. Marcos initiated the tradition of the Open Capitol to make sure that people know in fact what goes on at the Capitol.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said the return of the open capitol is guided by two principles: transparency and collaboration.
“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,” said Manotoc.
In a news report from the Communication and Media Office (CMO) of the provincial capitol, it said that during the open capitol, young leaders acted as top provincial officials, including board members and office heads, and city and municipal mayors, who assumed their positions in a day. These young leaders were introduced during the opening program and press presentation.
Nathaniel Matteo D. Tumaneng and Khezline Anne B. Casimiro, both at the elementary level, led their fellow student leaders as Junior Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Junior Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos.
“This is such a great honor because it will give us ideas on how our province is being administered. Hence, we look forward to learning from and enjoying today’s event,” Tumaneng said.
Visitors had the chance to interact with government employees specializing in administrative works, social services, finance, economic planning, agriculture, tourism, and communications, among others, through interactive exhibits that were set up in the Capitol building and its grounds.
Also included in the “Open Capitol” is the office of Congressman Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ A. Marcos, which is adjacent to the Capitol complex.
Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office and the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Center hosted ‘The New Ilocos Norte,’ a tourism and investment forum attended by local chief executives and stakeholders across various industries which was simultaneous to the “Open Capitol.”
“We continue this tradition and we’re so glad to see all of you here joining us. It is with great joy and humility that I hereby declare our capitol, open,” Governor Manotoc said.