Batac city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday paid tribute to his father, the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., during the commemoration of his 109th birth anniversary. He referred to his father as a 'great man' whose lessons and principles continue to guide him in his role in public service.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the event in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, President Marcos Jr. shared how his father instilled in him the importance of public service, leadership, and sacrifice. He recalled his father's lesson to never take the easy route and to always do what is right, no matter the difficulty.

Marcos Jr. highlighted that his father's approach to imparting life lessons was through example and leadership. He noted that their everyday interactions and shared time were opportunities for his father to prepare him for life. Despite not specifically training him to be a prominent public figure or to reach the country's highest political office, his father emphasized the significance of public service and the sacrifices it entails.

The President stated that a key lesson from Marcos Sr. was that public service should always prioritize the country and its citizens. He explained that this principle guided his father from his time as a soldier to his years in public office, culminating in his presidency.

Marcos Jr. affirmed that these principles continue to guide him in his presidential duties. He stressed the importance of judgment in decision-making, prioritizing national interest, and serving the Filipino people. He underscored that public service should always focus on the country and its people, emphasizing that actions taken in service are not for personal gain but for the nation and its citizens.

During the event, President Marcos Jr. placed a wreath at his father's monument and led a series of activities to commemorate the elder Marcos's birth anniversary.