Marcos Jr. joins Tan-Ok fest in Ilocos Norte

MANILA, Philippines — On the eve of the 37th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution, President Marcos returned to his family’s bailiwick, Ilocos Norte, to celebrate the annual Tan-Ok ni Ilocano (The Greatness of the Ilocano) festival.

Last Thursday, Marcos declared Feb. 24 a special non-working day throughout the country “to enable Filipinos to enjoy the benefits of holiday economics.”

Today is the first EDSA anniversary commemorated under the Marcos administration.

Yesterday, the President attended the Tan-Ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals held at the Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. Stadium in Laoag City. The annual event resumed after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

“My family and I send our warmest greetings to our fellow Ilocanos as we celebrate the Tan-ok ni Ilokano!” the President said in a post on Twitter.

“We look forward to witnessing the unique history, heritage and culture of Ilocos Norte being celebrated and displayed for the world to see. Agbiag ti Ilocano!” he added.

Prior to the event, Marcos stopped by an eatery in Laoag City for lunch.

He was joined by his eldest son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

The Tan-ok ni Ilocano was launched in 2011 for the revival of “cultural pride and Ilokano identity by focusing on narrative-driven presentations produced by local creatives.”

Under Proclamation 167, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday, the President said, “The celebration of EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary may be moved from 25 February 2023 (Saturday) to 24 February 2023 (Friday), provided that the historical significance of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary is maintained.”

Sudden holiday

Militant workers yesterday denounced the government’s sudden holiday announcement for its alleged negative impact on their livelihood.

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) said that while some workers welcome the day off, others are concerned about the ill effects of hasty holiday advisories on their jobs.

“This only favors monthly-paid employees who report for work until Fridays only. For daily wage earners, no work means no pay if they don’t show up. This is especially true if they don’t have a collective bargaining agreement,” said Oliver Mondigo, president of the Temic Electronics Employees Union-FFW.

“Sudden announcements of holidays can lead to loss of income and financial hardships for these workers, especially those who do not have job security or collective bargaining agreements,” the FFW noted.

For his part, Dennis Gutierrez, president of the Interphil Laboratories Employees Union-FFW, said: “For us, if holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, additional compensation (one working day) will be given. Unlike on a weekday, the employer can opt not to schedule operation.”

Gutierrez added that sudden announcements of holidays can cause confusion among employees, especially those who sleep early and are not aware of the cancellation of work.

“This can lead to employees preparing for work as usual and traveling to the factory, only to find out that work was cancelled and they are left with no choice but to go home empty handed,” the union president said.

FFW president Sonny Matula said: “While the EDSA holiday is an important occasion for the nation, let us not hit it like a moving target. The FFW urges the government to retain dates of holidays to remind people of their meaning.”

The FFW as a national trade union, actively participated in the EDSA people power revolution in 1986.

Partido Manggagawa (PM) also hit the government’s holiday economics strategy.

“Holiday economics makes no sense to workers. How can workers go on a holiday for P570 per day? The minimum wage is not even enough for basic necessities and is less than half the living wage of P1,300 per day,” said PM secretary-general Judy Ann Miranda.

She added that even the few Filipinos who can afford to go on  holiday cannot do so because of the last-minute announcement. – Rhodina Villanueva