President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday took part in the Natnateng Cook-Off Showdown in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, sampling traditional Ilocano dishes as part of the 108th Marcos Day celebration.
Joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, their children, and other officials, the President enjoyed a variety of local vegetable-based recipes during the culinary event, which highlights Ilocos Norte’s rich food heritage. The showdown, held at the Imelda Cultural Center, is an annual feature of the Marcos Day festivities.
During the gathering, President Marcos also received an early birthday greeting ahead of his September 13 celebration.
Before the cook-off, the Marcos family attended a thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Batac City. The President then led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Daytoy ti Bannawag Monument in honor of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., followed by the ceremonial turnover of nearly 600 wheelchairs to Ilocos Norte’s cities and municipalities.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
