An Open Letter to my Ilocano generation,

Especially to those who are younger than me: It is not a sin to be born in Ilocos Norte.

I know why you fight hard for the glory and fame of our Apong, especially now that the fire about the burial issue keeps on burning. I know because I grew up like you. Perhaps I know so well.

Through my childhood, I have heard stories, beautiful ones indeed, of how former President Ferdinand Marcos took good care of our country. I have read magazines, publications, and newspaper cutouts of how bravely he put into effect important economic reforms.

I have learned in school that under his regime, there were undeniable developments of industries that employed many Filipinos, thus providing valuable goods and trades in and for the country. I was taught and I have learned so much more.

I know you did, too. Maybe you are still learning about it today. But I am so sorry.

Most of the people rallying in EDSA maybe do not know the whole Martial Law story. But please DO NOT use the “you were not even born yet” logic against them. Please do not tell them to not use those bridges, buildings, roadworks, and offices because everything that was/is built under any government project is for the people, Marcos regime included.

We have learned, and you are learning, about how great of a leader Marcos was, but like us, the people in the metro have access to information and historical “truth”. We are taught about the “Marcos good things” and they were educated about things most likely otherwise.

It’s just that we came from Ilocos Norte that it hurts when they throw rocks at our Apong. Are we to blame if it has always been a part of our heritage? No.

Again, I’m so sorry. Sorry that I need to tell you that we hardly know of the horrors of Marcos dictatorship, too. And please do not forget that there were really people who suffered during the Martial Law years.

Maybe you are thinking that it is the mindset of most people now — that Filipinos not from the north are against us– but no.

They are against the Martial Law years. They are just expressing their disappointments against the human rights violations; against the nationwide chaos (maybe brought about by communism as we were taught); against the deaths, inhumanity, tortures, and all things bad. It’s just that it started and ended during FEM regime.

We are not to blame. They are not against us. They are not against Ilocos. And just because they are “against Marcos”, doesn’t necessarily mean they are pro- someone.

They are like us — they are for the Philippines. They also need that “nationwide healing” as much as we badly need that unity and forgiveness.

I am not telling you to stop fighting for what you believe in, though. But I am sorry because your voice may not be heard because you are not in Manila. Your struggle of fighting for the Marcoses will not be as loud as the ones in the Metro, but stand your ground. Just express what you know, say what you need to say, and do what you think is right as long as you do not hurt, much ridicule, anyone.

Have you read that Facebook post talking about a thesis topic of “How teachers in Ilocos teach students of Marcos history and shit?” Do not worry, nothing we are/were taught of are “shit”, and there is nothing near that “shit”. Ilocos teachers are amazing, yes?

Where do we go from here? Actually I don’t know. Perhaps just embrace the change.

Marcos is from Ilocos Norte and if people ostracize you for being an Ilocano (like what they are doing to me), just smile. Whatever smart-shaming you hear, just remember that it is not a sin to be born in Ilocos Norte, or in Ilocos, or in the North for the matter.

You might reach a phase when you will be too sick and tired of answering questions about the Marcoses (like me) but I hope you will not stop being brave.. for the country and its people.

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This article was also featured in When in Manila. xx