President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute on Thursday to his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, as she marked her 97th birthday, describing her as a witness to history, a public servant, and the heart of their family.
Marcos, who is in Canada for an official visit, posted his birthday message on social media as the former First Lady celebrated her birthday on July 2.
“Happy Birthday, Mum! Few are blessed with the gift of celebrating 97 years. Fewer still are blessed to spend them surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue to draw strength from your love and guidance,” Marcos said.
“You have lived an extraordinary life. One that has witnessed history, shaped our family and left an indelible mark on our nation…Above all that you have done and all that you have meant to so many people, you have been the heart of our family and the best Mum we could ever ask for,” he added.
The President wished his mother many more years and said he hoped she would continue to be surrounded by the family that loves her dearly.
Imelda Marcos is the wife of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and mother of President Marcos, Senator Imee Marcos, and Irene Marcos-Araneta. She is also the grandmother of Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.
She is also the aunt of former Speaker Martin Romualdez, the son of her younger brother, former Leyte governor and Ambassador Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez.
Marcos also acknowledged the former First Lady’s decades of involvement in public service, saying many people whose lives she touched continue to remember her.
Imelda served as First Lady from 1965 to 1986 during the administration of Marcos Sr. and became known for her involvement in the cultural, arts, and health sectors.
Among the institutions associated with her were the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine International Convention Center, the Philippine Heart Center, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and the East Avenue Medical Center.
She later served in the House of Representatives, representing the first district of Leyte from 1995 to 1998 and the second district of Ilocos Norte from 2010 to 2019. She also served as governor of Manila from 1975 to 1986.