Young graduates in Ilocos Norte province have expressed their willingness to build their careers in their home province, citing growing opportunities in public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, and other expanding industries.
During a recognition ceremony of government scholars who graduated with Latin honors at the Ilocos Norte Capitol auditorium, 22-year-old Reinabelle Junice Manuel, a cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education at the state-run Mariano Marcos State University, said she is open to staying in Ilocos Norte and contributing her knowledge and skills to the province’s continued growth.
“I am who I am today because of the scholarship program of the provincial government,” she said in a media interview on Wednesday.
Manuel said she is excited to explore the world, but first, she would like to share her skills and give back to her home province.
Another government scholar, Mark Laurence Agustin, also encouraged his fellow youth to be the “light and hope” of Ilocos Norte.
“To my fellow Ilokano youth, let’s dream big and fly with freedom, but let us not forget where we came from. The true meaning of success is not just about ourselves but for every person we were able to uplift,” he said.
The graduates’ positive response came after Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc encouraged them to consider building their future in the province.
The top provincial officials noted that Ilocos Norte needs skilled and committed young professionals to help drive innovation, strengthen public services, and support economic development.
The provincial government continues to expand scholarship opportunities and youth development programs to prepare students for the workforce and encourage them to contribute to the province after graduation.
Both officials shared that retaining local talent is an important part of sustaining long-term growth and ensuring that investments in education benefit Ilocos Norte’s communities. (PNA)
