Ilocanos give Sen. Marcos a rousing welcome as he kicks off his vice presidential bid in hometown

The people of Ilocos Norte gave their favorite, son Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. a rousing welcome as he kicked off his vice presidential campaign in his home province accompanied by his presidential running mate, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Thousands of people from all walks of life--women, elderly, laborers, shop owners, and children--lined up the streets eager to catch a glimpse of him or shake his hand as his motorcade slowly traversed the road from Laoag airport to the provincial capitol.

Marcos, accompanied by his elder sister and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, rode in a white SUV with an open roof deck that allowed him stand and wave back and acknowledge the cheers of the people. Occasionally, Gov. Imee would join his brother in waving back to the people.

Oftentimes the senator's convoy is greeted by cheers of "Marcos, Marcos pa rin".

"Thank you very much for the usual warm and passionate expression of support," said Marcos at the huge crowd that awaited his welcome, filling much of the capitol rotunda.

Marcos said he returned to Ilocos Norte to seek their support of the Ilocanos for his vice presidential bid in the 2016 elections.

"At bilang isang Marcos kami ay laging nagsisimula dito sa Ilocos Norte para hingin ang inyong blessing. Maraming salamat sa ibinigay ninyong blessing," said Marcos.

Marcos said he is encouraged by the expressions of support of people from the Solid North for his candidacy and his message of unity for the entire country.

After the brief stop at the provincial capitol, Marcos proceeded to his hometown of Batac where he attended mass and joined with Santiago to formally launch their campaign.