Ilocos Sur Hymn Now a Requirement

In the province of Ilocos Sur, all schools and government establishments are now required to sing the Ilocos Sur Hymn every time there is a flag ceremony or special occasion. Provincial radio and TV stations are also mandated to play the hymn in their sign on and off programs after airing the Philippine national anthem.

Provincial Board member Christian Purisima’s resolution on the  almost-forgotten hymn dated 14 September was approved by the provincial legislature. In a similar move, Vice Gov. DV Savellano’s proposal that every government applicant must know how to sing the hymn as a requirement for a possible job was also thumbed up by the same law-making body.  It sounds weird if not funny that one has to sing the hymn during a job interview.  I hope that the resolution has a provision exempting the deaf-mute in singing and that a sign language rendition suffices as equivalent.

(I don't understand about the requirement issue since a resolution remains as a resolution and not a law.)

The hymn’s lyrics was written by Ms. Natividad Buenavista, former provincial English supervisor and put into notes by then provincial Music supervisor Mr. Anselmo Pelayre, a musician-composer from San Vicente, Ilocos Sur.  It was sung daily during flag ceremonies in the elementary schools starting in the mid-60s when the province was struggling to make over its reputation.

I believe that provincial officials should further mine other noble means to motivate citizens to love the province if the purpose  of the resolutions is to instill pride among Ilocos Surians. One of these I believe is the re-introduction of the Ilocano language. It is felt that Ilocano is slowly dying in Ilocos Sur; right in the heart of Vigan City because of the preferred Tagalog among the younger generation.  Officials, to be credible in infusing provincial patriotism should also educate their constituents the evil of electoral terrorism, vote-buying, electoral fraud, illegal gambling, graft and corruption, smuggling, political dynasty, warlordism and Mafia-style business transactions  --- issues that are all in consonant with  the administration's goal to eradicate for a believable and trusted government.

I attach the hymn quoting strictly from my faded memory and therefore, it is not official.  I stand corrected on where I falter.  It is in a marching tempo at 4/4 or 2/2 time signatures.

ILOCOS SUR HYMN

Where the brave heroes fought for freedom

And her men and women bring her fame

That’s the province we cherish forever

Whose glory we will treasure and proclaim

There is peace o’ver the hills and the valleys

There is joy amidst the verdant plains

That’s the place we call our own

Ilocos Sur beloved home

Ever ours wherever we may roam

Ilocos Sur the land of the free

Home of men strong in faith and unity

With a people courageous bright and fair

Dedicated to strive with toil and care

Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur

With your guide and light we will never fail 

(Repeat)

Additional reading material from the same author:

http://sapientiaaedificat.blogspot.com/2010/10/ilocos-sur-hymn-will-it-help.html

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Note: If you want to share the lyrics, you can do so.  I will be more than happy  and appreciative if you cite my blog as the source.   I want to put the hymn into the composition of Mr. Pelayre but I am illiterate in notes.  

I believe that a copy of the hymn and its notes are available at:

                               Pudoc Community School

                               Pudoc, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur 2726

                                                              and/or

                               San Vicente Central School

                               San Vicente, Ilocos Sur 2726

                                          
Thanks a lot.   -COR INVICTUS