The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) broke ground for the first cultural center in Northern Luzon on July 2, in time for the 86th birthday celebration of former first lady and now Ilocos Norte 2nd district Rep. Imelda R. Marcos. In her speech during the groundbreaking, Mrs. Marcos said the cultural center project is very important as she said “Culture is nature and nature is the law of God.” “We are doing not something physical, not something material, not something intelligent but we are doing something spiritual. Because we are bringing out the soul of the Ilocanos to show to the world how beautiful, purely and great we have”, Mrs. Marcos added. She also disclosed that she is very excited and happy as the groundbreaking coincided with her 86th birthday celebration. The bigger Batac Cultural Center has long been envisioned by Mrs. Marcos to showcase the artistry and creativity of local talents here, as well as a venue for cultural exchanges both for national and international levels