Hundreds of elementary pupils from this city and nearby towns of Ilocos Norte province on Monday were treated to fun activities and freebies as well as snacks as they visited each of the exhibits at the capitol grounds and inside the offices.

Some selected junior officials representing the governor, vice governor, provincial board members, department heads as well as the little mayors from the 21 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte enjoyed photo opportunities with Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc and other counterparts as they ruled the capitol for a day.

One of the highlights of the “Open Capitol” program this year was a local press conference where news reporters asked the junior officials about their duties and responsibilities, and how they can be of help to the province.

While representing the governor , Nathaniel Matteo D. Tumaneng, a Grade 6 pupil of the Shamrock Elementary School here, said he is thankful for the opportunity to participate in this year’s “Open Capitol” program to learn more about the daily activities of the provincial government.

“This is such a great honor because it gives us ideas about how our province is being administered,” said Tumaneng.

Instead of conducting the “Open Capitol” for a day, Arch Jay Rafales, who represented senior Provincial Board Member Rafael Medina, said that if possible, the program should last for a week for the students to experience “what it is like working in the provincial government.”

Other visitors likewise enjoyed fun activities with exciting rewards from the different booth exhibits.

“Open Capitol” is part of the 205th foundation anniversary of Ilocos Norte, intending to promote government transparency and to further instill public awareness of the government’s operations.

All the offices of the provincial government were enjoined to prepare their exhibits to showcase their role in serving the public.

In the agriculture department, vegetable seedlings as well as fresh produce were shared with the visitors for free.

The provincial health office, on the other hand, gave multivitamins and free facemasks while the provincial investment office showed a video presentation on the investment potential of the province. (PNA)