Warns of ‘new oppressors’ as PH marks 125th Independence Day
Faced with “new oppressors,” the country must declare its freedom boldly, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday as the nation marked its 125th Independence Day celebration.
“With new oppressors and challenges, our people remained defiant — affirming that it is in our core to defend what is ours. And with all that this occasion symbolizes and entails, we understand better now that liberty will not flourish on its own: freedom will not materialize unless it is declared boldly, believed sincerely, and demonstrated passionately,” the President said in his Independence Day message.
Marking the anniversary at the Quirino Grandstand, Mr. Marcos said he was honored to stand as the country’s representative to commemorate the heroism of the Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s independence.
“The heroes of our liberation would be proud to know that we have thrown off the ‘ominous yoke of domination’; never again to be subservient to any external force that directs or determines our destiny.” President Marcos said.
He also urged the Filipino people to pause and reflect on how far the Philippines had come “from that transformative event” in Philippine history.
“I appeal for unity and solidarity in our efforts to perfect our hard-fought freedom, and achieve genuine national progress. Heeding this call will indispensably require patriotism and a strong sense of community, diligence, industry, and responsibility from all our citizens,” Marcos said.
The President recognized the “immeasurable courage and loss” of valiant Filipino heroes during the darkest times of their lifetime.
“Now, in the age where battles remain but occur in places the eyes cannot see, it is more necessary to take to heart the immeasurable courage and loss that came out of our heroes,” Marcos said.
“I challenge each of us: On the 125th year since the declaration of our freedom, let us assert our liberty day by day. In everything we do, let us pursue excellence and integrity with the knowledge that we are living out the visions our predecessors held on to and the comfort they toiled for,” the President said.
“As we look towards a bright future, I urge all of us to take ownership of the fight that gave birth to the independence of our noble and indomitable republic,” he added.
Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies were held in Rizal Park, Cavite, Bulacan, San Juan, Caloocan, Angeles City, Cebu City and Davao City, according to a calendar of activities released by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
A grand civic and military parade was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police followed by various local government units and private volunteer groups. This was the first time in 18 years that a military and civic parade was staged during the Independence Day celebration.
President Marcos received a set of commemorative stamps for Independence Day from the Philippine Postal Corp.
The commemorative stamp shows the sewing of the Philippine flag by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herbosa Natividad in Hong Kong.
Another stamp features the raising of the Philippine flag in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
VP Duterte-Carpio: Youth must ‘break free’
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday called on the nation to support the education sector to help the youth “break free” from the risks posed by armed struggle.
In her Independence Day message, Duterte, who also sits as Education secretary, said the painstaking years of martyrdom are an inspiration to continue pushing for inclusive development that will remove Filipinos from poverty, insurgency, drug addiction, and other threats to national security.
“Let us rally behind our education sector to enable our children and youth to break free from the dangers of armed struggle so that they can realize their full potential and serve as agents of positive change in society,” she said.
Supreme Court: Protecting freedom
Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo on Monday urged Filipinos to continue to protect and enrich the country’s freedom that had been fought for by our heroes in the past.
“As Filipinos, we have the responsibility to protect and enrich the freedom we inherit. All of us are called to endeavor to carry out the dreams of those who supported our desire to be free,” said Gesmundo, who was guest of honor and speaker at the grounds of the historic Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan.
The Chief Justice also said that everyone has a subsequent duty that must be borne along with the rights and freedom they enjoy.
Senate: Pressing issues
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri assured that the upper chamber will uphold and watch out for the freedom of the country and of every Filipino, particularly the freedom to become a full-fledged and peaceful democracy and the freedom from hunger and poverty.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said Filipinos must address the pressing issues that affect the country’s sovereignty and regional stability.
“As a nation, we have always valued diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as the means to address conflicts,” said Hontiveros. “We must stand together, transcending political differences, to protect our territorial integrity and safeguard our national interests.”
DND: Keeping the country safe
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday said it remains committed to ensuring the Philippines remains safe, peaceful, united, and progressive for all of its citizens.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also expressed hope that Filipinos would continue to be worthy of the heroes’ legacies and responsible stewards of the next generation’s birthright.
“Amid current and emerging challenges, we will continue to strive for the protection and betterment of our Motherland,” the DND chief said in his Independence Day message.
Remulla: Keep fighting for freedom
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla urged all Filipinos to continuously keep and fight for freedom.
“On this day, we celebrate the spirit of independence and freedom and to pay tribute to our heroes who sacrificed sweat and blood for our future,” Remulla said, in a Facebook post.
“In every opportunity, we should always show love for our country, honor the principles that our ancestors fought for, and help push peace, justice, and progress in our nation,” the Justice secretary added.