President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday highlighted his continuing campaign against illegal drugs and his promise to get rid of corruption in his message to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence.
“The patriotic fervor shown by our forefathers, we have freed ourselves from colonial subjugation and proved to the world that we stand united as the pioneer of republican democracy in Asia,” Duterte said in a statement.
In other developments:
• The Labor department on Monday said the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan job and business fairs across the country will push through today, Independence Day, despite the rainy weather.
“They will push through unless a strong typhoon will come and flooding will set in,” Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras said.
He said they were hoping for fine weather during the occasion.
“We’re praying that the rain won’t come because the purpose of this job fair is to help our countrymen find jobs,” he said.
• In time with the commemoration of Independence Day, the Children for Peace Alliance, Unity of Child Rights Advocates Against Inhumane Treatment and Neglect of Children, Save Our Schools Network and various children-focused organizations will gather in a forum, “Filipino Children Amid the Storm: A Unity Gathering of Child Rights Advocates for Justice and Peace,” to discuss the current state of children under the Duterte administration’s policies, including his deadly all-out war against illegal drugs.
The parents of slain lumad student Obello Bay-ao will also share their situation, particularly in Mindanao.
At the end of the forum, child rights advocates will sign a manifesto of unity to signify their call for justice and condemn the Duterte administration over the spate of killings and violence affecting children.
In joining the country in celebrating its independence, Duterte said “may the solidarity exhibited by ancestors fuel our desire to spur the meaningful and lasting change in our communities as we collectively battle the social ills of corruption, illegal drugs and criminality that impeded the nation's progress.”
Duterte said Filipinos should value the hardship suffered by our heroes and be inspired by their sacrifices to defend our democratic ideals now and in the years to come.
The President will lead the flag-raising at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, where the country’s independence was first declared. With PNA