By Christine Cudis/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Supreme Court Chief Justice Luis Bersamin on Wednesday called on Filipinos to practice “tapang at malasakit” (bravery and concern) as the country fights a different battle.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo ngayon sa mga bayani na hindi nagdalawang isip na isakripisyo ang sariling buhay para sa maging malaya ang kapwa Pilipino (Today, we show gratitude to our heroes who did not think twice and sacrificed their own lives so that our fellowmen would be free),” he said in his speech at the Independence Day rites in Caloocan City.
Bersamin said the people who died for the country’s freedom want the present generation to embody the same mindset.
“Naniniwala ako na yan ang nais ipamulat ng ating mga bayani sa atin ngayon. Tapang at malasakit. Tapang para sa bayan at malasakit para sa mamamayan (I believe that our heroes want us to do the same. Have courage and compassion. Courage for the nation and concern for the countrymen),” he added.
Bersamin also encouraged the Filipinos not to depend on other nations’ help in solving the nation’s problems.
“Huwag natin ugaliing umasa sa mga dayuhan sa paglutas sa ating mga hamon at mga pagsubok. Huwag natin waldasin ang pagkakataon ng pag-unlad dahil lamang sa mga hindi pagkakaunawaan sa pulitika at pamamahala (Let us not get used to relying on foreigners to solve our challenges and trials. Let us not waste the opportunity to progress because of misunderstanding over politics and governance),” he added.
“Kung may tumulong na iba, welcome basta walang kondisyon (If others would lend a hand, it is welcome but if there’s no condition),” he said, noting that absolute independence from other countries is impossible.
The Independence Day celebration in Caloocan at the Andres Bonifacio monument was also attended by city officials, led by Mayor Oscar Malapitan.
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