By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipinos to show the world the country’s might through their patriotism and unity in defending Philippine territory.
“Ang ating mga ninuno ay hindi umurong sa digmaan, kaya’t tayo ay hindi rin tatalikod sa tungkuling ipagtanggol ang ating nasasakupan,” Marcos said as the country marked 126 years of independence.
Speaking at the culmination event of the week-long celebration of the country’s liberation from Spanish colonial oppression, Marcos said the observance is more than just a commemoration of the birth of the Philippine Republic but a strong affirmation of the commitment to continue defending what the forefathers fought for.
“Ipakita natin sa buong daigdig na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay hindi nasusukat sa lakas o yaman, kung hindi sa tunay na kahulugan at katuwiran ng ating ipinaglalaban, sa alab ng pag-ibig sa bayan, at sa di-matatawarang pagkakaisa ng ating mga mamamayan,” he said.
“Mananatili tayong matatag at hindi tayo matitinag,” he added.
With this, the President said the Philippines would not just look back on the past but also live on with its lessons to build a better and freer future.
The Chief Executive called on Filipinos to continue being proud of their race.
“Lagi lamang po nating tandaan: Ang kasaysayan ang siyang susi natin tungo sa wagas at tunay na kalayaan, at sa kinabukasang puno ng pag-asa, kaliwanagan, at kasaganahan,” he said.
The President made the pronouncement in the face of rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, heightened by China’s continued aggression.
‘Commitment to defend PH enduring’
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año reaffirmed the government’s commitment in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security “despite the complexities and uncertainties of today’s world”.
Año, likewise, maintained that defending our sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea remains a paramount priority.
“We stand firm in upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award and adhere to a rules-based international order to ensure our maritime entitlements are respected. The quest for peace and security remains at the forefront of our national agenda. We work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of every Filipino, countering both internal and external threats to uphold our nation’s sovereignty and freedoms,” he added. (With reports from Priam F. Nepomuceno)