By Brian Campued
“Sa bawat Pilipino, ito ang aking panawagan: Huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin, at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday joined the Filipino people in commemorating the 128th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, urging the citizenry to continue safeguarding the country’s freedom amid current challenges.
In his speech at the “Kalayaan 2026” commemoration event held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the President called on Filipinos to contribute to nation-building by drawing inspiration from the nation’s heroes, who fought not just for the country’s independence from colonizers but also to advance justice, equality, and the common good.
“Sapagkat hindi sapat na lingunin lamang natin ang nakaraan. Kailangang magsilbing pundasyon ang mga aral nito sa ating kasalukuyan at sa ating kinabukasan,” he said.
“Ang ating kasaysayan ay nagturo sa atin na sa pagkakaisa lamang makakamit ang kasarinlan, na ang tunay na mga pinuno ay yaong nagsasakripisyo ng sariling interes para sa ikabubuti ng bayan, na ang kalayaan ay dapat inaalagaan,” he added.
As the nation faces modern-day challenges, including corruption, discord, poverty, global uncertainties, and climate change, Marcos expressed his confidence that the Filipino people would remain resilient, compassionate, and continue protecting the truth from distortion.
The Chief Executive underscored the importance of deepening one’s understanding of the past in order to inspire a renewed sense of duty to the country.
He stressed that the public must always be critical of the truth, use their talents responsibly, compete fairly, and not exploit the hard work of others, and prioritize the welfare of the nation over personal interests.
“Kung mananatili tayong tapat sa mga adkihaing ito, makatitiyak tayong magmamana ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng isang bansa na mas matatag, mas makatarungan, at mas maunlad,” he said.
The celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day started at the Rizal National Monument in Luneta, where the First Family led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Dr. Jose Rizal and the nation’s heroes.
The main program continued at the Quirino Grandstand, where the President witnessed various performances and presentations, including a military parade, showcasing the myriad faces of freedom and highlighting Filipinos’ shared aspirations and responsibility to build a more united and better Philippines.
-jpv
