By Azer Parrocha/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called on Filipinos to ensure that the dream of “a truly independent Philippines” is achieved within their lifetime.
In his Independent Day message, Duterte acknowledged how 121 years have passed since the country’s ancestors ended colonization and proclaimed its independence.
“A hundred and twenty-one years passed since our forefathers bound their fates, their lives and their fortunes to proclaim the independence of the Filipino people,” Duterte said.
“Not only did we put an end to more than three centuries of subservience but we also resolved to determine the course of our own destiny as a nation,” he added.
Duterte described the country’s proclamation of independence as the “most significant event” in Philippine history, but noted that our ancestors had to pay a price before it was realized.
“But the freedom we achieved back then was not without a cost. The tree of liberty blossomed on these lands because it was nourished by the sweat and blood of our patriots, heroes, and martyrs,” Duterte said.
The President, meanwhile, enjoined Filipinos to make the most out of our ancestors’ sacrifices by ensuring a “truly independent Philippines” within this lifetime.
“Let us commit ourselves to ensure that their sacrifices have not been in vain and that their dream of a truly independent Philippines–whose people live freely in a secure, stable, and prosperous society–will be achieved within our lifetimes,” Duterte said.
“I am one with the Filipino people in commemorating the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. May we have a solemn and meaningful observance,” he added.
Duterte is scheduled to lead the Independence Day rites in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
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