PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his Independence Day message, urged Filipinos to contribute to the building of a Philippines that honors the country’s freedom and the sacrifices of its national heroes.
The President, in leading the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence today (Thursday), recalled the “long, arduous, and costly” sacrifices made by selfless Filipinos that led to the declaration of the country’s freedom in Kawi, Cavite in 1898.
Marcos said Filipinos today enjoy their rights and privileges because of the Filipino heroes who had fought for them in the past.
“The freedom our forebears fought for has inspired generations to offer themselves to causes that would advance the welfare of society and humanity. This precious gift has also encouraged countless individuals to dedicate their diligence and devotion to their respective fields for the glory of our great nation,” he said.
“In the spirit of patriotism, let us honor our priceless freedom by building a country worthy of the sacrifices made by our heroes. May you endeavor to enhance your abilities and character to give more to our nation. Through our collective efforts, we will forge the path of progress, stability, and prosperity for our present and future generations,” he added.
The President said Filipinos must also value their heritage by striving for excellence in preserving their rights and freedoms and ensuring it is used solely for the improvement and protection of the citizenry.
“So, let us continue to bear the vigor of our ancestors as we defend our nation against those who seek to diminish the strength of our people,” Marcos added.
As part of the celebration, the President will lead the simultaneous wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremony together with National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. They will attend the event at Rizal Park in Manila.
The simultaneous flag-raising at wreath-laying ceremonies will be held at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite; Barasoain Church in Bulacan; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery, Andres Bonifacio National Monument (Monumento) in Caloocan, and the Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City in Pampanga.
Different local government units and embassies of the Philippines will also hold their own flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies.
The President will also attend the Independence Day Parade at Quirino Grandstand, which would feature different historical events of the country and performances from different regions; and host the Independence Day Vin d’Honeur in Malacanang, which would be attended by diplomats and envoys from various countries along with the Philippines’ top leaders.
The NHCP will also host the “Musikal III: Ang Tanghalan at Ang Kalayaan” play at the Metropolitan Theater in the evening.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged the Filipino people to unite and safeguard the country’s independence, noting the continuing challenges to national sovereignty.
In a message ahead of the country’s celebration of its 127th Independence Day, Teodoro said peace is not free and is something that is attained through concerted efforts.
“I urge all our compatriots to reflect on the fact that sovereignty and peace are conditions that must be proactively maintained and require collective and sustained efforts,” said Teodoro.
“Peace, to paraphrase others, is not a free dividend, especially in a world that is both increasingly volatile and interconnected,” said Teodoro.
He noted the challenges to the country’s sovereignty, without mentioning China, which has become aggressive in its claims over Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea over the past years.
The Chinese have subjected Philippine government vessels and even Filipino fishing boats to harassment, including ramming, water cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, and laser pointing.
“Challenges to our sovereignty will always be present; no archipelagic or even continental country is spared,” said Teodoro.
Teodoro said the “main goals” of the Marcos administration are to strengthen resilience, enhance connectivity, and “ensure that the dividends of these efforts are cascaded, so that our government is both felt and heard.”
“Every day we allow our defenses to lag, we exponentially lose ground in the struggle to be truly free and progressive,” he said.
Teodoro said this is the time for “genuine unity,” adding that Filipinos, regardless of circumstance, must contribute the unique gifts that God has given each one of us to a concerted effort to uphold our flag within our own country and to remember it wherever we may be.
“In this way, we fulfill our sacred duty to be stewards of our homeland for generations to come,” the defense chief added.
JOB FAIRS
Almost 4,000 overseas employment opportunities are set to be offered as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) holds an overseas jobs fair today, Thursday, at the Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Quezon City.
In a social media post, the DMW announced the holding of a “Mega Overseas Job Fair” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.
“As part of the celebration of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, the DMW will be holding a Mega Overseas Job Fair on June 12,” said the DMW.
“Around 3,700 land-based and sea-based job vacancies abroad are waiting for job seekers,” it added.
Interested applicants are advised to pre-register online for the overseas jobs fair via https://jobfairportal.dmw.gov.ph.
The Department said applicants are required to bring their passports, resume, copy of diplomas, and relevant TESDA certificates.
During the overseas jobs fair, the DMW said pre-registered applicants shall be given priority in the venue.
“Walk-in applicants will only be allowed inside the job fair area after the pre-registered applicants have applied,” said the DMW.
It also said that all applicants shall be given 20 minutes to apply and submit their resumes/curriculum vitae inside the venue.
The DMW said job applicants may also drop their resumes in the drop boxes provided by the DMW in the job fair area.
Marikina City will also hold a job fair today at SM Marikina from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 46 firms based in the city offering jobs. –– With Victor Reyes, Gerard Naval, and Christian Oineza
Interested parties should be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate.
PAY RULES
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded private sector employers of the pay rules that shall be in effect today, a declared regular holiday.
In a social media post, the DOLE said the correct wages should be strictly observed for those going to work on June 12.
“Please be guided accordingly in making the correct payment of wages for the 12th of June (Araw ng Kalayaan) holiday,” said DOLE.
Under Labor Advisory No. 08-2025, if the employee does not work, the employer shall pay 100 percent of the employee’s wage for that day.
This is provided that the employee reports to work or is on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the regular holiday.
For work done during the regular holiday, the employer shall pay a total of 200 percent of the employee’s wage for that day for the first eight hours, and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day for overtime work.
As for work done during a regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the basic wage of 200 percent, and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day for overtime work. – With Victor Reyes, Gerard Naval and Christian Oineza
