PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday said the celebration of Independence Day is a strong affirmation of our nationhood and the collective duty of the Filipinos to safeguard, protect and defend the country, especially against those “who will try to cross these lines.”
The President, leading the celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence, said the fight for freedom continues to this day, not against colonial oppression but against modern-day threats and everyday challenges.
“Today’s reception is more than just a commemoration of the birth of the Philippine Republic — the first in Asia — but a strong affirmation of our century-old nationhood, and of our collective duty as Filipinos to safeguard what our forefathers have fought and died for so that we may carry on our sacrosanct mandate to protect our country and to defend everything that is rightfully ours from those who will try to cross these lines,” he said.
Marcos, in his toast during the traditional Independence Day Vin d’Honneur in Malacanang, urged Filipinos to draw strength from the heroism of their forefathers, “and let this heritage of selflessness propel us forward into the future.”
The President said there had been many occasions when the Filipinos faced great trials which only “strengthened our resolve and unified our people because as I have said, Filipinos do not yield.”
In another speech at the “Kalayaan Parade” at the Quirino Grandstand, the President paid tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives and fought for the country’s freedom and independence.
Marcos said Filipinos should draw inspiration from those who never cowered from any fight.
“Ang ating mga ninuno ay hindi umurong sa digmaan, kaya’t tayo ay hindi rin tatalikod sa tungkuling ipagtanggol ang ating nasasakupan. (Our ancestors did not turn their backs from war, so we should never turn our backs from or duty to defend our territory),” he said.
“Ipapakita natin sa buong daigdig na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay hindi nasusukat sa lakas o sa 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 (Let us show the world that true power is not measured by might or wealth, but by the truth and righteousness of what we are fighting for, love for country, and the unity of the people),” he added.
FOREIGN POLICY
Marcos, in the past months, had repeated on several occasions and fora that the Philippines would not give an inch or even a millimeter of its territory following the growing tensions in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea.
He had also said the military should be prepared for any eventualities amid the shift from defending the country against internal threats to external threats.
The President reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to an independent foreign policy as he reiterated that the country seeks to strengthen existing alliances and build new partnerships with like-minded nations.
Marcos said the Philippines’ foreign policy is grounded on the continuing promotion and work for peace and the country’s national interest.
“On the global stage, we have taken positions in support of the rule of law and of the rules-based international order, grounded on the principles laid out in the UN Charter and multilateral conventions,” he said.
“As we continue to promote diplomacy and dialogue in our efforts to build bridges in our various multilateral advocacies – such as for peace, economic development, climate change, amongst others — we shall endeavor to enhance engagements with bilateral, regional, and multilateral partners, especially in areas where cooperation has not yet reached its full potential,” he added.
The President also expressed optimism that under the administration’s brand of “Bagong Pilipinas,” the country is able to develop deeper ties with other members of the international community.
EVERYDAY HEROES
In another Independence Day speech, the President recognized the contributions and sacrifices of everyday heroes such as teachers, farmers, fishermen and soldiers, among others.
Marcos said the true spirit of freedom can be seen in every Filipino who fights squarely every day and overcomes challenges through diligence, courage and strength.
“We see it in the resilience of our farmers and fisherfolks as they provide us sustenance.
We see it in the dedication of our teachers as they nurture the minds of the future generation. We see it in the tenacity of our soldiers as they protect every inch of our territory, adamant as they are in the certainty that Filipinos do not, and shall never, succumb to oppression,” he said.
He commended the strong sense of nationalism of Filipinos and their resolve to be united in protecting the freedom passed on to them by their ancestors.
He also challenged them to realize their full potential and support the building of Bagong Pilipinas, which he said “truly embodies the ideals of a just, progressive, and independent Republic.”
The President, in his speech during the “Kalayaan Parade” at the Quirino Grandstand, also called on Filipinos to continue fighting for the freedoms they enjoy, and to continue supporting and promoting their Filipino heritage.
“Sa bawat hakbang, sa bawat pagpupunyagi, ipagpatuloy natin ang laban para sa kalayaan – kalayaan mula sa kahirapan, kagutuman, kawalan ng katarungan, at iba pang mga balakid sa ating pag-unlad (for each step, for ach effort, let us continue the fight for freedom — freedom from poverty, hunger, injustice, and other obstacles to our progress),” he said.
Marcos also urged the young not to forget the countries’ heroes and their sacrifices, saying it is sad that some of the younger generations are no longer familiar with Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s independence, especially from foreign invaders such as the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese.
“Nakalimot na sila sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ng ating bansa upang magkaroon ng kasarinlan. Ang kalayaan ay inaalagaan, binabantayan at ipinapaglaban. Sa sandaling mapabayaan natin ito, maaari itong mawala at maagaw muli sa atin (They have forgotten what the country went through to earn its independence. Freedom should be nurtured, protected and fought for. The moment we neglect it, it could disappear and be taken away from us),” he said.
He said the commemoration of Independence Day serves not just as a reminder of what true sacrifices, patriotism, hope and freedom mean, but also challenges the people to continue fighting for independence and promoting freedom.
‘REMEMBERING ADVERSITIES’
Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been silent on China’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea, said the country, aside from celebrating its liberation yesterday, was also placing emphasis “on the importance of remembering the adversities we have overcome and the ideals we fight for.”
“The freedom we experience in the present is the result of the unyielding resolve of our ancestors to reclaim our right to govern ourselves as a sovereign nation, pursue the aspirations of our people, and manage our own economic resources,” she said in a speech in Davao City.
While the nation pays tribute to its forefathers’ countless sacrifices and reflects on its past, the Vice President said: “We must also look toward the future as our independence is not just a historical milestone but an unceasing journey.”
“It is our duty and moral responsibility to maintain this freedom by learning from our past mistakes and tackling the current issues that obstruct our growth as a nation,” she said.
Duterte, also the concurrent education secretary, encouraged the people, especially the youth, “to uphold the values of patriotism and democracy as you hold the key to the future.
“As you go out into the world, make wise decisions that not only benefit you but also contribute to the greater good. Always be reminded that the consequences of your actions and choices can shape the future. May you be the driving force for positive change in the country that truly embodies the spirit of independence,” she said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez reminded Filipinos that freedom and independence “carries with it the responsibility to fight for a just society.”
He made the statement during the 126th Independence Day rites at the historic Barasoain Church, in Malolos, Bulacan where the first democratic republic in Asia was born.
“Today, we don’t only commemorate their heroism but we’re also accepting the challenges they’ve left us,” he said.
“Freedom is not only a privilege but a responsibility. We, as Filipinos of the modern time, have the duty to continue our fight for freedom, not only from conquerors but from poverty, corruption and injustice,” Romualdez added.
BIG REMINDER
Senate President Francis Escudero said this year’s Independence Day theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom, Future, and History) should serve as a reminder to Filipinos that the past plays a vital role in shaping the country’s future.
“The freedom we now enjoy is the fruit of the sacrifices and heroism of our heroes. May this serve as an inspiration for us to continue striving for a better future,” Escudero said in his Independence Day message.
He said the Filipino people should bear in mind the true meaning of freedom as the nation commemorated the 126th Independence Day yesterday.
Senate president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada said we should show the world that Filipinos are united and determined to defend the country’s rights, natural resources, and territories.
“Concern for one another is our strongest weapon against the foreign powers who want to invade our territory and weaken our sovereignty. The true meaning of freedom is to be always prepared to fight for it each time we are challenged,” he said.
Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros called on Filipinos to stand firm in protecting the country’s interests amid the continued incursion of China into our territories.
“…Our freedom is being tested. China continues intruding into the West Philippine Sea. She continuously harasses our fishermen, Coast Guard, and Navy. Our Coast Gard and navy risk their lives each time they sail our own seas,” Hontiveros said.
She said the people must continue to assert their rights in Philippine territories claimed by China and encouraged them to fend off attempts by foreigners to grab what rightfully belongs to Filipinos.
Hontiveros said being truly free is not only in the absence of invaders but also in being truly free from the bondage of poverty and other problems besetting the people.
She said that people should enjoy equal protection regardless of their social status.
Sen. Grace Poe said the country’s independence “has never been challenged the way it is being tested now” as China continues its aggression in the WPS.
“With aggressions in our seas, illegal POGOs creeping into the economy and perhaps, politics; and the nonchalance of some wrongdoings, injustice, and indigence. We have systems of government, laws, and the Constitution in place for a functioning democracy.
But we need the resolve, efficiency, and courage to do things right,” Poe said.
She said that people should always be prepared to “protect and defend” the independence the Filipino people enjoy, saying: “There can be no true progress if we yield our rights and dignity as a nation.”
Sen. Imee Marcos said while the nation commemorates its 126th Independence Day, Filipinos are not truly free from the bondage of poverty, hunger, rising prices of commodities, and other social ills.
She said the government should not forget that the people are suffering from “economic freedom” and reminded the administration to not just focus on “political freedom.”
“We all know that if people are hungry, we have not yet achieved total freedom. So, let us continue to fight for absolute freedom,” Marcos said in an interview on the sidelines of the 18th Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
She said the Philippines is not the only country in the world whose people experience hunger brought about by the high prices of commodities.
She added that Filipinos are also not totally free from violence, oppression, and harassment, among others.
Sen. Joel Villanueva said Filipinos should emulate their forefathers in defending the country’s rights amid the aggression of China in the WPS.
Despite China’s bullying, he said it is good that Filipinos remain united to defend what is rightfully theirs.
“Every one of us is the kind of hero our country needs today,” he added.
Sen. Robin Padilla said that while the country is free from foreign conquerors, it is still not free from poverty.
He said that “action and discipline” are keys to achieving freedom from poverty since freedom is earned, not given.
“Nothing is free in this world. We must fight for freedom. If you do not have a love for the country in your heart, you would not do it,” Padilla said.
GOVT COMMITMENT
National Security Adviser and National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea chairman Eduardo Año reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security.
“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,” said Año.
The 2016 Permanent Court Arbitration has invalidated China’s excessive claims in South China. The ruling also recognized the Philippines’ rights to its 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone.
“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,” said Año.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. vowed the military will remain committed to serving the Filipino people.
“As one sovereign nation, established by the steadfast perseverance of our predecessors, we shall remain resolute in upholding our pledge to public service, loyalty, and solidarity for the country, our people, and the flag,” said Brawner.
“Alongside patriotism, unity is our strength as we remain committed to building ‘One Strong Philippines’ for generations to come,” said Brawner.
SACRIFICES NEEDED
Freedom is earned and sacrifices have to be made to achieve and maintain it.
This was the message stressed by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo when he led the 126th Philippine Independence Day rites at the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City.
Gesmundo said this is the most important lesson that one can learn from the heroes of Pinaglabanan.
“On this occasion, we commemorate our independence, future and history. And I think one of the most important lessons that the heroes of Pinaglabanan imparted to us is that freedom is earned. We need to sacrifice, if need be,” he said.
“We are called to take part in this. No matter what our status in life, we all have something to contribute to earn and protect our independence,” he added.
He reminded the audience composed of local officials led by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora that the heroes of Pinaglabanan were ordinary citizens and not soldiers trained in the art of war, yet responded and made sacrifices in the fight for independence against the Spaniards.
“The heroes of Pinaglabanan are ordinary Filipinos, some of them are just farmers, who had no training in the use of weapons or the art of war. Yet they responded to the call of the Motherland,” he said.
The 1896 battle of Pinaglabanan was part of the campaign by the Katipuneros under Andres Bonifacio to seize the El Deposito, an underground reservoir supplying water to Intramuros, the seat of the Spanish colonial government, and a gunpowder depot. They seized the gunpowder depot but failed to reach the water reservoir and lost the battle.
While the campaign failed, it ushered a series of events that led to the country’s declaration of independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
Building on the challenges faced by the revolutionaries who lost the battle at Pinaglabanan, Gesmundo said the path toward freedom is never straight and that failures are just as important as successes in the overall lens of history.
Gesmundo also said the Supreme Court is doing its part toward upholding the spirit of Pinaglabanan, particularly through the implementation of the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, or the SPIJ.
He pointed out that much has been achieved, even as he called on everyone to support the Court’s ongoing judicial reforms.
Joining Gesmundo in the event were SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting, San Juan City Vice Mayor Jose Angelo Agcaoili, National Capital Region Police Office Eastern Police District Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, National Historical Commission Philippines Chief Restoration Architect Reynaldo Lita, San Juan City judges, prosecutors, councilors, and department heads.
JOB FAIR
Twelve applicants in Marikina’s Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fair were hired on the spot in the first two hours, with the first five of them given P2,000 each as support funds for their work requirements.
First District Rep. Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro announced this during the Job Fair at SM Marikina in celebration of the Philippines’ 126th Independence Day.
Teodoro said she understands the predicament of new hires who need A startup allowance for their job requirements as they start a new life as productive members of society.
Marikina’s Independence Day Job Fair featured a diverse range of companies, including Business Process Outsourcing firms, banks, hotels, transportation companies, food chains, grocery chains, telecommunications companies, construction firms, health facilities, recruitment agencies, and more. — With Wendell Vigilia, Raymond Africa, Ashzel Hachero, Victor Reyes and Christian Oineza
