Every 12th of June, our country celebrates Independence Day – a commemoration of the moment in 1898 when our forefathers declared freedom from colonial rule. But more than a date in history, Independence Day is an invitation to reflect deeply. With Francis M. reminding me in the background “Kalayaan! Ito ang gusto ko!” – what does it truly mean to be “malaya” – to be free – in today’s world?
For me, “malaya” is both personal and profound. It is the freedom to love who I love, without fear or shame, in a society that still struggles to accept diversity. It is the liberty to pursue what brings me joy and fulfilment, so long as my happiness does not come at the expense of another’s rights. True freedom is not just about the absence of chains, but about the presence of dignity, respect, and opportunity.
Yet, freedom is also the right to be free from hunger, pain, and sickness. According to a report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in August 2024, 17.54 million Filipinos still live below the poverty line. In the Social Weather Stations survey conducted from March 1-20, 2025, found that 27.2% of Filipino families (about 7.1 million households) experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months—the highest rate since the pandemic. These numbers are a sobering reminder that for many, “malaya” remains an aspiration rather than a reality. How can we speak of freedom when so many are bound by poverty and want?
On a national scale, my hope is for a Philippines that stands proud and sovereign, unbowed by foreign interests or the insidious spread of propaganda. In 2024, the country ranked 132nd out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders—a sign that our democracy, though vibrant, is still vulnerable (we’ve moved up to 116 this year so yay!). A truly free nation is one where truth prevails over misinformation, where every voice is heard, and where our sovereignty is defended not only by arms but by the collective will and vigilance of its people.
These hopes are not isolated dreams—they echo the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The UN reminds us that real freedom is inseparable from social justice, equality, and the rule of law. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Our journey as a nation is to make these words a living truth for every Filipino.
As we raise our flags this Independence Day, let us remember that freedom is not a finished project, but a daily commitment. It is found in the courage to love authentically, the resolve to uplift those in need, and the determination to defend our nation’s integrity. My hope is for a Philippines where every citizen is truly “malaya”—free to dream, to thrive, and to shape a future rooted in justice and compassion.
Let us be vigilant, let us be kind, and let us never stop striving for a freedom that is both personal and collective. For in the heart of every Filipino, the spirit of “malaya” endures—undaunted, unbroken, and ever hopeful.
