MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to ensure a “truly independent” Philippines as the nation celebrated its 121st Independence Day.
In a statement on Wednesday, Duterte said the country’s proclamation of independence was the most significant event in Philippine history and it should not be wasted.
“A hundred and twenty-one years have passed since our forefathers bound their fates, their lives and their fortunes to proclaim the independence of the Filipino people,” Duterte said.
He added: “It was the most significant event in our country’s history. 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.”
The President reminded Filipinos that the freedom the Philippines has achieved was not without cost as it was nourished by the sweat and blood of our patriots, heroes and martyrs.
“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,” he said.
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, called on the public to champion equal opportunities for all Filipinos and draw inspiration from forebears who fought for the country’s freedom from colonizers.
“Hanggang sa araw na ito, nakaatang ang responsibilidad na ito sa bawat isa sa atin. Ito ang pinaglaban ng mga nauna sa atin, at ito na rin ang tungkuling iniiwan sa atin upang gampanan: ang masigurong nabubuhay tayo sa isang Pilipinas kung saan umaangat ang bawat isang mamamayan,” Robredo said.
She added: “Bilang mga lingkod bayan, nasa ating pananagutan ang pangarap na ito para sa bawat Pilipino: na lahat ay kabahagi at walang maiiwan. Na lahat ay may pantay-pantay na oportunidad sa pag-unlad.
Robredo led the 121st Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park in Manila, alongside Manila City’s outgoing mayor and former president Joseph Estrada./PN
