Marcos: Spirit of freedom lives on PH fight vs. challenges, oppression

MANILA – As the Philippines marks the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the true spirit of freedom can be seen in every Filipino's fight against daily challenges and oppression.

In his message for the Independence Day commemoration, Marcos lauded the admirable characteristics of every freedom-loving Filipino exemplified by the country's farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, and soldiers.

"While the times may be different our struggles remain the same. Still, we continue to witness the true spirit of freedom in every Filipino who fights fairly in their day-to-day lives," Marcos said.

"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 added.

Marcos led the nationwide commemoration in a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park Monument in Manila.

He also laid a wreath before the monument of national hero Jose Rizal and led the recitation of the Bagong Pilipinas Pledge and Hymn.

Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies also took place at the Dambanang Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite; Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Mausoleo delos Veteranos dela Revolucion in Manila North Cemetery; Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; and Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas in Angeles City, Pampanga.

He is one with the Filipinos in commemorating the proclamation of Philippine independence, the President said.

"On that glorious day in Kawit, Cavite 126 years ago, the triumphant tunes of our national anthem echoed throughout the jubilant air as our flag freely waved for the first time," Marcos said.

"It heralded the birth of the Philippines and declared to the world the untiring resolve of the Filipinos to chart their own destiny as a sovereign nation," he added.

He then commended the strong sense of nationalism of Filipinos and their resolve to be united in protecting the freedom passed on by our ancestors.

"A century and a quarter have passed since we unshackled the chains of subjugation yet the fervor of nationalism persistently burns brightly in each of us today. We stand united as ever, upholding with pride the hard-earned liberty bequeathed to us by our forebears," Marcos said.

He also urged Filipinos to be dedicated to aspiring for a "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines) where they can have a brighter future.

"As we celebrate the founding of our nation today, let us dedicate ourselves to the challenging but rewarding task of realizing the full potential of the Filipinos and building a Bagong Pilipinas – one that truly embodies the ideals of a just, progressive, and independent Republic," he said.

Marcos also called on Filipinos to protect the country's hard-earned freedom and ensure that it would remain unfazed by intimidation, conquest, and oppression.

In a video message for the 126th anniversary of the Philippine Independence, Marcos paid tribute to the gallantry of the Philippines' forefathers who fought to liberate the country from colonizers.

"Isang karangalan ang mapabilang sa lahing Pilipino na ang mga ninuno ay magiting at nakipaglaban upang maibalik ang kasarinlan at kapayapaan sa ating bansa (It is an honor to belong to the Filipino race whose brave ancestors fought to restore independence and peace to our country)," Marcos said.

"At bilang tagapagmana ng kalayaan na tinatamasa natin ngayon, tungkulin ng bawat isa sa atin na pangalagaan ito at tiyakin na hindi na tayo kailan man magpapatinag sa banta ng pananakot, pananakop at pang-aapi (And as inheritors of the freedom we enjoy today, it is the duty of each one of us to protect it and ensure that we are never again swayed by the threat of intimidation, conquest, and oppression)."

Bearing the theme, "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan", this year's event embraces the new Bagong Pilipinas tradition of commemorating the country's freedom.

Various fun activities and entertaining events are being held at the Quirino Grandstand celebrating Filipino heritage and patriotism. (PNA)