Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged Filipinos to draw lessons from history and remain united in protecting the country's freedom and sovereignty amid modern-day challenges. In his speech at the commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence held at the Quirino Grandstand, Marcos said the lessons of history must also serve as the foundation of the country's present and future.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized that independence can only be secured through unity, highlighting that leadership requires sacrifice for the common good and that freedom must be continuously protected. He urged Filipinos to apply these lessons in addressing today's challenges, including corruption, poverty, global uncertainties, and climate change.
Despite these, Marcos expressed confidence in the Filipino people, citing their resilience, compassion, and ability to rise above adversity. "Time and again, we have demonstrated our ability to stand up for what is right, to care for one another, and to rise above adversity. Especially during times of calamity, we always show unity, cooperation, and compassion," he said.
Marcos called upon every Filipino to remain committed to loving, choosing, and fighting for the Philippines, encouraging them to deepen their awareness, remain discerning in their pursuit of truth, and use their abilities for good rather than harm. He stressed the importance of competing fairly and not taking advantage of the hard work of others.
The President expressed hope that by adhering to these ideals, future generations would inherit a stronger, more just, and more prosperous country. The Independence Day celebration commenced at the Rizal National Monument in the City of Manila, where the President, alongside the First Family, led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Dr. Jose Rizal and the nation's heroes.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army commemorated Independence Day with a nationwide simultaneous flag ceremony, highlighted by the raising of the Philippine flag at the Army's main headquarters in Fort Bonifacio and other camps nationwide. In Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, PA chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, represented by Army vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados, urged troops to uphold the Constitution and their sworn mandate.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of Filipino heroes whose struggle secured the country's freedom. In a video message, DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino emphasized the celebration as a reminder of the values that shaped the nation and the responsibility to help Filipinos build a better future.
Tolentino expressed hope that more Filipinos would find employment through the nationwide DOLE Trabaho Agad Job Fair held as part of the Independence Day celebration. The DOLE, in partnership with the private sector, offered more than 183,000 employment opportunities to job seekers through its nationwide job fairs across 60 sites, featuring a wide array of services and functioning as a one-stop hub for documentary processing through agencies.
