June 12, 2024 - Today, the Philippines commemorates the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, a significant day that marked the birth of the nation and its sovereignty. The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., delivered a heartfelt message to the Filipino people from Malacañan Palace in Manila.
On this day in 1898, in Kawit, Cavite, the triumphant tunes of the national anthem echoed throughout the jubilant air as the Philippine flag freely waved for the first time. This event heralded the birth of the Philippines and declared to the world the untiring resolve of the Filipino people to chart their own destiny as a sovereign nation.
A century and a quarter has passed since the Philippines unshackled the chains of subjugation, yet the fervor of nationalism persistently burns brightly in each Filipino today. The nation stands united as ever, upholding with pride the hard-earned liberty bequeathed to them by their forebears.
While the times may have changed, the struggles remain the same. The true spirit of freedom is witnessed in every Filipino who fights fairly in their day-to-day lives. This spirit is seen in the resilience of the farmers and fisherfolks who provide sustenance, in the dedication of the teachers who nurture the minds of the future generation, and in the tenacity of the soldiers who protect every inch of the territory, adamant in their certainty that Filipinos do not, and shall never, succumb to oppression.
As the nation celebrates the founding of the country today, the President urged everyone to dedicate themselves 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.
The President ended his message with a celebratory greeting, “Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan at mabuhay ang malayang sambayanang Pilipino!” which translates to “Happy Independence Day and long live the free Filipino nation!”
This day serves as a reminder of the courage, unity, and determination of the Filipino people in their pursuit of freedom and independence. It is a day of reflection on the past, celebration of the present, and hope for a brighter future.