Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
On the 125th Philippine Independence Day, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos encouraged Filipinos to own the fight that gave their country its independence and challenged them to assert it day by day.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. leads the flag raising and wreath laying ceremonies for the 125th Philippine Independence Day at the Rizal Park in Manila on June 12, 2023. (Noel Pabalate)
In a message on Monday, June 12, Marcos told the citizenry to “defend what is ours” against new oppressors and challenges.
“Later, with new oppressors and challenges, our people remained defiant—affirming that it is in our core to defend what is ours,” Marcos said.
He stressed that “liberty will not flourish on its own; freedom will not materialize unless it is declared boldly, believed sincerely, and demonstrated passionately.”
“Now, in the age where battles remain but occur in places the eyes cannot see, it is more necessary to take to heart the immeasurable courage and loss that came out of our heroes,” he said.
“For this, I challenge each of us: On the 125th year since the declaration of our freedom, let us assert our liberty day by day,” he added.
The President told the nation “to pursue excellence and integrity with the knowledge that we are living out the visions our predecessors held on to and the comfort they toiled for.”
This as Marcos honored the Filipino ancestors’ “valiant display of nationalism,” reminding Filipinos that they are the inheritors of the heroism and nobility that their ancestors have demonstrated.
“This historic day confirmed what our forebears have religiously kept in their hearts: That we are the inheritors of the glorious heroism and nobility that our ancestors have demonstrated throughout our long and storied history,” Marcos said.
The chief executive added that the flag, national march, and proclamation in writing as a result of the sacrifices made by Filipino ancestors, gave Filipinos the guidance and confidence to move forward.
“As we look towards a bright future. l urge all of us to take ownership of the fight that gave birth to the independence of our noble and indomitable republic,” he said. — Betheena Unite
*****
Credit belongs to : www.mb.com.ph
