MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for freedom, especially in protecting the Philippines’ territory and sovereignty.
In his 126th Independence Day message, the Chief Executive encouraged the public to awaken their Filipino spirit, wave proudly the Philippine flag and immortalize the essence of the country’s independence.
“Sa nakaraang 126 taon at hanggang ngayon, patuloy nating pinaglalaban ang ating kalayaan – kalayaan sa iba’t-ibang aspeto ng ating pagka-Pilipino. Higit dito, kalayaan sa ating teritoryo at ating soberanya,” Marcos said in a video message.
He added: “Kaya walang pagod ang ating pagbabantay, walang katapusan ang ating pakikipagpulong sa ibang bansa upang matulungan din tayong maisulong ang ating kapakanan at karapatan.”
President Marcos also said the government has been launching cultural projects to continuously preserve the identity of Filipinos.
“Itong Buwan ng Kalayaan, gisingan pa natin ang ating diwa sa pagka-Pilipino. Buhayin ang mga nasyonalismo sa ating dugo at iwagayway ang bandilang Pilipino,” Marcos said.
“Dapat makilahok tayong lahat sa pagdiriwang na ito. Dapat ay ipakita natin at iwagayway natin ang ating watawat para maalala din natin at lahat ng makakakita ang buhay ng Pilipino at ang kasaysayan ng Pilipino,” he added.
According to the President, among the government-sponsored Independence Day activities from June 10 to 12 are cooking competitions, chili-eating contests and obstacle courses along the stretch of Luneta.
There will also be booths selling local products, a parade showcasing 22 floats, and a free concert at the Quirino Grandstand featuring the girl group BINI, Marcos said.
“Kaya samahan niyo kami. Dalhin ang inyong pamilya, ang inyong mga kaibigan at higit sa lahat ang inyong pagka-Pilipino at makilahok sa selebrasyon ng ating ika-126 na Araw ng Kalayaan,” the President said./PN
