On Friday, June 12, the Philippines celebrated its 128th Independence Day, with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.eading the rites at the Rizal Park in Manila.
The celebration began with arrival honors for the President, highlighted by a 21-gun salute and military honors accorded to the Chief Executive.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, Marcos led the wreath-laying rites at the Rizal Monument, where he was joined by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
In his address, President Marcos, Jr. said that “freedom” is not a mere inheritance, but is a responsibility that must be upheld.
“As we honor this day, we are reminded that freedom is not merely a legacy we inherit but a responsibility we must uphold,” said Marcos. “While our forebears fought colonial oppression through revolution, reform, and intellectual resistance, we face challenges of a different kind today.”
He also hoped that the occasion would help tje public “deepen” its understanding of the past and inspire them to have a “renewed sense of duty to our country.”
He also recalled the declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898, which marked the birth of the Republic.
“It was the moment we formally asserted our right to govern ourselves and determine our own destiny. The years that followed tested our resolve as we built institutions, strengthened national unity, and sustained a truly independent Republic,” Marcos said.
“Yet through wars, crises, and uncertainty, the Filipino spirit endured, and the determination to build a better Philippines prevailed.”
The President said the country’s history teaches that freedom can only be secured through unity, that genuine leaders are those who sacrifice personal interests for the common good, and that freedom must be constantly protected and nurtured.
President Marcos further noted that as Filipinos continue to write the national history, the nation pays tribute to the heroes who secured liberty, and to the countless Filipinos who have devoted their lives to advancing the common good.
The Chief Executive then urged Filipinos to “protect the truth” and “restore trust”, as this would affect the future of the country.
“We must protect truth from distortion, harness technology wisely, and restore trust in a time increasingly marked by division and distrust,” he told. “How we respond to these demands will shape the course of our nation and define what we pass on to future generations.”
The President also pointed to contemporary challenges confronting the nation, including corruption, poverty, division, global developments, and the effects of climate change.
Despite these difficulties, President Marcos expressed his confidence in the resilience and character of the Filipino people, citing their ability to stand up for what is right, care for one another, and rise above adversity, particularly during disasters.
The President urged Filipinos to become more discerning, use their talents responsibly, and prioritize the welfare of the nation over personal interests.
“Sa bawat Pilipino, ito ang aking panawagan: Huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin, at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas,” Marcos said.
The President also reminded the public that the peace, sovereignty, and freedom the country enjoys today were won through the sacrifices of previous generations.
“Tandaan natin na ang kapayapaan, kasarinlan, at kalayaan na ating tinatamasa sa ngayon ay tinubos ng dugo ng mga nauna sa atin,” he added.
The Independence Day celebration featured a grand parade showcasing the capabilities and equipment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The program was followed by cultural presentations featuring bands, ensembles, and dance troupes from various regions of the country, highlighting the richness and diversity of Filipino culture.
Among the highlights was a performance centered on the Balangay, the official logo of the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.
Another centerpiece of the cultural presentation was the “Sarimanok,” which symbolized the Filipino people’s continuing pursuit of freedom, aspiration, and national progress.
A festive atmosphere then filled the capacity crowd at the Quirino Grandstand, where representatives of civil society organizations, students, women, senior citizens, government employees, and other sectors joined the nation in commemorating the historic declaration of Philippine independence.
Also present at the Independence Day activities in Luneta were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, members of the First Family, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy, Acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, and Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, along with other members of the Executive branch, diplomatic corps, and dignitaries.
