On the historic occasion of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rallied the nation to view freedom not just as a historical inheritance, but as an active, daily responsibility.
Speaking at the national Independence Day celebrations on June 12, President Marcos drew a sharp parallel between the colonial struggles of the past and the modern threats facing the contemporary Filipino republic, specifically highlighting the fight against misinformation and national division.
“As we honor this day, we are reminded that freedom is not merely a legacy we inherit but a responsibility we must uphold,” President Marcos said. “While our forebears fought colonial oppression through revolution, reform, and intellectual resistance, we face challenges of a different kind today.”
The President emphasized that the modern battleground for liberty relies heavily on civic integrity and information security. He issued a direct call to action for the public to become guardians of facts in the digital age.
“We must protect truth from distortion, harness technology wisely, and restore trust in a time increasingly marked by division and distrust,” Marcos stressed, noting that the collective response to these modern demands will ultimately define the legacy passed on to future generations.
Reflecting on the legacy of June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite, the Chief Executive noted that while decades of wars and crises have tested the nation’s resolve, the Filipino spirit has consistently prevailed. He urged citizens to channel that same enduring spirit into building a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) through active citizenship, good governance, and national solidarity.
The ceremony concluded with the President paying tribute to both the historical icons of the revolution and the everyday heroes dedicated to the common good, before wishing all Filipinos a meaningful and unifying Independence Day.
