President Duterte has urged the public to become more responsible individuals in order to repay the Filipinos who fought and risked their lives for independence 119 years ago.
In his message for the 119th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence today, Duterte remembered the unpaved and bloody road that the Filipino ancestors had to travel in order to attain freedom.
“The journey to freedom was a long and arduous one – which our countrymen paid for with blood, sweat, and the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice,” Duterte said.
“Let us pay homage to their heroism by preserving our sovereignty and performing out own civic rights and responsibilities,” he said.
“After all, it is our inherent duty as citizens to ensure that the Philippines fulfills its destiny as a great and prosperous nation,” Duterte added.
According to Duterte, thousands of Filipinos have laid down their lives so that everyone of their descendants may live with the dignity and rights befitting a free nation.
“Despite the insurmountable hardships, the patriotism and undaunted spirit of the Filipino led to our triumph against the shackles of slavery and abuse,” he said. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
