PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to eliminate the root causes of “unfreedom” through “wise policies and reforms” under his administration.
In his speech at the 125th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila last Monday, Marcos said the continued existence of poverty, inadequate economic opportunities, inequality and apathy prevent many Filipinos from truly enjoying the “blessing of independence and democracy.”
“We will strive to remove the ‘unfreedoms.’ We will aim to feed the hungry, free the bound and banish poverty. These are primordial, moral and existential imperatives that laid upon your government,” Marcos said.
He noted his administration has already laid down the groundwork to implement the necessary reforms to address such issues through the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
Uphill road
However, he stressed the important role of each Filipino in the “long uphill road” in the implementation of the said plan.
“But as integral actors in our democracy, we are all involved in this collective pursuit of real freedoms. That duty rests with all of us. So once again, I appeal for unity, and solidarity in our efforts to protect our hard-fought freedom and achieve genuine national progress,” Marcos said.
“Our independence was not the end but merely the principal means to achieve full development of the Philippines,” he added.
Vibrant republic
The President also recognized the Filipinos, who fought for the country’s independence, particularly the first President of the Philippine Republic, Emilio Aguinaldo, to bring it to its current state.
The Philippine Independence Day commemorates Aguinaldo’s proclamation of the country’s independence from Spanish rule in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
“The heroes of our liberation would be proud to know that we have thrown off the ominous yoke of domination,” Marcos said.
“We have evolved into a healthy and vibrant republic. With a stable government supported by growing institutions and mechanisms, all of whose mandate and authority ultimately emanate from and are owed to the Filipino people,” he added.
Marcos led the country’s commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence and Nationhood with the theme: “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom, Future. History).”
After participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park Monument, he went to the Quirino Grandstand to watch the civic and military parade.
Among the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the special commemorative stamp, which was presented by Philippine Postal Corporation Postmaster General and Chief Executive Office Luis D. Carlos to Marcos.
Image credits: Joey Razon/PNA