Day of freedom

Liberty, dignity and hope

I greet with pride and joy the entire Filipino nation, including our kababayans overseas, as we commemorate the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

More than a hundred years ago, Filipinos laid down their lives for the sovereign Philippines of the present. It was a long and bloody struggle as our forebears, through their words and deeds, fought against those who suppressed our freedom and violated our rights. Our heroes emerged triumphant because of their solidarity, courage, and passion; they broke the shackles of abuse, inequality and violence that once terrorized our people, so that we may all enjoy the liberty, dignity and hope we possess today. 

This occasion coincides with our nations celebration of another victory : Our journey on the Daang Matuwid  has followed us to reap the gains of reform. Six years have passed and we are well on our way towards resurgence; I call on all of you to engage deeper in nation-building, remain steadfast on the path of morality and justice, and always protect the weak and marginalized, as we transition to the next chapter of our country’s narrative. 

Again, may we all have a happy and meaningful Philippine  Independence Day.

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

The President of the Philippines 

Shared vision of greatness

118th Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence

One hundred eighteen years ago, bound by the desire for liberty, equality and justice, our forefathers valiantly took a collective stand to break free and fight for self-rule, and triumphed with the birth of the Filipino nation and our people’s independence.

To this day, we continue to walk the path of our heroes. Against every difficulty, we always have come together as a people, united by our selfless love for the country and the strong sense of duty to our fellow Filipinos.

In the past six years, the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III has worked tirelessly to deepen the meaning of our freedom to each and every Filipino. Bold structural reforms were taken to successfully deliver on our renewed hopes for better lives.

With the conviction that transparent, open and streamlined processes allow for greater growth, programs were directed to broaden civic engagement and participation in governance, and to fortify the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and trustworthiness in the country’s public leadership.

As a result, the Philippines is now widely acknowledged for its steady rise as a dynamic economic growth hub with sustainable inclusive development, a vital and responsible member of the global community committed to uphold and abide by the rule of law, and as a stronghold for democracy with its constituent values that places primacy on the dignity and worth of the human being.

In celebrating 118 years of Philippine Independence, the Department of Foreign Affairs remains resolute and determined to serve, defend, and advance our fundamental interests in the diplomatic frontlines: the peace and security of the nation, the growth of the economy, and the rights and welfare of our people overseas and even those at home.

It has been often said that for us to build the future, we must honor the past. In keeping with this year’s theme of “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong,” our celebration of our freedom is a powerful reminder of the true measure of our strength as a country; that is how we can bravely seize the challenges, and together - as one people passionately driven by a shared vision of greatness – we can prevail.

Mabuhay ang Kalayaan at ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

JOSE RENE D. ALMENDRAS 

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Strong and resilient

Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa,  

Pag-aambagan, at Pagsulong

As we commemorate the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, I am one with the Filipino Community in Bahrain in honoring the boundless courage of our forefathers that awakened our consciousness and inspired our identity as one Filipino nation. This year’s theme ‘Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa,  Pag-aambagan, at Pagsulong’  (‘unity and sharing towards progress’ is my translation into English)is a reminder of the great things we, Filipinos can achieve when we come together, empower each other, and help each other towards the achievement of a common goal.

May this celebration bring us closer together as one Filipino Community and as partners and friends of Bahrain, knowing that together, we have the strength to build each other up. Indeed, the Filipino is hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate. However, it is when we band together as a group that we realize our full potential, that we form a natural kinship that is strong and resilient. 

Together, we will reignite the spirit of bayanihan that is the essence  and lifeblood of the Filipino Community. Let us build each other up,  and in so doing continue the resurgence of our country.

May the passion of our predecessors to triumph in their fight for freedom inspire each of us to relentlessly look forward to A  shared dream of a Philippines that is free and prosperous, a Philippines we can always be proud of. Let this be our gift to the future generations of Filipinos, in the same way   that our nations sovereignty and identity has been their gift to us.

May we draw inspiration from our heroes’ experiences of Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, at Pagsulong so that we too can have the tenacity to confront challenges not just for ourselves, but for  our families, our communities and our country.

Malugod kong binabati ang lahat ng mga Pilipino sa Bahrain ng isang malualhati and makabulhang araw ng proklamayson ng ating kasarinlan .

Mabuhay!

ALFONSO A. VER

Ambassador