AS THE country celebrates the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, President Rodrigo Duterte said he hopes that the constant discernment in the continuing process of nation-building will make Filipinos realize that liberties are there to make people wiser and not to prove that they are always right or better.
Duterte led the flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying at the Rizal Park in Manila on Sunday morning, June 12, 2022.
The event was dubbed “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas.”
It is Duterte’s last time to lead such an occasion as he steps down from the presidency on June 30.
In a statement, Duterte said he hopes that people’s differences may result in a healthy yet meaningful discourse without sowing hatred and division, as well as to push the country in the right direction.
“On this day more than a century ago, we have shown to the world our collective force and will as a people by compellingly repudiating colonial subjugation. While our path to true freedom has been long and tedious, our forefathers have walked the mile and made us pioneers of republican democracy in Asia,” he said.
“The shared narrative that we have weaved throughout history has never ceased in teaching us what values to hold and which lessons to remember. While we draw strength from learning our past, we must continue believing that there is still wisdom to be gained from our present choices, decisions and actions so we can shape a better future for our people,” he added.
Duterte urged Filipinos to come together in unity for the glory and triumph of the Filipino nation.
“Mabuhay ang ating kalayaan at ang sambayanang Pilipino!” he added. (SunStar Philippines)