It is my pleasure and honor to greet my fellow Filipinos as we celebrate the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Our forefathers’ patriotism, bravery, and determination to defend our people from injustice have brought us the freedom and democracy we now enjoy. We continue to protect this liberty even as we surmount new challenges in our ever-evolving milieu: eliminating greed and corruption from society; addressing the needs of our citizens with opportunities for education, healthcare, employment, livelihood, and other social services; and maintaining the Philippines’ upward economic trajectory and restored distinction on the global platform.
Let this commemoration of our ancestors’ heroism be not just a portion of our country’s glorious and exciting narrative, but also a reminder for everyone that we are our nation’s stewards of peace, equality, and prosperity, and that we are all bearers of a proud heritage, tasked to demonstrate integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our pursuits. May we remain united, like our forebears more than a hundred years ago, in working for an even more robust, equitably progressive Republic, and as we move forward, let us ensure that no Filipino is left behind as we journey on the straight and righteous path.
Happy Philippine Independence Day to all of us.
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President
Republic of the Philippines
