Duterte leads Independence day rites
President Duterte in Davao City on Friday at the 122nd anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence said the present-day Filipino possesses the same gallantry of spirit and the nobility of character as the heroes of the past.
“One hundred twenty-two years ago our forefathers proudly proclaimed the birth of the Filipino nation. Today, we honor them for their bravery, heroism and sacrifice, as well as we thank them for the gifts of democracy and freedom,” the President said.
“As we wage a united battle against COVID-19, we now have
the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and the nobility of character as the heroes of our past.”
“Let us now move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as we overcome this pandemic. Mabuhay tayong lahat. Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas,” he said.
To this day, the same ideals embodied by our beloved forefathers who fought for our freedom — patriotism, gallantry, and selflessness — remain burning within the hearts and minds of every Filipino.
Presidential Peace Adviser and National Action Plan (NAP) Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. led a small contingent of officials at the Rizal Park where also asked Filipinos to fight a different kind of war, one against the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic.
Galvez said on this day 122 years ago, the Philippine flag in vibrant blue, red, yellow, and white was raised with great pride and honor as the national anthem was played for the first time.
“It was a defining moment in our nation’s history. And to this day, the same ideals embodied by our beloved forefathers who fought for our freedom — patriotism, gallantry, and selflessness — remain burning within the hearts and minds of every Filipino,” Galvez said.
“(But) This year is an extraordinary one, for as we raise our flags in pride and solidarity, we are once again called to fight a different kind of war. But in this war, we are facing an unseen enemy that lurks in the shadows and strikes its victims without warning.”
“We must not lose hope. Rather, we must muster every ounce of courage within ourselves and confront this enemy head-on,” he added.
Galvez said as Filipinos raise the flag, he urged paying tribute to the brave health sector front liners — nurses, doctors and medical personnel — who put their lives on the line every day to serve their countrymen and save lives.
“As we raise our flags today, let us (also) thank our hard-working social workers, barangay volunteers, local officials, soldiers and policemen, who go beyond the call of duty to provide essential government services and keep our communities safe,” Galvez said.
“And we raise our flags today, we let us cheer each and every Filipino who is silently doing their part to help prevent the further spread of the disease, and aid our less fortunate brothers and sisters.”
“This is a battle that we cannot fight individually, but should be fought collectively — as one people and one nation,” he added.
Galvez said as the nation moves forward and transition to the ‘new normal,’ let Filipinos remember the lesson left behind by our forefathers.
“Let us therefore work hand-in-hand and shoulder to shoulder, as we fight this enemy and banish it from our shores,” Galvez said.
He urged paying tribute to the brave health sector front liners — nurses, doctors and medical personnel —who put their lives on the line every day to serve their countrymen and save lives.
“There is no doubt, we shall win this battle and regain our freedom from the clutches of this disease. We are Filipinos. The blood of our forefathers run through our veins. We shall overcome and heal as one. Maligayang Araw ng
Kasarinlan sa ating lahat!” he said. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go greeted Filipinos on Independence Day, saying the nation’s heroes fought for our freedom in their time.
“On this day, we remember how they live and emulate their sense of country. Let us honor their sacrifices and the freedom they made possible for everyone. Now that we are challenged by the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, may we not forget to honor the spirit of the bayanihan,” he said.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said only a small, 10-man contingent was permitted at the Rizal Park rites consistent with health protocols in place helping arrest or limit the spread of the coronavirus disease.