Independence Day: Duterte wants 'unity' among Filipinos; Robredo urges citizens to assert truths of PH history
President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to "come together in unity for the glory and triumph of the Filipino nation" this Independence Day, June 12.
"The shared narrative that we have weaved throughout history has never ceased in teaching us what values to hold and which lessons to remember," Duterte said in his Independence Day message.
READ: President Duterte cites the importance of unity and meaningful discourse in his message for the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. | @alexisbromero pic.twitter.com/1NrfTqtAIE
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) June 12, 2022
"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."
Duterte noted that despite everybody's differences, it can still move Filipinos "to engage in healthy yet meaningful discourse without sowing hatred and division, as well a push our country towards the right direction."
Let us come together in unity for the glory and triumph of the Filipino nation. — Duterte
"Let our constant discernment in the continuing process of nation-building therefore make us realize that our liberties are there to make us wiser and not to prove that we are always right or better," he said.
Earlier today, Duterte also went to Rizal Park in Manila and led the flag raising ceremony and wreath-laying for the event, which has the theme, "Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas."
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, urged Filipinos to affirm what is right and true, and assert the truths of Philippine history.
"Manindigan sa iisang kuwentong hindi kailanman mababago, maaagaw, o mabubura," Robredo said, "kuwentong binibigkis tayo ayon sa kolektibo nating nakaraan, at nagbibigay-lakas para tumungo sa kolektibo ring kinabukasan."
She also told Filipinos to find inspiration in one another, and from those who came before.
Manindigan sa iisang kuwentong hindi kailanman mababago, maaagaw, o mabubura. — Robredo
"Bilang mga ordinaryong mamamayan, marami tayong puwedeng gawin. Maging bukas at mapagmahal, tumulong sa nangangailangan," she said.
Robredo also noted that Philippine history is a thread that can never be broken, which until now holds together Filipinos who dream of a better life, regardless of stature, wherever in the world they may be.
"Tandaan: Hindi nakakamtan ang tagumpay sa iisang iglap lamang. Binubuo ito ng sari-saring yugto ng pagod at takot, ng tapang at kadakilaan, ng pagsisikap at pakikibaka," she said, adding that whatever freedom that our ancestors might have achieved is but one step in the long path toward national fruition, a journey Filipinos continue to tread until today.
"Tinatawag tayong magpatuloy, mulat sa lahat ng ating pinagdaanan bilang nagkakaisang bansa," she said.
On June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared independence after over 300 years under Spanish rule.
