Independence Day Message

It is with great pride that I join my countrymen in celebrating on June 12, 1999, the 101st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

This is our first Independence Day celebration after the Philippine Centennial last year, when we collectively reflected on our achievements as a freedom-loving people. Buoyed by a renewed sense of unity and brotherhood, we now consolidate our goals and aspirations with even greater determination.

In this endeavor, we are empowered by a confidence forged from the anvil of historical experiences, by a national character which neither adversity nor bad luck can undermine. This character greatly sustained our progress across the decades, and will continue to nourish us as we work to achieve a better quality of life, and a peaceful and harmonious society.

This uncommon drive remains in the Filipino, even if he or she leaves the country. It is further proof of what every overseas Filipino worker knows: the Filipino may depart the Philippines, but the Philippines will never depart from the Filipino. He will always be defined by his culture and heritage.

The Filipino migrant worker and the Filipino immigrant have more reason to be proud of the Philippines. By building upon our strengths as a people, we have ensured that our achievements are not confined anymore within our country. We are increasingly being heard, and listened to, in the community of nations. It is further recognition of our maturity as a nation, and it promises that we shall achieve even greater levels of success in our next one hundred years as an independent nation.

On behalf of all the men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs, I wish to convey to you all,

Mabuhay ang Pilipino!