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Message From Secretary of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople
When, before dusk of June 12, 1898, one-hundred and five years
ago, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed to the world the
Independence of the Philippines, he declared the realization of a
cherished aspiration.
A free and independent nation had been the dream of our
people, inspiring them to rise in numerous revolts to overthrow a
foreign colonizer.
From Mactan to Kawit, the Lapu Lapus and Dagohoys, the Diego
Silangs and Bonifacios of our nation had risen to fight injustice
and shed blood for freedom. In Madrid, Paris, Berlin, and other
cities of the world, the Lunas, del Pilars, and Rizals, empowered
by genius and love of country, battled for the right of the
Filipino to stand with dignity and honor in the community of
nations. With steadfast determination and valor, with bravery and
courage, our people fought. And they won for us liberty and
sovereignty.
When, in Kawit, the Filipino flag -- with three stars
representing Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao -- was raised and
the Philippine national anthem was played, our people rejoiced,
for they were one in liberty and destiny.
Like our people in Kawit, we now rejoice. But as our people in
Kawit resolved to continue struggling, in order to keep whole and
firm the fabric of Philippine society, so must we today continue
their struggle.
In a certain sense, we have yet to complete the revolution of
a century ago. We must continue working hard together to fortify
the unity of our people and make more durable the foundations of
our Republic.
Our people must reflect on and appreciate the history of our
nation -- extending long before the arrival of foreign traders,
teachers, missionaries and colonizers. Our people must recognize
our identical ethnicity and our brotherhood antedating our
differences of creed. Our people must appreciate the reality that
despite our 7,000 islands and our variations of the same language
family, we are one people.
The task of safeguarding and strengthening our independence
requires a steadfast commitment to national unity and to
sustainable development. These are important elements of
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's vision of a strong Republic.
We Filipinos, united, must continue fighting hand in hand against
poverty and all its consequences of discontent, discrimination,
and oppression; all its abominations of illiteracy, corruption,
and criminality -- including the scourge of terrorism.
And as we remember with pride our forebears' heroism, so also
do we honor our patriots of today. Millions of our countrymen
labor overseas. Striving to maximize the development options of
their families, they are winning -- with their industry,
competence and edifying attachment to Filipino values --
universal respect for the Filipino.
Our people, particularly our youth, profoundly crave for the
completion of our many revolutions -- including our people power
upheavals of 1986 and 2001 -- and thus, in a milieu of law and
moral rectitude, achieve the full meaning of our independence.
Together, inspired by the same spirit, we will achieve! --
-
Message from Ambassador Rafael E. Seguis
Today, we commemorate the struggle of our forefathers against
the colonial powers who presided over our people's destiny. We
honor the memory of the heroes of our republic and the sacrifices
they made to win us our freedom. We renew our allegiance and
fidelity to the one flag and the one and only country for which
it stands.
We celebrate the 105th anniversary of the Declaration of the
Philippine Independence with the theme Sa Matatag na Republika:
Bayan Ko, Sagot Ko. The spirit of Kalayaan 2003 represents a
renewed resolve to take an active role in building our nation. It
recognizes each Filipino as a pillar of strength within the
Philippine Republic, contributing their productivity, industry,
diligence, professionalism, concern for others, honesty, and
resilience to the edifice of the nation.
Today, we also acknowledge the enduring partnership between
the Philippines and Indonesia as a reflection of our common
interests, shared histories, intertwined destinies and collective
identity as citizens of the Southeast Asian community of nations.
We thank the government of the Republic of Indonesia for its
unwavering support for our initiatives in the domestic and
international realms, even as our two peoples continue to build
bridges of understanding and friendship through cultural,
economic and people-to-people exchanges.
I hope this occasion encourages us to preserve our heritage as
one people and one nation, with one vision for our country and,
in the process, contribute the Filipino spirit to the efforts to
define and pursue the goals and aspirations of the peoples in our
part of the world.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!