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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! --
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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!