MALACANAN PALACE MANILA: President's Message

On the 12th of June in the year 1898, the Philippines, the land of our birth was consecrated by the blood of our courageous forefathers. It is to honor their memory that we commemorate year after year the declaration of our independence, not in blind obedience to a ritual but to re-dedicate ourselves to the legacies of freedom, peace and democracy so dearly won for us by our heroes of the revolution against Spain.

It has been 102 years since the declaration of our freedom, but the courage and bravery of those who fought continue to inspire us to this day. Their bravery and love of country taught us the lesson that we must be prepared to defend our freedom and democracy at all times.

Today, June 12, 2000, we live a society inspired by the sacrifices and dedication of our forefathers. For those of us who were not around during the revolution against Spain, our obligation is simple -- we should never forget what they did and suffered on our behalf.

As we commemorate the 102nd Anniversary of the declaration of our freedom and stand ready to face the challenges of the times, I am confident that this special even will reinvigorate our sense of duty to contribute in the realization of our common task of raising the quality of life for all our people.

MABUHAY ANG DANGAL NG LAHING PILIPINO!