Message from the President

Message from the President

To all our kababayans abroad, I convey my warmest
felicitations on the occasion of the 103rd Anniversary of
Philippine Independence.

This year's Philippine Independence Day should be extra
meaningful in light of another glorious moment in our history at
EDSA II. This recent triumph of people power once more reaffirms
the Filipino's unity and resolve in the face of any threat or
challenge to the peace and stability of our beloved nation.

As we celebrate this most special event, let us be reminded of
the pains and struggles that our forefathers had to endure to
pave the way for Philippine Independence. Their noble sacrifices
for the sake of our country should serve us in good stead as we
strive to strengthen our basic freedoms and democratic
institutions. May these lessons from the past likewise provide us
the impetus and inspiration we need today to fulfill our share of
responsibility in carving the national future, and realizing our
hopes and dreams as a people.

Despite your distance and absence from your homeland, I am
happy to note your sense of pride and oneness in celebrating not
only our rich and colorful heritage, but also our modern-day
victories and achievements as a people and nation.

I hope this celebration will inspire each and everyone of you
to unite with one another and with the rest of your fellow
Filipinos everywhere in the task of nation building. I look
forward to your continued support and concern, even as you strive
to uphold those virtues and values that have been the hallmark of
our society.

Today we face daunting challenges in our task of realizing our
aspiration of sustainable development and a better life for all
Filipinos. I thus call upon all Filipinos in the country and
abroad to join me in rebuilding our nation toward greater peace,
progress and prosperity.

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINO! MABUHAY ANG REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS!

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Manila, June 12, 2001