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