PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed solidarity with the Filipino people in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.

“This historic day confirmed what our forebears have religiously kept in their hearts: That we are the inheritors of the glorious heroism and nobility that our ancestors have demonstrated throughout our long and storied history,” he said in his message for the occasion.

Marcos also encouraged Filipinos to assert this freedom and strive for excellence and integrity in all aspects of life.

“Later, with new oppressors and challenges, our people remained defiant–affirming that it is our core to defend what is ours. And with all that, this occasion symbolizes and entails, we understand better now that liberty will not flourish on its own; freedom will not materialize unless it is declared boldly, believed sincerely, and demonstrated passionately,” said Marcos.

Marcos said in an age where battles remain, it is necessary to take the immeasurable courage and loss that came out of the country’s heroes.

“For this, I challenge each of us: On the 125th year since the declaration of our freedom, let us assert our liberty day by day. In everything we do, let us pursue excellence and integrity with the knowledge that we are living out the visions our predecessors held on to and the comfort they toiled for,” Marcos said.

In a separate Facebook post, Marcos also assured that the government will focus on the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

The PDP 2023-2028 is a plan for deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.

‘FREEDOM DAY’ AT BARASOAIN CHURCH

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo led the commemoration of Independence Day at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alex Castro, Mayor Christian Natividad and Vice Mayor Miguel Alberto Bautista of the City of Malolos, and Rosario Sapitan, representative of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, were present at the event.

In his speech, Gesmundo expressed solidarity with the nation and emphasized the significance of the day, acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices of Filipinos who fought for freedom and preserved it for over a century.

Referring to the drafting of the Malolos Constitution at Barasoain Church, he highlighted its historical importance as the first republican constitution in Asia.

Gesmundo also recalled the declaration of independence in Kawit, where the flag was unfurled and the National Anthem played.

He mentioned the subsequent formation of the Malolos Congress, which met in Barasoain and played a crucial role in reaffirming the proclaimed freedom.

The Congress then mandated the Constitution, which was ratified and promulgated the following year, establishing the First Republic of the Philippines, also known as the Malolos Republic — the first independent republic in Asia.

Drawing attention to Barasoain’s significance as the birthplace of the country’s constitution, Gesmundo emphasized that it is not merely a document but the foundation of all laws and policies in the Philippines.

He explained that it contains the agreed principles that guide governance and shape the nation’s identity.

The Chief Justice emphasized that sovereignty resides in the hands of the people, reminding the audience that freedom should be shared by all.

He urged the use of power to safeguard not only political freedom but also to address broader issues such as poverty, hunger, fear, and injustice. Philippine News Agency, Hector Lawas