Santa Barbara, Iloilo – While the country was freed from foreign colonizers 117 years ago, it continues to struggle to combat corruption and poverty, President Aquino said yesterday at the celebration of Philippine Independence Day here.
In a speech to mark the 117th anniversary rites of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the President rallied the nation to unite to address these challenges, reminding them of a shared responsibility in finding solutions to shared problems.
“One hundred and seventeen years have passed since we declared independence. We have truly freed ourselves from the bonds of colonizers. On the other hand, we now face a new challenge: Combating corruption and poverty in our country,” the President said in Filipino.
“It is clear: It is through unity that our heroes won our freedom, and it is also through unity that we will likewise overcome the challenges of today,” Aquino added.
While taking pride in the country’s positive transformation driven by reforms, Aquino said his government remains committed to the straight and righteous path that has reestablished a government that “truly works for its people, and that truly represents their concerns.”
“Our promise: Our growth will leave no one behind, whether in Luzon, Visayas, or in Mindanao. Each Filipino will benefit from our development. We cannot have a situation where only those at the top can improve their lots in life, while others are left to fend for themselves,” he said.
Aquino then appealed to the public to do its part in resolving the country’s woes while sustaining the fruits of the reform agenda.
“In this period of evolving technology and social media, we have the greater wherewithal, and the deeper responsibility to contribute in finding solutions to our shared problems,” he said.
“It is my hope that, instead of being a burden to our fellowman, we would do our utmost, contribute what we could to the best of our abilities, so that we may collectively uplift our whole nation,” he added.
This was the first time the President celebrated Independence Day in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, to highlight the contribution of Visayas to the fight for freedom over a century ago. It was in Sta. Barbara where the Philippine flag was first raised by Filipino revolutionaries outside Luzon in 1898.
Previous Independence Day celebration was held in some areas in Luzon.
MANILA BULLETIN
