President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to pursue excellence and remain steadfast in defending the nation’s freedom as he led the 127th Independence Day celebration at the Rizal National Monument on Thursday.
In his speech during the solemn flag-raising ceremony in Manila, Marcos emphasized that freedom is not just a legacy—it’s a right that must be protected daily. “Let us honor this day not just by remembering our heroes’ sacrifices. We must live with the same courage and love of country,” he said.
As the country marked more than a century of independence, the President urged Filipinos to deepen their love and service to the nation. “Ngayong araw, habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang ating kalayaan, lalo nating paigtingin ang pagmamahal at paglilingkod sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” he added.
In a separate statement, Marcos reflected on how the sacrifices of past heroes continue to inspire Filipinos to work for the greater good. He stressed that true patriotism means using our rights and freedoms to uplift the nation and protect its people.
Acknowledging the painful and hard-fought journey to freedom, Marcos paid tribute to the selflessness of generations past. “Because of their heroism, we now enjoy the rights and privileges of a sovereign nation,” he said.
He then challenged Filipinos to carry forward this legacy by strengthening their skills and values to help build a more prosperous and stable future. “Let us honor our priceless freedom by making our country worthy of the sacrifices made by our heroes,” Marcos said.