Velasco: Filipinos must work hard to create better nation for future generations
As heroes paid for our freedom with their hard work and sacrifices, Filipinos must work hard to create a better nation for generations that follow, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Saturday said .

‘’As we commemorate the 123rd anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence amid the raging pandemic, let us take a moment to remember and honor all those who have fought for our freedom and the frontliners who cared for us amidst the health crisis, and to understand the meaning of independence and cherish it with responsibility as it did not come easy to us,’’ Velasco said in a statement.
‘’One hundred and twenty three years after the Philippines gained its independence from Spain, the freedom our forefathers fought for appears to be under threat as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic,’’ he added.
Velasco said the ravages of COVID-19 have forced nations around the world, including the Philippines, to restrict the movement of their citizens as they battle the spread of the virus that has so far claimed the lives of millions of people.
‘’Many of us are unable to go to work, schools remain closed, millions have lost their jobs and livelihoods, and a lot of people can’t avail of medical care because hospitals are filled with COVID-19 patients. Indeed, some of our basic rights have been momentarily taken away due to the coronavirus,’’ he pointed out.
‘’While we continue to navigate the challenges brought by the pandemic, may we be reminded of the immense sacrifices our ancestors made and what they had to pay for the freedom we enjoy,’’ Velasco added.