President Duterte led the 124th commemoration of the country's independence at Rizal Park in Manila on Sunday, June 12, his last Independence Day rites before his six-year term ends on June 30.
In his message for Independence Day, he emphasized: "In the spirit of patriotism and love of the motherland exemplified by those who came before us, let us come together in unity for the glory and triumph of the Filipino nation."
This was the first time that Duterte led the celebration of Independence Day in Luneta. He arrived at the venue at around 9 a.m., where he led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies.
He was joined by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Rene Escalante, Manila Mayor-elect Vice Mayor Sheilah 'Honey' Lacuna, and his long-time aide Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go.
While he did not deliver a speech during the event in Luneta, the President, in his message for the celebration of Independence Day, urged Filipinos always to choose meaningful conversations and not sow hatred and division when they exercise their freedom.
President Duterte leads the wreath-laying ceremony in Rizal Park. (RTVM Screenshots) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/aIGxgU7YT2
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) June 12, 2022
"Let our constant discernment in the continuing process of nation-building, therefore, make us realize that our liberties are there to make us wiser and not to prove that we are always right or better," Duterte wrote in his message.
"Even in exercising our most cherished freedoms, our differences can move us to engage in healthy yet meaningful discourse without sowing hatred and division, as well as push our country towards the right direction," he added,
Aside from learning from the past, the President encouraged Filipinos to be smart when making decisions.
"The shared narrative that we have weaved throughout history has never ceased in teaching us what values to hold and which lessons to remember," Duterte said.
"While we draw strength from learning our past, we must continue believing that there is still wisdom to be gained from our present choices, decisions, and actions so we can shape a better future for our people," he added.
According to the President, commemorating the country's independence is a reminder of the Filipino people's collective force that led the Philippines to be one of the first democracies in Asia.
"On this day, more than a century ago, we have shown to the world our collective force and will as a people by compellingly repudiating colonial subjugation. While our path to true freedom has been long and tedious, our forefathers have walked the mile and made us pioneers of republican democracy in Asia," President Duterte said.
READ: President Duterte's final Independence Day message. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/llHLYvEzzi
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) June 12, 2022