DFA: Filipinos should unite to free PH from COVID-19
Published Jun 12, 2020 12:00 am
By Vanne Elaine TerrazolaÂ
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddyboy" Locsin, Jr. called on Filipinos to unite in freeing the country from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Locsin, in his message on the 122nd anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, Friday, said the country's fight against the coronavirus is similar to the battles fought by Filipino heroes to free the country from foreign invaders.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (FACEBOOK / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"The struggle continues. Today, it is the struggle to free the country of the deadly disease," Locsin said.
The country's top diplomat said this years' Independence Day calls on all Filipinos to stay united to address the health crisis.
He specifically called for cooperation in the enforcement of community quarantine, which he described as the "longest, strictest, and therefore, the smartest lockdown in the world."
"We need an even tighter unity and a more vibrant Bayanihan spirit. We need more courage, fortitude, and perseverance than our forebears had if we are to win the war against this pandemic. Because we have no choice: we win or die," he said.
The government, he said, is doing "everything possible" despite the limited resources "to ensure an inclusive and effective national response to this pandemic."
He said he hopes that Filipinos, like its heroes, will maintain their tenacity until the epidemic has ended.
"But always and ever to live free of tyranny and independent, a sincere friend to sincere friends, and an implacable enemy to unrelenting enemies; and worse enemy to false friends," he said.
Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz, in a video message, congratulated the Philippines on its 122nd Independence Day.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (FACEBOOK / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"The struggle continues. Today, it is the struggle to free the country of the deadly disease," Locsin said.
The country's top diplomat said this years' Independence Day calls on all Filipinos to stay united to address the health crisis.
He specifically called for cooperation in the enforcement of community quarantine, which he described as the "longest, strictest, and therefore, the smartest lockdown in the world."
"We need an even tighter unity and a more vibrant Bayanihan spirit. We need more courage, fortitude, and perseverance than our forebears had if we are to win the war against this pandemic. Because we have no choice: we win or die," he said.
The government, he said, is doing "everything possible" despite the limited resources "to ensure an inclusive and effective national response to this pandemic."
He said he hopes that Filipinos, like its heroes, will maintain their tenacity until the epidemic has ended.
"But always and ever to live free of tyranny and independent, a sincere friend to sincere friends, and an implacable enemy to unrelenting enemies; and worse enemy to false friends," he said.
Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz, in a video message, congratulated the Philippines on its 122nd Independence Day.