President Marcos lauded the diligence and courage of ordinary Filipinos as he said that the true spirit of freedom lies in every Filipino who continues to overcome challenges.

Marcos said this as the Philippines marked the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of its independence on Wednesday, June 12.

In his message, the President recognized the country’s farmers, fishermen, teachers, and soldiers whose battles are the same as those of their forebears.  

"While the times may be different, our struggles remain the same. Still, we continue to witness the true spirit of freedom in every Filipino who fights fairly in their day-to-day lives," he said.

"We see it in the resilience of our farmers and fisherfolks as they provide us sustenance. We see it in the dedication of our teachers as they nurture the minds of the future generation. We see it in the tenacity of our soldiers as they protect every inch of our territory, adamant as they are in the certainty that Filipinos do not, and shall never, succumb to oppression," he added.

According to Marcos, the proclamation of the country's independence in Kawit, Cavite 126 years ago heralded the birth of the Philippines and showed the Filipino people's untiring resolve to chart their own destiny as a sovereign nation.

The President commended the strong sense of nationalism of Filipinos and their resolve to be united in protecting the freedom passed on to them by their ancestors.

"A century and a quarter have passed since we unshackled the chains of subjugation yet the fervor of nationalism persistently burns brightly in each of us today," he said.

"We stand united as ever, upholding with pride the hard-earned liberty bequeathed to us by our forebears," he added.

Meanwhile, President Marcos urged Filipinos to be dedicated to aspiring for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ where they can have a brighter future.

“As we celebrate the founding of our nation today, let us dedicate ourselves to the challenging but rewarding task of realizing the full potential of the Filipinos and building a Bagong Pilipinas—one that truly embodies the ideals of a just, progressive, and independent Republic," he said.

In a separate video message, President Marcos said it was the duty of every Filipino to safeguard the country's independence and ensure that they would not cower before threats.

"Sa pagharap natin sa mga paghamon ng modernong panahon, nawa ay pagtitibayin natin hindi lamang ang ating katapangan, kung hindi na rin ang ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan (As we face the challenges of the modern world, I hope we could fortify our bravery, unity, and camaraderie)," he said.

"Maaari tayong maging bayani ng ating makabagong panahon. Gamitin natin ang ating dunong at sipag sa bawat gawain at ang pinakamahalaga, maging mapagkumbaba, mapagmahal sa bayan at marangal tayo sa lahat ng oras (We can be the heroes of the modern world. Let us use our intelligence and diligence in everything we do. More importantly, let is stay humble, patriotic, and honorable at all time)," he added.

President Marcos led the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites for the 126th Independence Day in Rizal Park on Wednesday morning. The Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge were played and recited there.