President Marcos expressed confidence that just like their ancestors, Filipinos of today will never shy away from defending the nation's territory as he recognized those who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom.

Marcos said this as he led the Parada ng Kalayaan 2024 at the Quirino Grandstand on Independence Day Wednesday, June 12.

In his speech, the President said the event is a tribute to the country's heroes who fought for its independence.

"Ang ating mga ninuno ay hindi umurong sa digmaan, kaya’t tayo ay hindi rin tatalikod sa tungkuling ipagtanggol ang ating nasasakupan (Our ancestors never backed down from the war so we won't turn our backs on our duty to defend our territory)," he said.

"Ipapakita natin sa buong daigdig na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay hindi nasusukat sa lakas o sa yaman, kung hindi sa tunay na kahulugan at katuwiran ng ating ipinaglalaban, sa alab ng pag-ibig sa bayan, at sa 'di-matatawarang pagkakaisa ng ating mga mamamayan (Let us show the world that the trye power lies not in strength or wealth, but in our purpose, our love for our country, and unity as a nation)," he added.

Marcos also reminded the people, especially the youth, of the suffering of the nation’s ancestors and heroes to achieve freedom and peace.

"Sinisimbolo ng okasyon natin ngayon ang ating pagsisikap na maisabuhay sa puso ng mga bagong Pilipino na narito ngayon, ang tunay na diwa ng kabayanihan, kalayaan, at pag-asa (This occasion symbolizes our efforts to instill in the hearts of the new Filipinos the true sprit of unity, freedom, and hope)," he said.

With this, Marcos renewed his commitment to stand for the country's rights as a free nation, push for honest and proactive measures to uplift communities, and improve the lives of citizens.

The Chief Executive also called on the public to continue to enjoy and be proud of being Filipinos as he rallied for support to help emancipate the country from poverty, hunger, injustice, and other barriers to development.

“Patuloy na tangkilikin at ipagmalaki ang ating pagiging Pilipino. Tayo ay babangon at aangat bilang isang bansa, na may malinaw na pananaw sa kinabukasang inaasam (Continue patronizing and be proud of our Filipino identity. We will rise as a country with a clear view of the future we dream of)," he said.

"Magsama-sama tayo sa paglalakbay tungo sa isang mas maliwanag at masaganang bukas (Let us go on this journey toward a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow)," he added.