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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Independence Day and the West Philippine Sea

Independence Day and the West Philippine Sea

Published Jun 19, 2024 04:00 pm

‘TOL VIEWS

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Only last week, we commemorated the most significant chapter in our history as a nation and as a people – our freedom day, our Philippine Independence Day. I was likewise fortunate to have joined our Filipino community in Taiwan in celebrating Independence Day 2024 and Migrant Workers Day last June 16 in Taipei. After June 12, we resume the continuing work for peace, sovereignty, liberty, identity – ideals which continue to shape the Philippines and the lives of nearly 120 million Filipinos. 

While our sovereignty continues to be challenged from all corners, from within and from beyond our borders, the fire of freedom that kindled the hearts of our ancestors remains ever alive in those who continue to risk their lives to defend our borders, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. Despite consistent intimidation, despite water cannons, despite open and direct interception of re-supply missions, our valiant soldiers at sea continue to stand their ground, yet remarkably remaining composed and peaceful, conducting themselves as disciplined and honorable men.

Our forebears poured out their precious blood for future generations of Filipinos to be united, free, and independent. This same day 126 years ago, our valiant heroes claimed the liberty we now cherish and enjoy. The theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration – Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan – affirms the interlocked ideals of liberty, posterity and history. This theme likewise reminds us to learn from history, treasure freedom and unity, value sovereignty, and look into the future with deep faith and unwavering hope. 

We must not forget that our collective struggle for freedom and independence did not end on June 12, 1898. The work for peace and liberty, much like the work for development and growth, is a constant endeavor we must collaboratively pursue. There is no greater way of honoring our heroes’ sacrifice than to ensure that future generations of Filipinos continue to enjoy the freedom they fought and died for. The relentless effort to preserve peace is our generation’s way of paying tribute to those whose lives were offered for freedom 126 years ago. Freedom is such a very fragile gift from our forefathers and which all Filipinos of the present and future generation ought to treasure and defend.

I invite you to pay homage to our past by committing to build a future Philippines that is peaceful and progressive. Let us honor the noble sacrifices of our national heroes not only during Independence Day or National Heroes Day or any other celebrations and remembrance for Filipino heroes. Let their heroic stories reverberate through history books and Philippine history classes every day. Filipinos have always been, and will always be a peace-loving race. We ought to keep in mind and heart the spirit of the 1898 independence we claimed as we strive to preserve our sovereignty, safeguard our resources and boundaries and ensure a prosperous Philippines for those to come after us.

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Senator Francis N. Tolentino
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