One hundred twenty-six years later, the Philippines continues to fight for freedom in various aspects, including in the country's territory and sovereignty, President Marcos said.
"Sa nakaraang isandaan dalawampu’t anim na taon hanggang ngayon, patuloy nating ipinaglalaban ang ating kalayaan. Kalayaan sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng ating pagka-Pilipino. Higit dito, kalayaan sa ating teritoryo, soberanya (In the past 126 years until now, we continue to fight for freedom. Freedom in various aspects of being a Filipino. More than this, our freedom in our territory, sovereignty),"Marcos said in his message for the celebration of the 126th Independence Day.
With this, the President said the Philippines continue to reach out to other nations to advance the country's plight in pushing for its rights.
"Kaya’t walang pagod ang ating pagbabantay. Walang katapusan ang ating pakikipagpulong sa iba’t- ibang mga bansa upang matulungan din tayo maisulong ang ating kapakanan at karapatan (So, we keep our unwavering effort to look after our country. We endlessly reach out to different countries to help us advance our rights)," Marcos said.
He stressed the importance of the celebration on Wednesday, June 12, as he urged Filipinos to join the celebration for the Independence Day.
He further said that aside from taking actions on issues on territories and sovereignty, the country must continue to uphold the Filipino identity and raise the Philippine flag and participate in national causes.
"Patuloy din ang mga proyektong pangkultura para lalong mapatatag ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang Pilipino. Itong buwan ng Kalayaan, gisingin pa natin ang ating diwa sa pagka-Pilipino, buhayin ang mga nasyonalismo sa ating dugo, at iwagayway ang bandilang Pilipino. Dapat makilahok tayong lahat sa pagdiriwang na ito (Cultural projects that would further strengthen our identity as Filipinos continue. This month of Indepence, we must awaken the spirit of a true Filipino, revive the nationalism in our blood, and raise the Philippine flag)," Marcos said.
The Chief Executive pointed out that Independence Day is among the well-celebrated days in the country, thus Filipinos must join in various activities slated for the national holiday.
Starting June 10, some attractions will be organized at the Quirino Grandstand and Burnham Green such as cooking competition, obstacle course race, nightly free concerts and “tiangge” for local products, he said.
A “Labuyo Eating Contest” or the Chili Festival will also be organized. There will be free film showing of Filipino heroes.
There will also be Serbisyong Bayan na One-stop Shop Caravan and a parade on June 12 featuring 12 Filipino-made floats.
To cap off the celebration, a free concert of the P-pop girl group BINI will be held on June 12 after the “Kalayaan Parade.”