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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA: Take pride in PH's contribution in upholding international law

DFA: Take pride in PH's contribution in upholding international law

Published Jun 12, 2025 12:12 pm
On Independence Day, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has enjoined the nation to remember the Philippines' contributions to the world in upholding international law.
Flag raising ceremony for the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood takes place at the Rizal Park in Manila on June 12, 2025. (Mark Balmores)
Flag raising ceremony for the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood takes place at the Rizal Park in Manila on June 12, 2025. (Mark Balmores)
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo also encouraged Filipinos to bear in mind that the country was the earliest modern democracy in Asia, calling on them to "honor our heritage while looking to the future."
"As we look back on our struggles in solidifying our nationhood, let us not forget our unique place in history as the earliest modern democracy in Asia where democracy, universal human rights, freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination," Manalo said in his statement on Thursday, June 12.
"As we look to the future, let us take pride in our contributions to the world in upholding international law and rules-based order as our nation carves its own path to greatness," Manalo stated.
The DFA chief also urged the people to not forget that "our great forebears have fought with their lives in the hopes that our nation would thrive and prosper on its own, free from the oppression of foreign powers, and free to chart its own destiny."
Manalo further said that while the country is now enjoying the fruits of this hard-fought freedom, the Philippines still aim to reach its full potential.
He said the Philippines seeks to achieve a country "where everyone has fair representation, has equitable access to opportunities for progress, and has the chance to actively participate in nation-building."
Manalo also said that the DFA has remained unwavering in its commitment to implement an independent foreign policy that promotes and protects Philippine interests.
"The same courage and resilience that fueled the Katipunan, is the same one that moves our foreign service. The same grit carved in the DNA of every Filipino who shed her or his blood for our independence is the same one that drives our diplomats to protect our sovereignty," Manalo said.
"The same consciousness that made Rizal's pen literary masterpieces that ignited the Philippines' quest for independence is the same one that inspires the women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs to help propel our nation to new heights," Manalo added.

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