Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the First Family in leading the nation’s 128th Independence Day celebration on Friday, June 12.

The celebration, with the theme “Ang Kalayaang Pinapangarap” (The Freedom We Dream Of), began at the Rizal National Monument in Manila with flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Dr. Jose Rizal and the nation’s heroes, whose sacrifices secured the country’s freedom.

In his Independence Day message, the President paid tribute to the men and women whose courage and dedication helped secure the country’s freedom and sovereignty.

The President noted that the years following independence tested the nation’s resolve as Filipinos worked to build institutions, strengthen unity, and sustain a truly independent republic.

“Yet through wars, crises, and uncertainty, the Filipino spirit endured, and our determination to build a better Philippines prevailed,” he said.

“As we honor this day, we are reminded that freedom is not merely a legacy we inherit but a responsibility we must uphold,” Marcos added.

The President also called on every Filipino to never stop choosing and fighting for the country.

“Sa bawat Pilipino, ito ang aking panawagan: Huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin, at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas (To every Filipino, this is my appeal: Let us never grow weary of loving, choosing, and fighting for the Philippines),” Marcos said.

Marcos also reminded Filipinos that the peace, independence, and freedom they enjoy today were secured through the sacrifices and blood of those who came before them, expressing hope that the Philippine flag, the national anthem, and a shared sense of nationhood would continue to unite Filipinos in building a “Bagong Pilipinas.”

Following the ceremonies, the main program was held at the Quirino Grandstand, featuring colorful floats, inspiring performances, and patriotic music in celebration of the Filipino spirit and the freedom each generation upheld.

Through various presentations, the many faces of the freedom the nation continues to aspire to were shown, reflecting freedom that is humane, just, compassionate, united, and responsible to people and the environment.

Earlier this week, Domagoso reminded the youth that freedom comes with responsibility, especially in an era where opinions can be shared instantly and widely, saying, “Gusto kong ipaalala na ang kalayaan ay hindi libre. Ang kalayaan ay may responsibilidad. Ang kalayaan ay may obligasyon (I want you to remember that freedom is not free. Freedom comes with responsibility. Freedom comes with obligations).”

“Maingat tayo sa pagpili ng salita habang ginagamit natin ang kalayaang makapagsalita nang hindi nakapananakit ng kapwa (Let us be careful in choosing our words as we exercise our freedom to speak without hurting others),” he added.