President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored that it is the duty of every Filipino to protect the independence and not to succumb to threats and challenges faced by the country.
Marcos led the flag raising ceremony and wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument for the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Also present were First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and their sons, Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and William Vincent Marcos.
“Isang karangalan ang mapabilang sa lahing Pilipino na ang mga ninuno ay magiting at nakipaglaban upang maibalik ang kasarinlan at kapayapaan sa ating bansa,” Marcos said in a video message.
(It’s an honor to be a Filipino, whose ancestors bravely fought for the independence and peace in the country.)
“At bilang tagapagmana ng kalayaan na tinatamasa natin ngayon, tungkulin ng bawat isa sa atin na pangalagaan ito at tiyakin na hindi na tayo kailanman magpapatinag sa banta ng pananakot, pananakop at pang-aapi,” he added.
(As heirs of the freedom we enjoyed today, it is our duty to protect this and ensure that we will not succumb to threats of oppression.)
Marcos urged Filipinos to strengthen its courage, unity, and camaraderie as they face the modern-day challenges.
“Sa pagharap natin sa mga paghamon ng modernong panahon, nawa ay pagtitibayin natin hindi lamang ang ating katapangan, kung hindi na rin ang ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan,” the President said.
(As we face modern-day challenges, we must strengthen not only our courage but also our unity and camaraderie.)
Diplomatic officials were also in attendance during the ceremony, including Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.
Marcos told Filipinos that we are the face of “Bagong Pilipinas,” noting that every citizen could be a hero through in his or her own way.
During the ceremony, the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn was sang and the pledge was recited by the attendees.
Earlier, Malacañang directed all national government agencies and educational institutions to make the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge a part of weekly flag ceremonies.
Based on the Memorandum Circular No. 52 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 4, the order was made “to further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos.” — VDV, GMA Integrated News
