Marcos vows inclusive, high-growth path for Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines celebrated the 125th anniversary of its independence, President Marcos vowed to steer the nation toward economic growth that can be felt by ordinary Filipinos as it strives to recover from the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during the vin d’honneur or official reception at Malacañang on Independence Day, Marcos noted the country’s long and perilous road to independence for which countless Filipinos made the ultimate sacrifice.

He added that Filipinos were grateful to the men and women who won for the country the “hard-fought freedom from the clutches of tyranny and colonialism.”

“Today’s celebration has taken a whole new different meaning, as we mark this occasion with renewed hopes and spirited resolve to rise anew as a nation, not from political oppression this time but from economic scarring engendered by the crippling and lingering effect of a pandemic,” the President said.

“That is why, as a way to honor our forebears, it is my duty as President to keep this house in order, and to steer the country to a high-growth path whose effect will be felt by each and every ordinary Juan dela Cruz,” he added.

Marcos expressed hope that the celebration of independence would remind Filipinos that it is only in unity and solidarity that they would be able to safeguard the freedom won by their ancestors.

“As we look back on our storied past, let us not forget to gaze upon the horizon where a promise of brighter future awaits. It is our shared responsibility to foster a society that upholds democracy, social justice and inclusivity so that every Filipino can flourish and contribute to our nation’s growth,” he said.

“From where our country stands now, we recognize that challenges will continue to test our mettle as a nation, but with unity and solidarity of the Filipino people, we can endure even another 125 years with our heads held high.”

Marcos said the Philippines has gone a long way as a sovereign state and as a member of the international community since its birth as the first republic of Asia in 1898.

The country has been at the forefront in the global discourse supporting peace and security, social and gender equity, migration, climate change and other key issues, he added.

According to Marcos, the Philippines continues to adhere to an independent foreign policy and conducts its external affairs with national interest as its primordial guide. He reiterated that the country engages everyone and is a friend to all and an enemy to none.

“We uphold respect and dignity in our dealings with other countries and expect the same and have received the same from all other countries,” the Chief Executive added.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown, who serves as the dean of the diplomatic corps, noted that it took the Philippines 48 years to fully realize independence after its proclamation in 1898.