A truly independent Philippines

Freedom.... one can only imagine what our ancestors endured to secure all that we enjoy today. With blood, sweat and tears, our heroes and martyrs have sacrificed their own lives to ensure that our independence will always be remembered as stories are passed on from generation to generation, thanks to our teachers and parents who continue to instill in us the value of patriotism.

In our lifetime we have learned about the intelligent and open-minded Jose Rizal, the military strategist Antonio Luna, and the Boy General Gregorio “Goyo” del Pilar. If it was one thing they all had in common, it was indeed their love for country – something that many of us question, either ourselves or others since the First Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.

To me, one of the best initiatives our country has undertaken since 1898 is the Whole of Nation Approach to end local and communist armed conflict. At last and as we have already known for some time, the government has taken an important step in confronting long drawn-out issues with the 50-year existence of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front, whose belief is that only a communist revolution will save the nation.

Our independence is a very clear reminder of what we as a people need to build on with all our resources in order to contribute to the growth of society.  It will also deeply depend on the love you and I have for our motherland. In realizing a truly independent Philippines, we must be able to commit to both the joy and pain to keep our country free and secure.

In short, self interests have no room in nation-building and servant leaders are key. We are facing critical times and the enemy is far from what we have ever expected. The Bayanihan spirit must be stronger than ever.

If we have been pushing before, we must push even harder while making sure that no one gets left behind. It is disturbing yet not unexpected to see organized groups determined to cause even more chaos in difficult times, and protecting the youth has become crucial as they are a perpetual target.

Our forefathers fought in order for us to live in prosperity and peace and in today’s world, this is what we most urgently need – heroes for peace. There is strength in unity and the call to unite is more than urgent... it is absolutely necessary.

We are not without purpose especially in our struggles. There is so much we can do even in our small ways. While not all of us are called to lead, some of us are called to pray and prayer is powerful.

Rizal, Luna and Del Pilar died with one hope in their hearts, and although they did not live to see this, the hope remains. While we exercise daily the fruits of our liberty, the hope that we Filipinos will unite as one nation is at hand.

To be free, we must accept what we need to fix and it is in this realization that we as a nation can truly be independent.

Happy Independence Day to one and all. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!