On June 12, 1898, President Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from the Spanish colonial rule in Cavite el Viejo (Kawit), Cavite which made the Philippines Asia’s first free and united nation from the grips of Western powers.
This year’s Independence Day celebration was themed “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas”.
With that, in commemoration of the 122nd year anniversary of Philippine independence, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called on Filipinos to echo the gallantry of the country’s heroes who fought for independence whether it is from Spain to defeating the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and crisis.
“One hundred and twenty-two years ago, our forefathers proudly proclaimed the birth of the Filipino nation. Today, we honor them for their bravery, heroism and sacrifice as well as we thank them for the gifts of democracy and freedom,” the President said in his message as he joins all Filipinos in celebrating the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
“As we wage a united battle against COVID-19, we now have the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and nobility of character as the heroes of our past.”
The President asked Filipinos to march forward with courage, hope, and optimism to overcome the ongoing disease plaguing the country.
