Duterte urges Filipinos to ensure heroes’ work will not be in vain

June 12, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday urged Filipinos to commit themselves in ensuring the independence fought by the country's heroes will ' not be in vain.'

For his Independence Day message, Duterte said his one with the Filipino people in commemorating the most significant event in the Philippine's history.

"A hundred and twenty-one years has passed since our forefathers bound their fates, their lives, and their fortunes to proclaim the independence of the Filipino people," he said.

"It was the most significant event in our country's history. Not only did we put an end to more than three centuries of subservience but we also resolved to determine the course of our own destiny as a nation," he added.

Duterte said the freedom the country achieved back then was not without a cost.

"The tree of liberty blossomed on these lands because it was nourished by the sweat and blood of our patriots, heroes and martyrs," said Duterte.

"Let us commit ourselves to ensure that their sacrifices have not been in vain and that their dream of a truly independent Philippines- whose people live freely in secure, stable and prosperous society- will be achieved within our lifetimes," he added.

Duterte is set to visit the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Malabang, Lanao del Sur later in the afternoon for the celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.