DUBAI: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte urged Filipinos to make sure that the sacrifices of the country’s martyred heroes would not be in vain.
In his speech marking the 121st Philippine Independence Day, Duterte said 121 years has passed since our forefathers bound their fates, lives and fortune to proclaim the independence of the Filipino people.
“It was the most significant event in our country’s history. Not only did we put and end to more than 300 years of subservience but we also resolve to determine the course of our destiny as a nation,” he said.
But, he stressed, “the freedom we achieved back then was not without cost.
“The tree of liberty blossomed on these lands because it was nourished by the sweat and blood of our patriots, heroes and martyrs,” the president said.
He ended his message saying: “Let us commit ourselves to ensure that their sacrifices have not been in vain and that their dream of a truly independent Philippines will be achieved within our lifetimes.
The message was read in today’s flag-raising ceremony at the Philippine Consulate.
