Duterte to Pinoys ahead of Independence Day: Take to heart past learnings

As the country is set to celebrate the 124th Independence Day, President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday urged Filipinos to take after the courage of Filipino heroes who have fought for the Philippines' freedom.

"I am one with the Filipinos both here and abroad as we celebrate the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. This occasion is a testament to how our forefathers fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today," Duterte said in a video message during the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)'s celebration of Philippine Independence Day and the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.

"May it inspire us to take after the courage of our heroes as well as encourage us to use our ability, skills and knowledge for the benefit of our community," Duterte said.

Duterte asked Filipinos to "take to heart all the humbling learnings from the past, specially the countless hardships that we had to endure as a people."

The chief executive said the country's rich history should move Filipinos to translate their love for the Philippines into actions of good will for our countrymen.

"Let us also work together so that we could realize our vision of a more harmonious and more progressive Philippines," Duterte said.

For his part, incoming President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. also extended his greetings for the commemoration of the 124th Philippine Independence Day and the 21st Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.

"The centuries' old relationship and friendship of the Philippines and China has been and will continue to be of great mutual benefit to our people, from trade, arts, culture, athletics, to regional peace and stability, to the employment of opportunities for our people, and all the significantly generous efforts extended to us during the pandemic, the cooperative partnership of our two nations continue to reach new heights," Marcos said in a video message at the same event.

"I join you in this celebration as we look forward to more years not only of diplomatic relations but of continuous, fruitful engagements between China and the Philippines as we continue to enjoy the friendship that we develop over the years," Marcos added.

Marcos earlier said the countries' relations should be expanded not only in terms of bilateral and trade but also in terms of culture, education, knowledge, and health.—LDF, GMA News