The country’s foreign policy would remain committed to peace and national interest, President Marcos said during the vin d’honneur in Malacañang on Wednesday to mark the 126th celebration of Independence Day.
The President also underscored the country’s support for the rule of law and a rules-based international order, aligned with UN principles.
“On many occasions, great trials have all the more strengthened our resolve and unified our people because as I have said, ‘Filipinos do not yield’,” he said.
“While the times may be different our struggles remain the same. Still, we continue to witness the true spirit of freedom in every Filipino who fights fairly in their day-to-day lives,” he added.
Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, dedicated her Independence Day message to the youth.
“Let us continue to be resilient toward establishing a youth-oriented nation and nationalist youth,” Duterte said in Davao City.
“On Independence Day, we give importance not just to the sovereignty we have won, but to commemorate the struggles we have overcome, are experiencing, and will continue to face,” she added.
For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez said the freedom Filipinos enjoy also means responsibility to fight poverty, corruption, and injustice.
“On this day, we not only commemorate their heroism but also accept the challenge our forefathers left,” he said during the Independence Day rites at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan where the first democratic republic in Asia was born.
“Freedom is not only a privilege but a responsibility. We, as Filipinos in the modern era, have a duty to continue the fight for freedom—not only against the invaders, but against poverty, corruption, and injustice,” Romualdez added.
Senate President Francis Escudero took to social media to deliver his Independence Day message, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes.
“The freedom we enjoy today is the result of their courage. May this inspire us to continue to aspire for a better future,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos: PH foreign policy focused on peace, national interest”