Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro urged the public to remember the sacrifice and courage of the country’s forefathers as the Philippines celebrates its 125th Independence Day today.
In a statement, Teodoro said that the country’s heroes are the backbone of the Philippines’ sovereignty.
“This is not only a day to celebrate the victory of our independence, but also a reminder of the sacrifice and courage of our ancestors in the name of establishing and defending our country,” Teodoro said in Filipino. “For more than a century, their heroism served as a guide in upholding the sovereignty of our Motherland.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Andres Centino said the military is one with the public for a peaceful celebration of Independence Day.
“With our combined strength and knowledge, we can easily achieve the desire for a peaceful and prosperous community,” Centino said, also speaking in Filipino. “Success is certain if we are united and worktogether to take the path to a better future.”
Ahead of the celebration, the AFP and the National HistoricalCommission of the Philippines serenaded the public through its “Musikalayaan 2023” at the Rizal Park, Luneta, Manila on Sunday night.
The AFP’s Civil Relations’ Service Media and Civil Affairs Group (MCAG) hosted the event with the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan” (Freedom. Future. History).
“(The activity) aims to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Independence Day with military talent. It will be completely free from admission fees and can catch the live stream through DWDD 1134 kHz AFP Radio simulcast at AFP Radio DWDD,” MCAG commander Maj. Ceno Pancito III said in a statement.
He added that the concert allows defense agencies to promote national pride in a country with a heritage of valor and bravery.
Bands that joined “Musikalayaan 2023” include the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) Jungle Fighter Band, Bureau of Fire Protection Band, Jeck Pilpil & Peacepipe, and East Side Band.
Pancito said representatives of various uniformed services would also do solo, duet, ensemble, quartet, and dance performances.
“In addition, the AFP’s very own, the reigning Mrs. Universe 2022, who is assigned at the Presidential Security Group, CD Lady Chatterly Alvaro-Sumbeling, singer and actor 1st. Lt Ronnie Liang PA (Res), social media influencer and singer Charleen Ong, the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) group from San Juan, ‘Asia’s Vocal Supreme’ Katrina Velarde, and ‘Asia’s Timeless Diva,’ Dulce will also perform and share their skills,” he added.
Uniformed agencies will also showcase military and civic static displays for the public during the open house. They will display tanks, mortars, machine guns, and nation-building efforts for visitors to see.
The bands will play and drill in the afternoon.
“The celebration commemorates the hard-fought achievement of independence and the ongoing commitment to protect the people, uphold sovereignty, and seek lasting peace in the country,” Pancito said.