MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno S. Aquino III called on Filipinos to unite and continue doing what is right for the country, as has been the hallmark of what the earlier Filipinos did to regain our country’s independence.
“Noon pa man, klaro na sa mga Pilipinong kilalanin kung ano ang tama at mali; at ang tugon nila dito ay ang manindigan sa panig ng katwiran,” (Even before, Filipinos could clearly tell right from wrong, and that their response to such a situation is to choose the side of right.) Aquino said in his speech during the 117th Independence Day celebration held at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
Aquino also said that is through unity that the country can combat poverty and corruption.
“Sa kabila nito, nariyan naman ang panibagong hamon na labanan ang katiwalian at kahirapan sa bansa. Malinaw po: Sa pagbibigkis nananaig ang ating mga bayani sa pagkamit ng kalayaan, kaya’t sa pagbibigkis din malalampasan ang suliraning ating hinaharap sa kasalukuyan”,(On the other hand, we now face a new challenge: combating corruption and poverty in our country. It is clear: it is through unity that our heroes won our freedom, and it is also through unity that we will likewise overcome the challenges of today) Aquino said.
President Aquino also reminded the people of the importance of following the “straight path.”
“Tiwala po ako na basta’t nananatili tayong tumatahak sa Daang Matuwid, maipagpapatuloy natin ang pagbabagong ating tinatamasa sa kasalukuyan. Sa pag-usbong ng makabagong teknolohiya at sa panahon ng social media, may higit na tayong kakayahan, at mas malalim na responsibilidad na makiisa sa paghahanap ng solusyon sa ating mga problema,” he said.
He called on the people to remain steadfast and unified in advancing the welfare of their fellowmen.
“Sa halip na maging pabigat sa ating kapwa, nawa’y gawin natin ang lahat, iambag natin ang ating maiaambag sa abot ng ating makakaya, upang sama-sama nating maiangat ang atin pong minamahal na bansa,” he further said.
The Independence Day program began at 8 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the General Martin Delgado Monument at the Municipal Plaza, where the provincial government of Visayas was inaugurated on November 17, 1898.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, the President visited the historic Santa Barbara Church.
The church visit ended the program in Santa Barbara, as the President headed for the city center for the Vin D’Honneur ceremony, held at the newly renovated Provincial Capitol along Bonifacio Drive.
Pres. Aquino calls for unity in fight against poverty, corruption
