Previous Story
Philippine Independence Day message
|
Posted on Jun 11 2008
The commemoration of the 110th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2008 is an occasion to reflect on the great triumph of the Filipino nation over the years of oppression.
On this day we remember with patriotic fervor the many struggles our forefathers gallantly fought and won, never intimidated in the face of the more powerful colonizers. We emerged victorious more than a hundred years ago because as a people who values freedom dearly we showed more heart and greater courage at a time our sovereignty was being challenged.
Today, there remains a battle we ought to win against—poverty. But poverty is not an invincible foe. If we show the same heart, the same courage that won for us our independence, we shall overcome these odds. Thus, reflecting on the nation’s accomplishments in the past and recognizing our current struggle against forces that hinder us from moving forward, give us deeper reason to keep our nationalistic fervor burning.
As we celebrate our independence, I acknowledge our workers, including those working overseas, for always being actively involved in efforts to preserve and protect our hard earned freedom. Your highly-regarded skills, insatiable yearning for new knowledge, diligence, and strength of character have earned for us the respect of other races.
Let us capitalize on these commendable traits in partnering with our government in our collective endeavor to free our country from poverty and work toward a progressive Philippines. This is precisely the message behind this year’s independence Day theme: “Republic Service, Tungo sa Ganap na Kalayaan at Kaunlaran.”
On behalf of the Department of Labor and Employment, I wish all Filipino workers a meaningful Independence Day celebration. May our love for our Motherland translate into sustained social and economic progress for more generations to come.
Mabuhay ang Lahing Malaya! Mabuhay and Malayang Pilipinas!
[B]Marianito Roque[/B] [I]SecretaryDepartment of Labor and Employment
Republic of the Philippines[/I]
