VP: Let Independence Day empower Filipinos amid challenges

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday urged Filipinos to draw strength from the commemoration of the 121^st Independence Day in dealing with the nation’s challenges.

“Paghugutan sana natin ng lakas ang araw na ito upang harapin ang mga hamon na hinaharap ng bansa,” Robredo said in her Independence Day message on Wednesday.

(May we draw strength from this day to face the challenges the country is currently facing)

“Nawa’y pukawin ng pagdiriwang na ito ang isang malalim na pagmamahal para sa bayan, at maging paalala sa bawat isa ng kung ano ang kaya nating marating sa ating pagbabayanihan,” she added.

(May this celebration arouse a deep love for the country and serve as a reminder to each one of us of what we can achieve as a nation.)

She likewise paid homage to the heroes for their sacrifices that paved the way for the country’s independence and to those who worked hard to ensure that every Filipino has the right to dictate their own future.

Robredo likewise urged Filipinos to look back at how the nation chose to follow its own path, build its own government, and establish its own state.

“Sa pagtutulak ng interes na ito, inako natin ang responsibilidad na gumawa ng isang lipunang malaya, makatarungan, at makatao. Isang lipunan kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay may oportunidad na mabuhay nang sagana at mapayapa,” she said.

(In pursuing this interest, we claimed the responsibility to build a nation that is free, just, and humane. A nation wherein every Filipino has the opportunity to live in prosperity and  peace.)

“At hanggang sa araw na ito, nakaatang ang responsibilidad na ito sa bawat isa sa atin,” she added.

(And up until this day, each and everyone of us are bestowed with that responsibility.)

Robredo also said it is now up to the current generation of Filipinos to ensure that the Philippines is a place where its citizens can prosper together.

“Bilang mga lingkod bayan, nasa ating pananagutan ang pangarap na ito para sa bawat Pilipino: Na lahat ay kabahagi at walang maiiwan. Na lahat ay may pantay-pantay na oportunidad sa pag-unlad,” she added.

(As public servants, it is our responsibility that this dream is for every Filipino. That every single Filipino has the opportunity to prosper.)  (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)