President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a message for the upcoming Independence Day. (Photo screengrab from his video message posted on his Facebook account)
MANILA, Philippines — As Independence Day draws near, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Filipinos to join the country in its continuous fight for freedom and sovereignty amid threats to its territories.
In a video message on Sunday, Marcos encouraged the public to awaken their “Filipino spirit,” revive nationalism in their blood, and participate in the country’s upcoming celebration starting on Monday.
READ: Marcos challenges Filipinos on Independence Day: Assert your liberties
“Sa nakaraang 126 taon hanggang ngayon patuloy natin pinaglalaban ang ating kalayaan. Kalayaan sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng ating pagka-Pilipino higit dito kalayaan sa ating teritoryo, soberanya,” Marcos said.
(In the past 126 years, we have continued to fight for our freedom. Freedom in various aspects of our Filipino identity, including fighting for our territory and sovereignty.)
“Kaya’t walang pagod ang ating pagbabantay walang katapusan ang ating pagpulong sa iba’t ibang bansa upang matulungan din tayo ma-i-sulong ang ating kapakanan at karapatan patuloy rin ang proyektong pangkultura para lalong mapatatag ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang pilipino,” he added.
(That’s why our vigilance is tireless; our meetings in different countries are endless to help us promote our welfare and rights; the cultural project also continues to strengthen our identity as Filipinos.)
Independence Day activities
For this month, the chief executive said that a series of activities, programs, and concerts will be offered to the public starting June 10 at the Quirino Grandstand.
“Sa Quirino Grandstand, Burnham Green ay magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang atraksyon meron tayong cooking competition para sa ating national dishes na tanyag na tanyag na sa buong mundo, meron tayong obstacle course race para sa mga athletic at makikisig,” Marcos said.
(At the Quirino Grandstand, Burnham Green, there will be various attractions; we will have a cooking competition for our national dishes that are famous worldwide and an obstacle course race for the athletes.)
He added that live concerts featuring various artists, along with a bazaar, “labuyo” eating contest or chili festival, and Bagong Pilipinas one-stop shop caravan, will also take place.
On June 12, Marcos said Parada ng Bayan will kick off, followed by a free concert featuring the P-pop girl group BINI.
“Kaya samahan nyo kami dalhin ang inyong pamilya, kaibigan at higit sa lahat ang inyong pagka-Pilipino at makilahok sa selebrasyon,” he concluded.
(So join us, bring your family, friends, and most of all, your nationalism, and participate in the celebration.)