It has been 123 years since the Philippine flag was first raised to declare our country’s independence from its Spanish colonizers.
That day would mark a major turning point in our nation’s history, as it sent a clear and strong message that Filipinos will no longer allow themselves to be slaves in their homeland.
Over the next decades, the nation’s sovereignty would be threatened anew by foreign powers who set foot on our soil and imposed their military might upon our people.
Having been under the rule of a colonial power for more than three centuries, we fought these invaders and in doing so, shed blood, sweat and tears until we regained our independence.
And now our country’s freedom is once again endangered not by a foreign nation who wants to rule over us, but by a pandemic that has upended all aspects of our daily lives.
For more than a year, we have fought valiantly to keep this unseen enemy from claiming the things that matter the most to us — our livelihoods and our loved ones.
It has been a long and difficult battle. Many of us have lost our jobs, our possessions, and the people who matter to us the most.
However, during these challenging times, heroes have emerged and are putting their lives on the line so that their fellow Filipinos can be protected from the disease and receive vital services.
These are the brave men and women who serve in hospitals, health centers, government offices, fast food stores, factories and checkpoints amid the threat of the disease.
As we commemorate Independence Day, let us pay tribute to our doctors, nurses, soldiers, factory workers, government personnel, riders, soldiers and policemen.
They are the epitome of courage, determination and selflessness – the very same qualities of our heroes who more than a hundred years ago sacrificed their lives for our nation’s independence.
We can all be heroes. We can do this by demonstrating the Bayanihan spirit and extending a helping hand to those who are most in need.
This is the only way we can regain our freedom from this health crisis, put an end to this pandemic, and bring back a greater sense of normalcy to our lives.
Happy Independence Day to all!
