Malolos City, Bulacan
January 23, 2024
“Today, as beneficiaries of their heroism, we pledge to continue to pay those dues. For that is the only way we can honor those who founded the Malolos Republic, those who fought for its ideals, and those who fell in the war… This same force drives us today to attain the vision that was set forth by our founding fathers,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted as he honored Filipinos who paved the foundation to achieve a strong Philippine Republic that continues to remain an inspiration today amidst complex problems and uncertainties in the country.
The President made these remarks during the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan where he underscored the event as a crucial reminder to the nation of the notable heroism and sacrifices of Filipinos during this transformative time in the history of the Philippines, urging his countrymen to draw inspiration from this nobility to fight current struggles such as poverty, hunger, diseases, armed conflicts and injustices, among others.
“We draw strength from what transpired on these hallowed grounds 125 years ago. Under challenging times in a changing world, with complex problems, the history made here inspires us to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of our nation’s march to progress… This remains the vision with which we are guiding our nation today,” he said.
The Chief Executive reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to consistently uphold the idealism and democracy that the Philippines’ founding fathers started to ensure a more lasting peace and quality of life for its citizens.
“Ang bagong mukha po ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas ay may mga matang mulat sa mga suliranin, may mga taingang taimtim na nakikinig sa hinaing ng sambayanan, may boses na handang magtanggol sa naaapi at higit sa lahat may pusong naglilingkod para sa mas maginhawang buhay ng mga Pilipino,” the President conveyed.
“Kagaya ng mga haligi ng Republika ng Malolos, paigtingin nating lalo ang pag-ibig sa bayan upang maisulong natin ang isang mapagpalaya, mas maunlad at tunay na maginhawang Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
This year’s celebration forms part of a series of activities on the 125th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence and Nationhood 2023-2026, which honors the events leading up to the country’s independence from 1898 to 1901, pursuant to Administrative Order (AO) No. 8, s. 2023 signed by the Chief Executive on 28 April 2023.
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