Quirino Grandstand, City of Manila
June 12, 2024

“Ang kalayaang ito ay hindi nakamit nang walang katumbas na kabayaran — ang luha, dugo, at pawis na inialay ng ating mga ninuno sa dambana ng demokrasya at pagkakapantay-pantay. Sa kanila — sa ating mga ninuno at mga bayani — inihahandog ang araw na ito,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he wrapped up the country’s celebration of the 126th Independence Day in a series of grand festivities at the Quirino Grandstand in the City of Manila dubbed as ‘Parada ng Kalayaan 2024,’ where a procession of floats depicting the milestones of the Philippines’ freedom were showcased.

In his remarks, the President urged Filipinos to continuously uphold the spirit of this momentous occasion, noting that the celebration is more than just an act of remembering the triumph of our ancestors, but a commitment to ensure that the lessons of the past will be imparted for generations to come.

“Ang kalayaan ay inaalagaan, binabantayan at ipinapaglaban. Sa sandaling mapabayaan natin ito, maaari itong mawala at maagaw muli sa atin… Sinisimbolo ng okasyon natin ngayon ang ating pagsisikap na maisabuhay sa puso ng mga bagong Pilipinong narito ngayon, ang tunay na diwa ng kabayanihan, kalayaan, at pag-asa,” he said.

The Chief Executive emphasized the need to consistently embody the characteristics displayed by the country’s heroes amidst challenges confronting the nation today, urging Filipinos to be the champions of unity and cooperation. He also said that the whole of nation should always remain an image of strength to protect the sovereignty.

“Sa bawat hakbang, sa bawat pagpupunyagi, ipagpatuloy natin ang laban para sa Kalayaan — kalayaan mula sa kahirapan, kagutuman, kawalan ng katarungan, at iba pang mga balakid sa ating pag-unlad,” President Marcos Jr. encouraged.

“Lagi lamang po nating tandaan: Ang kasaysayan ang siyang susi natin tungo sa wagas at tunay na kalayaan, at sa kinabukasang puno ng pag-asa, kaliwanagan, at kasaganahan,” he added.

Today’s event highlighted the parade of 22 beautifully decorated floats from various provinces and national government agencies that showcase the rich history of the Philippines, particularly the story of 11 events depicting the country’s nationwide struggle for freedom from colonial rule. The parade also displayed the procession of 10 original branches and cabinet departments of the first Philippine Republic.

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