House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez reminded Filipinos June 12 that freedom and independence carry with them the responsibility to fight for a just society.
He made the reminder in remarks marking the country’s 126th Independence Day at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, where the first democratic republic in Asia was born.
Other members of the House of Representatives and local officials, led by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando, attended the simple celebration.
He said Independence Day is also an occasion for the nation to unite towards building a prosperous and a just society.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House said it was an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to address them on Independence Day.
He noted that the historic church is witness to the founding of the 1898 Congress, which held its first session there and where the Malolos Constitution was written.
“Ang mga sakripisyo at kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno dito sa Barasoain ay isang paalala sa atin ng tunay na diwa ng kalayaan. Sa kanilang tapang at determinasyon, natamo natin ang ating kalayaan. Sila ang nagbigay ng daan upang tayo ay mamuhay nang malaya at marangal. Dito sa Simbahan ng Barasoain, nagbuklod-buklod ang ating mga ninuno upang itaguyod ang isang bansang malaya at may dignidad,” Romualdez said in a press release as he wished his colleagues, local officials and Filipinos in general a joyful and meaningful celebration of Independence Day. ||
