Living our independence with unity, vigilance, and resolve

Every June 12, we celebrate the day we stood before the world and claimed our place as an independent, self-governing nation. It's a moment in history where we declared who we are proud, free, and determined to shape our own future.

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Independence is not just something we remember — it's something we live. It's the legacy we inherit and the responsibility we carry forward.

One hundred and twenty-seven years on, we have come a long way from the struggles of a post-colonial, Third World country. We've grown into a dynamic, developing economy — resilient, resourceful, and full of promise. Our people have built, rebuilt, and pushed forward through every crisis and setback. But with each step towards progress comes new challenges. Now, our independence is tested not by straightforward conquest, but by Beijing's incursions into our territory, disinformation campaigns, and the exploitation of our natural resources. These are clear and present threats — and we must meet them with the same courage and clarity our forebears showed.

Our marine diversity situation is beset with numerous mounting threats — for instance, plastic pollution and illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported, as of October 2024, that the fish catch in the West Philippine Sea dropped 6.78% during the first half of that year, falling to 101,039.54 metric tons from 108,392.48 metric tons in the same period in 2023.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the decline has been linked to the incursions of foreign vessels (notably Chinese) that intimidate Filipino fisherfolk and limit their access to their traditional fishing grounds.