Marcos to Pinoys: Don't falter, remain steadfast

Paying tribute to heroes who fought for Philippine independence, President Marcos yesterday vowed not to shirk from his duty to protect the country’s territory, reminding Filipinos that they may lose their freedom if they do not defend it.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Speaking during the Independence Day parade in Manila, Marcos urged Filipinos to continue what their forebears started and to stand up for their rights as a free nation.

“Our ancestors did not retreat from the fight, so we must not turn our backs on our duty to fight for our domain,” the President said.

“Let us show the world that true power is measured not by might or by wealth but by the true meaning and reason behind what we are fighting for – the love for the country and the immeasurable unity of our people,” he added.

Marcos said Filipinos do not just look back at the past, but relive it as they strive to attain a more independent future.

“Mananatili tayong matatag at hindi tayo matitinag (We will remain steadfast and we will not falter),” he said.

Marcos also reminded the youth that their forebears sacrificed to achieve the peace and freedom they are enjoying.

He lamented that many young people do not know GomBurZa, the collective term for three Filipino priests whose martyrdom sparked nationalism during the Spanish colonial rule.

“Freedom is nurtured, secured and defended. Once we neglect it, we may lose it or it may be taken away from us,” the Chief Executive said.

In a separate video message, Marcos said he is honored to be Filipino, whose ancestors bravely fought to restore the country’s peace and independence.

“As inheritors of this freedom, it is the duty of each one of us to protect it and ensure that we will not be cowed by intimidation, incursion and oppression,” Marcos said in Filipino.

“As we face the challenges of the modern age, may we fortify not only our courage, but also our unity and cooperation,” he said.

Marcos said the freedom parade symbolized the challenge for Filipinos to continuously fight for freedom and to imbibe the spirit of heroism and hope.