Maria Virginia Sy

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and family during the 127th Independence Day celebration at the Quirino Grandstand on June 12, 2025. Presidential Communication Office

Article (news)

127th Independence Day Celebration

Carmelle Lacuata

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174971105723520250612-marcos-independence-day-PCO1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and family during the 127th Independence Day celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, on June 12, 2025. <em>Presidential Communication Office </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday encouraged Filipinos to defend the country against those who seek to diminish the people’s strength.</p><p>As the country commemorates its 127th Independence Day, Marcos reminded the people of the sacrifices of our ancestors.</p><p>“Today, we celebrate one of the proudest milestones of our history — the moment our flag was first unfurled in the sky on that eventful day of 1898 in Kawit, Cavite. The journey to reach that moment was long, arduous, and costly, requiring the sacrifice of selfless individuals for over a century. Because of their heroism, we now enjoy the rights and privileges reserved for those who have a country they can call their own,” he said in his message.</p><p>Marcos also said these sacrifices have inspired generations of Filipinos to offer themselves for the cause of the country, and hence, the present generation should also ensure that what our ancestors fought for will not be wasted.</p><p>“That is why we must value our heritage by striving for excellence in preserving our rights and freedoms ensuring that they are used solely for the improvement and protection of our citizenry. So, let use continue to bear the vigor of our ancestors as we defend our nation against those who seek to diminish the strength of our people,” he said.</p><p>Marcos likewise encouraged Filipinos to “build a country worthy of the sacrifices made by our heroes” by offering their abilities for the betterment of the country.</p><p>“May you endeavor to enhance your abilities and character to give more to our nation. Through our collective efforts, we will forge the path of progress, stability, and prosperity for our present and future generations,” he added.</p><p>Marcos’ message follows the long-standing tensions between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/10/navy-china-must-leave-phs-maritime-zones-1447">Navy: China must leave PH’s maritime zones</a></div><p>Among the latest encounters between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea was when a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel blocked, fired water cannon and sideswiped a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel conducting marine scientific research near Pag-asa Island last month.</p><p>Despite being harassed, the BFAR was able to complete its mission.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/7/chinese-envoy-hopes-people-will-help-bring-ph-china-relations-back-to-even-better-future-0209">&#x27;Collaboration instead of confrontation&#x27;: Chinese envoy hopes people will help bring PH-China relations &#x27;back to even better future&#x27;</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/11/contingency-measures-in-place-for-grounded-chinese-ships-in-west-philippine-sea-navy-1341">Contingency measures in place for grounded Chinese ships in West Philippine Sea: Navy</a></div>

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday encouraged Filipinos to defend the country against those who seek to diminish the people’s strength.</p>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday encouraged Filipinos to defend the country against those who seek to diminish the people’s strength.

On Independence Day, Marcos Jr. tells Filipinos to defend vs ‘those who seek to diminish our strength’

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On Independence Day, Marcos Jr. tells Filipinos to defend vs ‘those who seek to diminish our strength’

Rose Carmelle Lacuata,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 12, 2025 06:00 AM PHT

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Updated June 12, 2025 02:51 PM PHT

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Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Independence Day

Araw ng Kalayaan

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