Philippines Independence Day Parade: Marcos Calls for Unity Against Internal and External Challenges
During the 128th Philippine Independence Day celebrations, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged national unity to confront internal and external challenges including corruption, social division, and tensions in the South China Sea. A military parade showcased recent modernization efforts.
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(Central News Agency correspondent Lin Xingjian, Manila, 12th special report) The Philippines celebrated its 128th Independence Day on Thursday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reviewed the armed forces during the commemorative event and called on the public to maintain confidence amidst domestic political strife and global geopolitical shifts, urging them to continue loving and defending the nation and to face challenges together.
The Philippine government held the Independence Day ceremony at 7:00 AM at Rizal Park in Manila. President Marcos attended the flag-raising ceremony and laid a wreath at the monument of national hero Jose Rizal.
Marcos then proceeded to the reviewing stand to deliver his Independence Day speech. He stated that the peace, sovereignty, and freedom the Philippines enjoys today were earned through the sacrifices and blood of previous generations, and he hoped the people would unite to continue safeguarding these hard-won achievements.
The Philippines has faced a mix of internal and external troubles in recent months. Domestically, a corruption scandal involving flood control projects has erupted, and the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has caused social division. Externally, the country continues to face heightened tensions in the South China Sea.
Marcos acknowledged that the nation is confronting challenges from corruption, social division, poverty, and global geopolitical shifts. However, he expressed confidence in the capability, diligence, and goodness of the Filipino people, urging them not to tire of loving, choosing, and defending the Philippines, and to use their abilities for good, not evil.
Concluding his speech, Marcos called on the nation to unite under the Philippine flag and national identity, moving together towards the government's vision of a 'Bagong Pilipinas' (New Philippines).
The highlight of the Independence Day celebration was the military parade, which brought together personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies. The parade showcased newly acquired armored vehicles, main battle tanks, air defense systems, and disaster response vehicles, highlighting the government's achievements in military modernization and disaster response capabilities.
Cultural and indigenous group performances were also held during the event.
After more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, the anti-colonial organization 'Katipunan' rose up in 1896. Subsequently, revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150612
The Philippine government held the Independence Day ceremony at 7:00 AM at Rizal Park in Manila. President Marcos attended the flag-raising ceremony and laid a wreath at the monument of national hero Jose Rizal.
Marcos then proceeded to the reviewing stand to deliver his Independence Day speech. He stated that the peace, sovereignty, and freedom the Philippines enjoys today were earned through the sacrifices and blood of previous generations, and he hoped the people would unite to continue safeguarding these hard-won achievements.
The Philippines has faced a mix of internal and external troubles in recent months. Domestically, a corruption scandal involving flood control projects has erupted, and the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has caused social division. Externally, the country continues to face heightened tensions in the South China Sea.
Marcos acknowledged that the nation is confronting challenges from corruption, social division, poverty, and global geopolitical shifts. However, he expressed confidence in the capability, diligence, and goodness of the Filipino people, urging them not to tire of loving, choosing, and defending the Philippines, and to use their abilities for good, not evil.
Concluding his speech, Marcos called on the nation to unite under the Philippine flag and national identity, moving together towards the government's vision of a 'Bagong Pilipinas' (New Philippines).
The highlight of the Independence Day celebration was the military parade, which brought together personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies. The parade showcased newly acquired armored vehicles, main battle tanks, air defense systems, and disaster response vehicles, highlighting the government's achievements in military modernization and disaster response capabilities.
Cultural and indigenous group performances were also held during the event.
After more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, the anti-colonial organization 'Katipunan' rose up in 1896. Subsequently, revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150612
FAQ
When is the Philippine Independence Day?
It is on June 12, commemorating the declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.
What did President Marcos call for in his speech?
He called for national unity to confront internal and external challenges like corruption, social division, and geopolitical shifts.
What was showcased in the military parade?
Newly acquired armored vehicles, main battle tanks, air defense systems, and disaster response vehicles were displayed.