News Release

President Duterte asks Filipinos to act with courage, hope to overcome coronavirus pandemic


Filipinos should emulate the gallantry of the country’s heroes who fought for independence from Spain to defeat the current coronavirus pandemic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Friday as the nation celebrates its 122nd anniversary of independence.

“One hundred and twenty-two years ago, our forefathers proudly proclaimed the birth of the Filipino nation. Today, we honor them for their bravery, heroism and sacrifice as well as we thank them for the gifts of democracy and freedom,” the President said in his message as he joins all Filipinos in celebrating the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

“As we wage a united battle against COVID-19, we now have the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and nobility of character as the heroes of our past.”

The President asked Filipinos to move forward with courage, hope and optimism to overcome the contagion.

On June 12, 1898, President Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from the Spanish colonial rule in Cavite el Viejo (Kawit), Cavite.

Aguinaldo’s proclamation of independence made the Philippines Asia’s first free and united nation from the clout of Western powers.

This year’s Independence Day celebration has for its theme “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas”. PND