Filipinos must eliminate challenges to PH progress – OPAPRU chief
MANILA, Philippines – As the country celebrates its 128th Independence Day on Friday, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento called on all Filipinos to work together to overcome challenges that stop the nation from attaining progress.
“As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our forebears to free us from the bondage of foreign invaders, may the spirit of independence inspire Filipinos to unite and work together to overcome the challenges that hinder our nation’s progress,” Sarmiento said in a statement.
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Sarmiento said these challenges are the “dividers that sow animosity, conflicts that impede development, and poverty that limits pathways to opportunity.”
He added that addressing these challenges and creating conditions for genuine and lasting peace must be the focus of all Filipinos.
“This is, after all, the essence of Positive Peace — when the underlying roots of structural conflict are addressed, and are replaced by social justice, inclusiveness, and harmony,” he said.
Sarmiento also reminded Filipinos to be responsible citizens, as doing so means becoming nation-builders.
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“We must not only be proud of our heritage as Filipinos but, more importantly, contribute to the collective effort of building a stronger, more united, and more just Philippine society. A Happy National Independence Day to all! Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! (Long Live the New Philippines),” he said.
As this developed, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reminded Filipinos that the freedom the Philippines enjoys today was secured through “the sacrifices of those who came before us.”
“As we commemorate the 128th Philippine Independence Day, we join the entire nation in reflecting on the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.’ It reminds us that the freedom we now enjoy was secured through the sacrifices of those who came before us, and that the future of our nation depends on how faithfully we uphold and protect that hard-earned independence,” Brawner said.
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Brawner also said the AFP stands at the intersection of the country’s history and future as if it honors the courage of all Filipino heroes by remaining faithful to its sworn duty as defenders of our sovereignty, preserving democratic institutions, and safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino people.
“As our Commander-in-Chief has emphasized, ‘let the AFP embody the Filipino spirit – one that stands firm against oppression, adapts to the demands of the times, and always places the welfare of the nation above all else,” he added.
He also said all soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and civilian employees of the AFP carry the responsibility of ensuring that the freedom won by previous generations is preserved for those yet to come.
“Let us become living examples of patriotism, reflected in our discipline and integrity, inspiring every Filipino through our actions that help shape the future of our beloved nation,” he said. (PNA)
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