FREEDOM must create opportunities and improve lives as the promise of independence remains incomplete if its benefits are not felt by all.
This was the message of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III for the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence, as he called on Filipinos to ensure that freedom serves as a foundation for shared progress and nation-building.
“Freedom must always go hand in hand with progress. Hindi sapat na tayo ay malaya kung marami pa rin ang hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na maging bahagi ng pag-unlad,” the Speaker from Isabela said on Friday.
According to Dy, freedom is not only about remembering the nation’s struggle for self-rule but also about working together to build a stronger and more inclusive society.
“Ngunit ang tunay na diwa ng kalayaan ay hindi lamang ang paglaya mula sa pananakop. Ito rin ay ang kakayahan nating magtulungan upang bumuo ng isang mas maunlad, mas makatarungan, at mas matatag na bansa,” he said.
The Speaker said independence becomes more meaningful when it expands opportunities for families to build a better future.
“Ang kalayaan ay may mas malalim na kahulugan kapag ito ay nagbubukas ng oportunidad para sa bawat Pilipino na magkaroon ng disenteng trabaho, dekalidad na edukasyon, at mas magandang kinabukasan para sa kanilang pamilya,” he said.
Dy said the present generation must ensure that the fruits of freedom are felt in every home and community.
“Ang hamon sa ating henerasyon ay tiyaking ang bunga ng kalayaan ay mararamdaman sa bawat tahanan at komunidad,” he said.
The Speaker also urged the public to use freedom in service of the nation and the common good.
“Sa araw na ito, muli nating pagtibayin ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan at ang ating paninindigan na gamitin ang ating kalayaan hindi lamang para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa kapakanan ng buong sambayanan,” he said.
Dy likewise called on the nation to honor the sacrifices of the country’s heroes by helping build a stronger and more united Philippines.
“As we honor the heroes who fought for our freedom, let us also commit ourselves to building a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Philippines.”
