Kawit: Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Thursday urged Filipinos to celebrate Independence Day by rekindling the lessons of the revolution that led to Philippine independence -- love of country, placing the welfare of others above one's self, and justice. In his keynote address during the celebration of the 127th year of Philippine Independence at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, Gesmundo urged Filipinos to honor the country's heroes not just through symbolisms but through principled action.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gesmundo emphasized that the story of the nation's freedom does not end with history but continues in the present and shapes the future. He encouraged Filipinos to celebrate their freedom not merely by waving the flag and reminiscing about the past, but through tangible actions. Gesmundo highlighted the importance of reaffirming the ideals that fueled their journey to freedom.
He stressed the need to teach children not only the names of the country's heroes but also the principles they embodied: love of country, sacrificing personal interests for the greater good, and relentless dedication to the nation's development. Gesmundo emphasized that to truly honor independence, every Filipino must actively participate in building a just and humane society.
Gesmundo further stated that true independence is coupled with a responsibility to the people, and meaningful freedom should inspire efforts toward a more equitable society. While Filipinos today may not be called to risk their lives in war, they are nonetheless called to demonstrate courage and unwavering dedication in addressing current challenges such as corruption, apathy, and internal abuse.
The historical context of the celebration was also underscored, as it commemorates the proclamation made by the country's first president, Emilio Aguinaldo, declaring Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. This proclamation marked the Philippines as Asia's first free nation from Western dominion.
