HONORABLE ENRIQUE A . MANALO
SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ON THE OCCASION OF KALAYAAN 2025
“KALAYAAN. KINABUKASAN. KASAYSAYAN.”
12 June 2025
On behalf of the women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs, I join all Filipinos around the world in commemorating the 127 years of Philippine Independence.
The theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” reminds us to honor our heritage while looking to the future. Our great forebears have fought with their lives in the hopes that our nation would thrive and prosper on its own, free from the oppression of foreign powers, and free to chart its own destiny.
While we are now enjoying the fruits of this hard-fought freedom, we still aim to reach our full potential as a nation. We seek to achieve a Bagong Pilipinas where everyone has fair representation, has equitable access to opportunities for progress, and has the chance to actively participate in nation-building.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has remained unwavering in its commitment to implement an independent foreign policy that promotes and protects Philippine interests.
The same courage and resilience that fueled the Katipunan, is the same one that moves our foreign service. The same grit carved in the DNA of every Filipino who shed her or his blood for our independence is the same one that drives our diplomats to protect our sovereignty. The same consciousness that made Rizal pen literary masterpieces that ignited the Philippine’s quest for independence is the same one that inspires the women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs to help propel our nation to new heights.
As we look back on our struggles in solidifying our nationhood, let us not also forget our unique place in history as the earliest modern democracy in Asia where democracy, universal human rights, freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination are valued.
As we look to the future, let us take pride in our contributions to the world in upholding international law and a rules-based order as our nation carves its own path to greatness.
To all Filipinos around the world, Maligayang araw ng Kasarinlan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
