11/06/2025
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | Mas mahabang tanikala
More than a century ago, Emilio Aguinaldo waved the Philippine flag at a balcony in Cavite marking the freedom of Filipinos from the 300-year reign of the Spaniards. However, the country was not colonized by Spain alone, America and Japan held Filipinos for a few decades too. Nonetheless, the streets will be littered with parades, flag-waving ceremonies, and traditional dances, showcasing national pride and rich cultural heritage, celebrating the freedom Filipinos enjoy.
Filipinos celebrate the 127th anniversary of Independence Day with the theme, "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan." This day is not just a historical event; it symbolizes the spirit of freedom, resilience, and national pride that echoes deeply within the hearts of Filipinos.
Filipinos have always been welcoming, foreigners around the globe. According to the Department of Tourism, international travel increased by 9.15% from the previous year. History tells us that the datus have once welcomed Magellan with a feast and friendship.
However, the country seems to keep on forgetting that beyond the friendship with Spaniards, Americans, and the Japanese, there was also betrayal. These wounds have long been healed but still the scars of their shackles remain. There is still colonial mentality among Filipinos.
Filipinos have always known what it was like to be bound that longer chains look like freedom too.
Oppression may no longer come from foreign demands, but it continues to exist. History showed that even during the colonization, there was betrayal within the archipelago and amongst its people. To this day, it continues in various forms.
Poverty, corruption, lagged education system, and severely flawed justice system are just some of the issues that continue to plague the country.
Doing anything you want does not equate to freedom. Freedom comes at a price to keep it, and that is accountability and responsibility. Take for example having the right and freedom to vote, it comes with a responsibility. Officials must be held accountable and for the people to follow the law that these lawmakers have created.
Much is unknown with today's everchanging world. But one thing is certain. Freedom was a present fought for the forefather. Now it is up to the youth to protect that gift to secure the future of the motherland.
Cartoon by Charm Rabusa
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