12/06/2025
๐๐๐๐ง๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐ | ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต๐ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
In disservice to years of hard-fought sovereignty, we now find ourselves dragging that same independence back to square one. The freedoms, once secured by our forefathers, remain as something to be sought by the masses.
Generations of Filipinos have shed blood, sweat, and tears for the freedom we now celebrate as Independence Day on the 12th of June each year. Beyond historical significance, the relevance of our independence persists. The reason is that, in truth, our sovereignty is still under threat.
Our countryโs feud over oceanic territories continues to challenge Philippine independence. Consider the recent West Philippine Sea disputeโan ongoing conflict that has put our sovereignty in a state of threat. In contested waters, overlapping maritime claims clash by the minute. Amidst these rising tensions, the Philippines struggles to stay afloat.
A much deeper concern lies in how our country trades independence for foreign aid. Be it overseas remittances via OFWs or economic dependencies, our overreliance is undeniable. Through this practice of sold independence, we sacrifice a history's worth of freedom.
This loss of sovereignty extends to the lives of Filipinos, most of whom still live at the bottom of the system. Red taggings and extrajudicial killings have only made our basic human rights feel more like a privilege than a guarantee. In contrast to the government, we are the ones to receive the short end of the stick. It shows that our society is still far from achieving the pleasures of true independence.
Despite what life throws at us, let it be clear that our freedom is a fight that is far from over. We are Filipinos, and our resilience in the face of life's hardships will be our guiding light.
Until we are free to fish in our waters without fear. Until we are free from poverty, corruption, and foreign dependency. Until we are free to speak without fear and censorship. Only then can we say that we are a realized, independent nationโone that uses its freedom for the good of all its people.
This Independence Day, challenging the status quo is more important than ever. Because independence should not only belong in a chapter in our history books. Rather, it must also become a living reality for us all.
Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!
Words by Aaron Moldez
