President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte both called on Filipinos to honor the country’s heroes by protecting the freedoms they fought for, as the nation marks the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

In his Independence Day message, Marcos urged Filipinos to use the freedoms won by Filipino heroes to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.

“In the spirit of patriotism, let us honor our priceless freedom by building a country worthy of the sacrifices made by our heroes,” he said.

He also encouraged Filipinos to develop their skills and character to contribute to nation-building.

“Through our collective efforts, we will forge a path of progress, stability, and prosperity for present and future generations,” Marcos added.

The President described the proclamation of Philippine independence as the “proudest milestone” in the country’s history, achieved through the long and painful struggle of Filipino heroes.

Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte, who is set to attend the Independence Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, urged Filipinos to remember that today’s freedom was earned through the sacrifices of Filipinos who stood against foreign oppression.

“With their sacrifices and for offering their lives, we enjoy freedom, and we live as a nation advancing our aspirations, interests, and dreams,” she said.

Duterte also reminded Filipinos of their responsibility to defend that hard-won freedom.

“It would be a desecration of the memory of our heroes to embrace the culture of slavery,” she said. “Ignoring the suffering of many Filipino families is an affront to the spirit of freedom and a violation of our rights and the law.”

Among the challenges to that freedom, she added, are corruption, illegal drugs, poor education, poverty, and hunger.

“We are not free only to plunge our country into suffering. We are not free to once again lose our rights and become slaves to a few,” Duterte stressed.