Under a gloomy Manila sky, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day at Rizal Park.

celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day at Rizal Park.

He was joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their children, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, Joseph Simon Marcos and William Vincent Marcos.

At 7 a.m., a flag ceremony was held at the Independence flagpole in front of the Rizal Monument before which the President laid a wreath afterward. He was escorted by National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.

Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies were held in key historical sites across the country, such as the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery; the Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; and the Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas in Angeles City, Pampanga.

With the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” Marcos emphasized the importance of celebrating the nation’s freedom despite the many hardships it has endured.

“From their sacrifice, the Republic of the Philippines gradually emerged. But, in the young age of our country’s history, we faced the challenges of world war, the oil crisis, globalization,” he said.

“In the face of all these challenges, our nation has gradually grown stronger and more united. Strengthened by fire, sacrifice and tears,” he added.

Marcos pointed out that under his vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, Filipinos are free to express their opinions without prejudice.

“Giving an opinion is not a sin. And more so criticism is not. On the contrary, it is what gives life and shine to our democracy,” he said.

He warned, however, that the real enemy of freedom is indifference.

“The real enemy of freedom is numbness. Numbness to the grievances of the people. Numbness to the plight of our fellow man. Numbness to the welfare of our country,” Marcos said.

Turning to his fellow public servants, Marcos urged them not to waste the trust granted by the people. “We, the members of the government, the heirs of freedom, let us not waste the opportunity and trust bestowed upon us.”

He added, “Accountability — that is the cry of the people. From broken bridges, roads, expensive food, lack of electricity — what the people want is real action and service. The solution is to make everyone’s lives easier,” he said.

Marcos later took part in the Kalayaan 2025 parade, where the AFP showcased their ranks and equipment, joined by the uniformed services, including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, among others.

Carriages portraying key historical events were also displayed, including floats on the Battles of Marawi, Cry of Candon, Battle of Alapan, Siege of Baler, Malolos Congress, Negros Revolution, and Cry of Sta. Barbara. These highlighted the milestones that led to the proclamation of Philippine independence on 12 June 1898.

The Philippine cultural identity was likewise celebrated through vibrant street dance performances. The Maytime Festival of Antipolo City opened the festivities, followed by the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo, the bamboo-themed Tultugan Festival of Maasin, the Al Cinco de Noviembre of Negros Occidental, the Pasidayaw Festival of Aurora, the Tobacco Festival of Ilocos Sur, and the Paru-Paro Festival of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora welcomed the simultaneous celebration at the Pinaglabanan Shrine, saying it emphasized the pivotal role the city played in the Philippine Revolution.

“San Juan is proud to be part of our national story. The Battle of Pinaglabanan was the first uprising led by the Katipuneros under Andres Bonifacio, and we continue to honor that legacy every year,” he said.

The President, meanwhile, reminded the people not to forget the value of freedom in an era challenged by disinformation, herd mentality, and divisive narratives.

“If we look at what is happening around the world today, freedom is fleeting. Fake news, misinformation, a herd mentality can erase our way of life, our culture, our value system that we hold so dear,” he said.

He lamented that some Filipinos continue to insist on their wrong beliefs for personal or political gain. “It is also sad that some of our countrymen are pushing false beliefs for the interest of others and not for the welfare of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.

Among the stories that highlighted the day’s relevance was that of Early Joy de San Jose, 32, who was among 11 jobseekers hired on the spot at a job fair held by the Department of Migrant Workers.

A call center agent-turned-overseas cleaner, De San Jose said she decided to apply abroad to pay for her elderly parents’ medical needs.

“Both of them are senior citizens, so now it’s my turn to support them,” she said. Though her current salary is decent, she admitted it was no longer enough.