Livestream: 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Watch here the live stream feed of the 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration direct from the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park, near Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed hope on Sunday that the Filipino people would continue to protect and defend democracy even beyond his term which ends on June 30.

To the members of the Diplomatic Corps, President Aquino called on the ambassadors and head of the international organizations for continued solidarity “as we collectively face the challenges of an ever-shrinking world.”

In response, Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, thanked President Aquino for showing interest and appreciation to the world of the ambassadors in carrying out their mission in the country.

”This is a fitting occasion to renew the friendship of our respective governments and international organizations with you, Mr. President, and with the Filipino people whose hospitality and kindness make our work enjoyable and productive,” Archbishop Guiseppe said in his speech.

”We are also grateful for the competent and prompt assistance provided during state visits and other events by the Office of the President of the Republic and the different departments,” he added.

Midway the President’s speech, a video presentation was played showing President Aquino’s experience as a 13-year-old son of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino during the military rule of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

”Ididiin ko po: Nangyari na ito. Minsan nang inagaw ng kapwa natin Pilipino ang ating kalayaan. Ibig sabihin, kung hindi tayo magiging mapagmatyag, maaari uli itong mangyari,” President Aquino said.

Throughout his six-year presidency, President Aquino said he can look straight to the eyes of the Filipino people and tell them that he fulfilled what he has promised in 2010.

”Nang nagsimula tayo, isinumpa ko: Sa pagbaba ko sa puwesto, iiwan ko ang ating bansa nang mas maayos kaysa sa ating dinatnan. Sa ating pamamahala, ang Pilipinas ay magiging marangal at responsableng kasapi ng pandaigdigang komunidad,” the President said.

President Aquino said the government was able to help big number of Filipinos through PhilHealth, peace process, scholarships, and construction of infrastructures such as roads, bridges, seaports and airports that transformed the Philippines from being the “Sick Man of Asia” to the “Darling of Asia.” (PNA)

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