On this day a hundred and twenty-five years ago, in the waning years of the centuries-long occupation by Spanish colonizers, Filipino revolutionary forces declared the independence of the Philippine islands.

It was the culmination of a prolonged, if not protracted, struggle by our ancestors for a sovereign state, signaling the birth of the Filipino nation.

Despite the stretch of land and seas that separate us in Qatar from the Philippines, the cultural and historic ties that bind us as Filipinos endure. Because ours is a shared history of tragedies and triumphs, of resilience and hope, and of a love for country that transcends time and space.

We hark back to the spirited hours of 12 June 1898 as we ourselves emerge from the trying years of the COVID-19 pandemic. With guided optimism and somber remembrance of those who have left us in the wake of this 21st century tragedy, we look forward to better years ahead both as a nation and as a people with shared aspirations.

The tasks that lie ahead of us are enormous. But we remain committed to carrying out our national socio-economic goals over the medium and long term, guided by the Philippine Development Plan for the years 2023 to 2028, the 8-Point Socio-Economic Agenda, and the Ambisyon Natin 2040.

Our vision is for all Filipinos to enjoy a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life. All of us are enjoined to play our part, big or small, in making sure this vision is realized.

The national transformation we so urgently need requires a consciousness of where we are and where we wish to direct ourselves to. Centuries ago, our ancestors battled for the right to self-determination. Today, the Philippines faces battles of a different kind, battles that other regions of the world are also confronted with: a quest for freedom from the shackles of inequality, technological gap, climate change, threats to territorial integrity, and abuse of social media resulting in the distortion of facts.

But where there are challenges, there are opportunities. With increased spending in infrastructure, a young and dynamic workforce, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, a principled foreign policy, and a vibrant democracy, we will chart the future with the proud resolve of the valiant Filipinos of our collective history.

I wish Filipinos in Qatar and elsewhere in the world a joyful and meaningful 125th Independence Day!


LILLIBETH V. PONO

Ambassador