THIS week is all color (blue, red, white and yellow) and splendor, as Filipinos all over the world once again gather to commemorate the 115th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence on June 12, 1898.
“Ambagan,” which means “contribution, share in a collective affair,” is the highlight of this year’s celebrations. With the theme, “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran” (Independence Day 2013: Pitching In Towards Inclusive Growth), Filipinos are called not only to acknowledge the valiant efforts of the heroes, who have fought for this hard-won independence, but also to assert themselves in ushering the same goal — working towards a more progressive Philippines.
“The Philippines continues to perform beyond expectations with unprecedented growth figures. The country is reaping the fruits from reforms being instituted pursuant to the Aquino administration’s program of good governance. The recently concluded elections not just reflects the vibrancy of our democracy, but the faith voters have placed in the government’s agenda,” shared Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. in his Independence Day message.
“However, the government continues to work on the challenge of sustaining the positive momentum, and ensuring that the fruits of our economic development will benefit the majority of our people at the soonest possible time.This is where the broader concept of “ambagan,” or of the community coming together towards a single purpose, comes in,” Cuisia added.
For Filipino-Americans, Cuisia cited the Katipunan as an inspiration. The Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (or KKK, a guerilla organization formed by Andres Bonifacio in the 19th century) eventually helped free the Philippines from 300 years of subjugation to Spain.
“The Katipunan was a society direly needed by the country then. Today, in a different and far less tumultuous setting, Filipino-American associations can also serve as important catalysts for change, as we build on the sacrifices of our heroes,” Cuisia said.
To complement this year’s theme, Cuisia calls on all his kababayans “to do our share to ensure that our development is sustained, and its fruits are enjoyed by the most number of people.”
“It is imperative that we join hands and march alongside one another toward an era of even greater stability and equitable progress,” Cuisia concluded.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shared Cuisia’s sentiments: that it will take every Filipino to join this venture “in turning the vision of a prosperous Philippines into reality.”
“One hundred and fifteen years ago, Filipinos stood victorious and proud as the Philippine flag was raised for the first time to signify the birth of an independent nation. It was a time when the task of nation-building, daunting as it was, served to form a shared vision of a free, prosperous and just society that would be worthy of the pride of every Filipino,” said DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario.
As we remember this historic event, let us also recognize the lasting contributions that every Filipino made in the past, in bringing development to this country in the last century.
May cultural displays of nationalism encourage other citizens to re-dedicate themselves in sharing the same endeavor.
After all the loud cheers, waving of national flags and renditions of patriotic songs, let the essence of celebrating our independence be ingrained upon us — to be united as Filipinos, to forge ahead and safeguard the destiny of this great nation.
(AJPress)
