Story of Independence echos deep
Luis T. Cruz, ambassador of the Philippines to Korea, contributed the following article on the occasion of Independence Day, which falls on today. ― ED.
The story of Philippine Independence is one that reverberates deep and far.
As with any good story, it has a beginning, a climax and an end.
Ours began with a passionate and deep-seated desire to be set free from colonial oppression, a desire that slowly brewed for three centuries, and lingered under gathering clouds of nationalistic fervor.
This intense yearning for self-determination reached its climax on June 12, 1898 when the Republic of the Philippines, forged by the courage and vision of its people, finally flew its flag as an independent country on an equal footing with other nations.
The story continues.
With a vibrant economy that has successfully overcome global crises and a political machine that consistently prioritizes the security and welfare of its people, the Philippines is proud to be an active and responsible member of the international community.
We are driven by the same courage and vision our predecessors displayed: we continue to strengthen our national foundations as we reach out to our neighbors on mutually important issues such as poverty alleviation, human security and environmental sustainability.
We have, for the better part, achieved success on these issues with the continuing partnership of like-minded countries.
The Republic of Korea, for instance, remains a close and significant ally from when we stood side-by-side during the 1950-53 Korean War until now when relations have expanded to vast and diverse fields.
In particular, the Philippines holds in high esteem the "Low Carbon, Green Growth" economic model, proclaimed by South Korea as a national aim that will guide its actions for the succeeding years.
Our two countries are working closely together on multi-industry clusters bound to raise agricultural productivity and community well-being in rural areas of the Philippines.
As an archipelagic country, the Philippines also fully supports the objective of the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu on "The Living Ocean and Coast."
South Korea is proving that business can be made from, and perhaps more importantly for, the environment.
We would like to show solidarity with South Korea ― and the global community ― to protect the only planet where all of us have found timeless stories of human conviction, hope and a purposeful march towards progress.
The story of Philippine Independence reverberates deep into our national psyche, far across our neighbors and toward a future where our children can benefit from the full potential that a healthy, diverse and sustainable environment provides.