Mahal kong kababayan.

The birth of our nation was marked by the great sacrifice of Filipinos who stood tall in the eyes of history, and those who labored unheralded, past history's unforgiving gaze.

Those who fought for our independence risked it all. Their fortunes, their families, their very lives, were placed on freedom's doorstep. Fueled by their vision of a free and independent nation, propelled by their love for their country, and driven by their faith in the Filipino people, one-hundred and six years ago, they proclaimed to the world, and in the face of destiny, the Philippines, a nation born.

With freedom in their hearts and strength of spirit, a diverse people were united.

That unity has served us well in facing our nation's greatest challenges. We overcame war, lived through superpower confrontation and the threat of global destruction, we bested injustice and the darkest hours of our democracy, and we stood fast in the war against terror, stronger and with greater faith in our nation and in ourselves.

One-hundred and six years ago, from across the seas and in the capitals of the world, Rizal, Luna, Del Pilar and other like them, by their brilliance and hard work, brought to the world the desire of the Filipino to live free and for the Philippines to stand proudly and with dignity among the community of nations.

Though far from home, they were crucial in uniting our people and in forging a new nation. Though separated by distance, their actions strongly influenced and shaped the future of our young nation.

Today, for the first time, our new heroes are taking a direct hand in shaping the future of our nation. From across the seas, Filipinos have taken the destiny of our nation in their hands and have cast their ballots. From the world's capitals and cities, Filipinos have made their mark by taking part in the historic exercise of choosing their leaders.

The sacrifices of Filipinos overseas and those they left behind, whether a century ago or a century hence, have brought us our freedom and our independence and will serve to inspire all of us in preserving these sacred gains.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang matatag na Republika ng Pilipinas!


(Original signed)
DELIA DOMINGO ALBERT
Secretary of Foreign Affairs



12 June 2004

© Copyright 2004 Philippine Embassy Beijing. All Rights Reserved.