The Department of National Defense joins the nation in celebrating our 124th Philippine Independence Day.

In Dr. Jose Rizal’s seminal work, Noli me Tangere, the character Elias said, “I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land! You, who have it to see, welcome it—and forget not those who have fallen during the night!”

In these immortal words of our national hero, we remember that the gift of independence bequeathed to us by our forefathers was wrought in their immeasurable sacrifice and unflagging hope for the future of the country. As we look back at the road that led us to the freedom and democracy we enjoy today, we also set our sights on the work that remains to be done to achieve the brighter future our heroes dreamed for us.

This year’s Independence Day celebration theme, “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning)” aptly calls on all Filipinos to embrace the changes coming our way. In this period of transition, may we continue to work together with our new set of leaders to realize the hopes and dreams of our forefathers for our nation.

Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan sa ating lahat!

Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana
Department of National Defense