CAVITE-In celebrating the Philippine’s 115th Independence from colonizers, Senator Franklin M. Drilon encouraged Filipinos to keep on trusting God, the government and themselves.
“We need to strengthen our faith in God, in our government and in ourselves. We must be united in order to pursue our dream of a progressive and a peaceful country,” said Drilon, who led today/June 12 the flag-raising ceremony at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite to commemorate the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
“Ang mabuting pamamahala at matatag na pamumuno – ito ang bumubuo sa pangarap ng matibay na pundasyong politikal ng ating mga mamamayan. Hindi binitiwan ng mga Pilipino ang layuning ito kahit pa may mga nagsasabing hindi kailanman makakamit ng ating bansa ang kasaganaan dahil sa bulok na sistemang politikal at kultura,” said Drilon in a speech.
He said that the result of the recently-held elections was a reflection of Filipino’s unwavering desire to achieve good governance.
“Our people have shown in the recently-held elections that they are one with us in the pursuit of ‘daang matuwid’. They are tired of the kind of governance that is driven by personal interests and ambitions. They want genuine and meaningful reforms,” emphasized Drilon.
Drilon said the reforms put forward by President Aquino have started to make a positive impact on the lives of the Filipino people, especially the poor and marginalized.
He lauded the unprecedented 7.8 percent first quarter growth rate making Philippine economy the fastest growing in Asia.
Citing the conditional cash transfer program with a budget of over P40 billion in 2013, he said the government was able to assist 3.9 million poorest families who are given a monthly stipend of P1,400 a month.
Drilon also said the government’s enhanced Philhealth insurance program now benefits more than five million families who cannot afford to seek even basic medical care.
The government, according to Drilon, is now constructing more than 60,000 classrooms to finally address the backlogs.
While Drilon said much has been achieved, much remains to be done in order to better the lives of the people.
“However, I submit that much needs to be done. These programs would be more meaningful if the people in the grassroots level, the men and women on the street, would feel a remarkable improvement in their lives,” said Drilon. “Ang pinakamalaking hamon ngayon ay kung paano isalin ang tagumpay na ito tungo sa magandang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan.”
Drilon also celebrated the Filipinos’ unyielding faith in democracy, saying that the “people’s will and zealousness to preserve our democratic gains prevailed over national security threats, political trials and daunting economic and social debacles. The Filipino’s indomitable spirit triumphed over all imaginable odds.”
He reminded the people about the sacrifices and heroism of their forefathers which led to a free and democratic country.
Drilon said the best way to honor their legacy is by contributing substantially to nation building. “Hard work, honesty, little acts of kindness and heroism will make a huge difference.”
“Every day, we are faced with different choices. Let us choose the road that will bring us to our dream of lasting peace and prosperity for our country and that road is no other than the “daang matuwid,” ended Drilon.
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