MANILA, Philippines- Hinimok ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ang sambayanang Pilipino na alalahanin ang naging ambag ng Pilipinas sa buong mundo para pagtibayin ang international law.
Hinikayat ni Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo ang mga Pilipino na tandaan na ang bansa ay ang pinakaunang ‘modern democracy’ sa Asya, nanawagan sa mga ito na “honor our heritage while looking to the future.”
“As we look back on our struggles in solidifying our nationhood, let us not forget our unique place in history as the earliest modern democracy in Asia where democracy, universal human rights, freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination,” ang sinabi ni Manalo sa isang kalatas.
“As we look to the future, let us take pride in our contributions to the world in upholding international law and rules-based order as our nation carves its own path to greatness,” dagdag niya.
Hinikayat din ng departamento ang mga tao na huwag kalimutan na “our great forebears have fought with their lives in the hopes that our nation would thrive and prosper on its own, free from the oppression of foreign powers, and free to chart its own destiny.”
Aniya pa, habang tinatamasa ngayon ng bansa ang bunga ng ‘hard-fought freedom’ nito, nananatiling layon ng Pilipinas na maabot ang buong potensyal nito.
Hangad ng Pilipinas na makamit ang bansa “where everyone has fair representation, has equitable access to opportunities for progress, and has the chance to actively participate in nation-building.”
Sinabi pa ni Manalo na hindi natitinag ang DFA sa commitment nito na ipatupad ang isang ‘independent foreign policy’ na magpo-promote at magpo-protekta sa interest ng bansa.
“The same courage and resilience that fueled the Katipunan, is the same one that moves our foreign service. The same grit carved in the DNA of every Filipino who shed her or his blood for our independence is the same one that drives our diplomats to protect our sovereignty,” ayon kay Manalo.
“The same consciousness that made Rizal’s pen literary masterpieces that ignited the Philippines’ quest for independence is the same one that inspires the women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs to help propel our nation to new heights,” patuloy niya. Kris Jose
