1998 is a momentous year for the Filipino people, for it marks the Centennial of the Declaration of the Philippine Independence.

The struggle to win that independence involved a long period of preparation. It took many decades, even centuries, for national consciousness to develop — helped along by a string of peasant rebellions against colonialism and by the influx of liberal reformist ideas in the latter half of the 19th century.

Those stirrings of nationhood came to a head with the so-called Propaganda Movement of the educated ilustrado class and with the creation of the Katipunan secret society that sparked the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

The revolution might have easily and immediately failed had the freedom fighters across the archipelago not been tied together by a vital element — the Revolutionary Navy.

In no small measure, our fledgling navy made the Revolution truly national in scope. It is only fitting, therefore, that our present-day Philippine Navy trace its roots to those patriotic forebears — marking its centennial in May 1998, a month ahead of the centennial of the declaration of our independence.

That proud moment in our history would be followed by a hundred years of valor, service and professionalism in pursuit of the noble naval mission. It is, therefore, with a sense of deep appreciation of its importance that I enjoin everyone to take part in celebrating the centennial of the Philippine Navy.

Mabuhay ang Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

Mabuhay ang Sentenaryo ng ating Kalayaan!