INTRODUCTION
One hundred years ago today, the Filipino nation embarked on a journey to realize its own destiny. Going against the tide of colonial rule that then submerged much of East Asia, our heroes claimed our people’s right to be free.

That journey has not been easy. Many times over this past century, we lost our freedom to outside powers and dictatorial rule.

But, resilient we Filipinos have proven to be. So unwavering our devotion has been to freedom and self-determination, that we have arrived at this juncture with our heads held high.

Not only have we triumphed over foreign invader or oppressive ruler; we have overcome the disunity, the parochialism, the backwardness, and the timidity that had held us back far too long.

Today, we gather in peace and unity — in gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives and their freedom for ours, but also in anticipation of the challenges and opportunities of the next century.
FREEDOM FOR ALL HUMANITY
Indeed, the freedom we cherish for all Filipinos is matched in equal measure by the freedom we desire for all humanity. And our prayer of peace, security and prosperity for ourselves extends to all nations and peoples.

For while the cradle of Philippine identity and nationhood will always be this our homeland, the crucible in which we will be tested and where we can actualize all that we can be is the world — the global community, represented here by the heads of delegations, ambassadors and special envoys from all over the world.

Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen: we trace to that proclamation of Philippine independence one hundred years ago, not only our nationhood and our identity as one people. We trace to it also our abiding sense of fair play and justice, and our resolute desire to be an independent and constructive partner in the international community.
FREEDOM, NATIONHOOD, DEMOCRACY
And so, on this our centennial, we celebrate freedom to affirm the right of all peoples and all nations to self-determination.

We celebrate nationhood — not to boast about our devotion to our country, but to declare that truly sovereign friends make for good partners in the community of nations.

And we celebrate democracy — not to foist empty slogans on others, but to manifest that people, including the heroes and martyrs who gave up their lives for this country, are what being one nation is all about.

Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen: as we celebrate the centennial of Philippine independence with all freedom-loving peoples, it is my honor and privilege to invite you to join me in a toast:

To peace and prosperity for all our nations; to the universal and timeless values of freedom and friendship; and to the next one hundred glorious years in the life of the Philippines.

Mabuhay!