INTRODUCTION
As we mark the strides the Philippines is taking towards modernization and progress on this, our Independence Day, we also acknowledge the invaluable help of other countries in our undertakings.

So, I will begin, excellencies, by expressing our most profound thanks to you and to your peoples and governments.

Over this century, the world has undergone far-reaching change and transformation. But through it all, we have managed to maintain and strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation with other countries and peoples. Your presence here today is witness to the amity which animates Philippine relations with the world.

It is not too well known that when General Emilio Aguinaldo, proclaimed Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898, the charter of the revolutionary government included a Department of External Relations. One of its key activities was to secure recognition of the republic by the major powers at the time.

In truth, to proclaim national independence is also to recognize international interdependence.

I touch upon these sidelight of history, your excellencies, in order to underscore the role that diplomacy plays in preserving and promoting the freedom and progress of nations.

We cannot merely affirm, as John F. Kennedy said, “the individual liberty of one; we must also proclaim “the indivisible liberty of all.” today, more than ever, the day of parochialism and misguided nationalism is past. Globalism is pulling nations nearer each other more and more.

It is a truism that independence is not compromised by the strengthening of political and economic lines with other countries. On the contrary, a nation’s independence could only be enhanced by the interdependence of states.
CHALLENGES IN OUR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
It is inevitable that problems will arise in international relations. As it is with persons, so it is with states. Even very good friends have their share of differences in views and even disagreements.

In our region, we have issues to resolve with our neighbors. As you are very well aware of, the overlapping claims in the South China Sea have been in the forefront as a problem area in our region.

We are, however, confident that this difficulty could be resolved in due time in a sober, peaceful and acceptable manner.

Environmental degradation is a global menace; so we all share a responsibility to stop it.

Conflicts in some regions exert an impact on all corners of the globe. International terrorism transcends regional and national boundaries. It poses a threat to all.

The phenomenon of international migration and more direct people-to-people links because of migration add a new dimension to the relations among nations. Migration for economic reasons is a reality which must not be ignored but must be addressed responsibly.

From the struggles we have lived through, I am certain we have all learned one indelible lesson — and that is that nations have advanced fastest when they are cooperating, not fighting each other. In the miracle we see today in Asia, the poor countries are winning development because states — regardless of ideology — are turning their attention to cooperation, not destruction.
FREEDOM TODAY
We deplore the conflicts that still beset our planet. But let us take comfort in the thought of how freedom has advanced in the world since the Filipino flag was first raised in Kawit, Cavite in 1898.

Today, there are more independent countries than there ever has been in the long history of the world. And many of these countries have been taking major strides towards progress in recent years.

It used to be the lament that the Philippines — the first Asian republic — was not part of the parade of progressive nations.

Now, I can proudly and justifiably say, we have achieved a considerable measure of political stability and economic vigor. And we are accomplishing this transformation through democratic means.

The essence of democracy goes beyond elections. It is a continuous process of building consensus among all sectors. It concerns respect for the rule of law. It involves the responsible use of political power. And it means the economic and social empowerment of the people with equality of opportunity for all.
THE DEVELOPMENT DIVIDEND
Let us make no mistake about the fact that freedom is what is driving economic development in the world today. In the opening of markets, in the liberalization of trade and investments, in the operation of a real market economy, nations like the Philippines are starting to prevail in their long-sought liberation from poverty.

This we cannot emphasize enough. Economic reform is what is changing the socio-economic landscape of the Philippines and the world.

In my visits to a number of countries in Asia, Europe and North America, this has been my constant message and my principal purpose — to project the new economic and political environment in this country and to offer partnerships to those willing to take a stake in our future.

There is nothing unique about what we have done and are doing to turn things around in this country. As we have learned from others, so am I convinced that the same path of reform and interdependence can work for other countries aspiring to move forward.
CONCLUSION
Excellencies and friends:

I thank you sincerely for joining us today in celebrating our Independence Day.

Freedom is our common heritage, and so we must together nurture it — in our countries and in the world.

Respecting each other’s independence, let us join together to meet the challenges of a new century through the ageless principles of international peace, friendship and cooperation among nations.

Stay with us in the Philippines — for the best is yet to come!!

Ladies and gentlemen, in this spirit, i ask you therefore to rise and join me in a toast: to the good health and continued success of your heads of state and government, and to the enduring friendship and cooperation between our respective countries and peoples.

Thank you!

Salamat sa inyong lahat!