Protecting Our Nation’s Sovereignty: A Shared Responsibility
Amid persistent territorial disputes and complex regional security challenges, the call to defend our nation’s sovereignty grows louder. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged every Filipino to recognize the ongoing duty of safeguarding our country’s independence and to actively participate in building peace and progress.
In a statement released ahead of the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day on June 12, Secretary Teodoro stressed that defending our nation’s sovereignty is not a one-time event. Instead, it requires continuous and collective action from all citizens. “I urge all our compatriots to reflect on the fact that sovereignty and peace are conditions that must be proactively maintained and require collective and sustained efforts,” he said.
Peace and Sovereignty Require Vigilance
Teodoro reminded Filipinos that peace is not a guaranteed gift but a fragile state that must be nurtured, especially in today’s volatile and interconnected world. “Peace, to paraphrase others, is not a free dividend, especially in a world that is both increasingly volatile and interconnected. Challenges to our sovereignty will always be present; no archipelagic or even continental country is spared,” he highlighted.
The defense chief pointed out that the complex global geopolitical landscape exposes nations to constant threats against their independence. This reality makes it even more vital for the Philippines to remain vigilant and united.
DND’s Strategic Focus Under the Marcos Administration
Secretary Teodoro outlined three key objectives guiding the Department of National Defense under the current administration. First, the government aims to strengthen the country’s resilience against external and internal threats. Second, it strives to improve connectivity within the archipelago to foster unity and faster response capabilities. Third, the administration wants to ensure that the benefits of these efforts reach every Filipino, making the government’s presence felt across the nation.
“Every day we allow our defenses to lag, we exponentially lose ground in the struggle to be truly free and progressive,” Teodoro warned, emphasizing the urgency of consistent action.
Unity as the Path Forward
The defense secretary called for genuine unity among Filipinos, regardless of their backgrounds or personal circumstances. He encouraged everyone to contribute their unique talents toward a shared goal: protecting the Philippines’ future.
“In this way, we fulfill our sacred duty to be stewards of our homeland for generations to come. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, hindi ka pasisiil (Long live the Philippines, you shall not be oppressed),” he concluded, inspiring a collective sense of patriotism and responsibility.
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