The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is looking to go beyond the restoration of the Philippines’ national condition before the Covid-19 pandemic to attain middle power status in the next few decades.

In his message celebrating the 125th Philippine Independence Day on Monday, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Independence. Future. History.)” meant not only shaping the country’s past but also the future.

“DFA pays tribute to our rich and proud history by drawing wisdom from its lessons, guiding our steadfast commitment to an independent foreign policy that navigates the complexities of our time,” Manalo said.

The Philippines, he said, “stands on the cusp of attaining middle power status” and is looking to become the world’s 16th largest economy by 2040.

“Our international engagements and partnerships play a vital role in realizing these ambitions while ensuring concrete benefits for our people,” he said.

He noted that the DFA was one of the first agencies established following the country’s independence 125 years ago and had the original objective of attaining international recognition for the Philippines as the first Asian republic.

Since then, he said the country has upheld the principles of decolonization, human rights and equality.

“These fundamental principles have shaped our legacy – as a champion of the rules-based order and multilateralism, a leading voice in promoting safe and orderly migration, and a vigorous proponent of climate action,” he said.

To date, he said the DFA’s core tenet is now embodying the essence of an independent foreign policy and advancing freedom “not only within our country but also in the international community.”

“As we celebrate Kalayaan 2023, let us look to the future while cherishing the exceptional qualities that our ancestors exemplified and that continue to define the Filipino spirit today – courage, resilience, compassion, and a deep love of country,” he said. (PNA)