Vice President Sara Z. Duterte lauded on Thursday the Filipino forefathers and ancestors for their “courage and patriotism,” which made possible the country’s freedom and democracy.

“The spirit of independence will remain through looking at our past and learning from our mistakes and as we look forward to our future, let us emphasize to our children the values of patriotism and value of democracy in our country,” Duterte said in an interview during the sidelines of the 126th Independence Day commemoration here.

Duterte said that Independence Day is not only a celebration of the country’s liberation but also emphasizes the importance of remembering the adversities the Filipinos overcame and the ideals it has fought on.

“Today, we are gathered to commemorate the 126th year of sovereignty as well as to honor this great legacy left to us by our forefathers who displayed true courage, bravery, and patriotism. The freedom we experience in the present is the result of the unyielding resolve of our ancestors to reclaim our right to govern ourselves as a sovereign nation, pursue the aspirations of our people, and manage our own economic resources,” the Vice President said.

While the country paid tribute to its countless sacrifices in the past, Duterte also said that the Filipinos must also look toward the future, as independence “is not just a historical milestone but an unceasing journey.”

“It is our duty and moral responsibility to maintain this freedom by learning from our past mistakes and tackling the current issues that obstruct our growth as a nation. Lastly, we encourage everyone, especially the youth, to uphold the values of patriotism and democracy as you hold the key to the future,” she said. (PNA)