When the country commemorated its 121st Independence Day, President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to aspire to a truly independent Philippines.
"One hundred and twenty-one years have passed since our ancestors tied their fate, their lives and their fate to proclaim the independence of the Filipino people," he said in a statement released Wednesday morning.
"That is the most important event in the history of our country. Not only do we end more than three centuries of obedience but we also decide to determine the direction of our own destiny as a nation."
Duterte also reminded Filipinos of the sacrifices made to ensure the country's freedom.
"But the freedom we achieve at that time is not without costs. The tree of freedom grows in these lands because it is nourished by the sweat and blood of our patriots, heroes and martyrs," he said.
"Let us be committed to ensuring that their sacrifices are not in vain and that their dreams of a truly independent Philippines - whose people live freely in a safe, stable and prosperous society - will be achieved in our lives."