FREEDOM FROM FEAR, FREEDOM FOR ALL

Today, we honor the Philippines’ 123rd “Araw ng Kalayaan,” an occasion that celebrates not only independence, but freedom. For centuries, Filipinos have struggled in our own land– first against colonizers, and again, against a dictator and repressive regimes. Filipinos today reap the fruit of these sacrifices: a sovereign nation. And yet, as we celebrate the anniversary of its Independence, our freedom is besieged. 

Freedom is indivisible and intertwined with Human Rights. The Universal Declaration for Human Rights, in its preamble, cites four freedoms as the “highest aspiration” of the common people: freedom of speech, freedom of belief, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. More than a century after the Philippines’ first declaration of independence, these rights remain unrealized and true freedom, inaccessible to the most marginalized. 

Instead of protecting our freedom and Independence the State has infringed on spaces for it through fear and force. In the past year, we have witnessed attacks and punishments for freedom of speech on individuals and institutions. At a time of crisis, the government has taken advantage to sow fear, fuel apprehensions, and worsen lack of security when it should be addressing these concerns. There are no more safe spaces. In alleyways and homes, civilians cannot walk without worry of killings or abuse from authorities. In our own territories, Filipino fishermen are prevented from traveling our seas. 

This Independence Day, we amplify calls for a society where freedom is felt equally by all Filipinos and where our countrymen need not fear the very government that is entrusted to protect them. Our people deserve to be free from fear and want, and have access to the resources and protections they need to fully exercise their rights.  

At the same time, IDEALS honors those who overcome fear: the defenders, advocates, and survivors who continue to push back against those who encroach on their rights. Just as our nation’s independence started with the desire and declaration for liberty, reclaiming our freedom starts with the intention to declare and demand our rights back. As our heroes have resisted for centuries before us, it is our turn to fight.

#IndependenceDayPH #ArawNgKalayaan