President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Filipino people to look at the fruits borne out by the successful and bloodless ousting of a dictator 27 years ago as inspiration to drive our collective will towards reaping the rewards of freedom and forging on to achieve the country’s sustainable progress and inclusive growth.

In his speech delivered during rites marking the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power held at the People Power Monument in the corner of Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue and White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, the President said it was high time Filipinos drop the cycle of “falling and rising” when dealing with adversaries threatening to disrupt their way of life in order to achieve success.

“Ang naiisip ko nga po minsan, parang nawili na tayo sa siklo ng pagbagsak at pagtindig, na tila ba hindi natin matanggap na maaari tayong dumiretso at umasenso, nang hindi muling nagagalusan, nang hindi muling naaapi, nang hindi muling nasasaktan. Mahirap nga pong aminin: eksperto man tayo sa pagbangon, tila nagkukulang tayo sa pagsulong at pag-asenso,” the President said.

“Ngayong dalawampu't pitong taon na tayong malaya mula sa tanikala ng diktadurya; ngayong nakaabante na tayo mula sa halos isang dekadang pagdausdos dahil sa pang-aabuso't panlalamang ng nakalipas na pamahalaan-- higit kailanman, dapat lamang na maikintal sa puso't isip ng bawat isa: Hindi natatapos ang laban sa pagbangon,” he added.

He underscored the importance of Filipinos joining fellow Filipinos in unity saying that a strong and solid Filipino force could stand up against any and all obstacles in its path towards progress.
 (READ FULL STORY: 02.25.13)