Continue positive change, PNoy urges OFWs in Independence Day message

President Benigno Aquino III called on overseas Filipino workers to help continue positive change as the nation marks Independence Day on Friday.

Aquino made the call in a message posted on the websites of Philippine embassies abroad.

"We call on you to exercise the rights and freedom borne from the toil of our ancestors and contribute towards shaping a more proactive and mature discourse, perpetuating positive change to the broader spectrum of society, and emancipating our citizenry from the shackles of poverty, corruption and greed," he said.

"Together, let us weave our own voices of compassion and hope into a narrative of resilience and empowerment, and make tangible the legacy we are crafting: The Philippines we will all be proud to bequeath to coming generations," he added.

On Friday, the nation marks its 117th Independence Day. Aquino will lead rites for the occasion in Iloilo.

Binay

Vice President Jejomar Binay, in a separate message, urged Filipinos to help translate rosy economic numbers to tangible programs.

"Ultimately, it is not only reforms in government that will break the chains of poverty that bind many of our people. We must also reform ourselves and our mindset so that each one of us works not only for our own welfare but also for others," he said.

Del Rosario, Baldoz

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario urged Filipinos to "do their share in building a progressive Philippines," and investors and development partners "to help us achieve a truly inclusive Filipino society."

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said this year's theme "Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan," is a reminder to act together as officials and employees of the department and to remain focused on reforms.

"Our gift to all Filipinos this Independence Day is to bring inclusive growth through decent work. Let us work together to multiply this gift," she said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

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