One hundred twenty-eight years ago, our forebears secured our nation’s independence.

Today, we are called to ask a different question:

What are we doing with the freedom they entrusted to us?

Freedom has allowed generations of Filipinos to learn, create, innovate, and dream.

But freedom is more than the absence of foreign rule.

It is the presence of opportunity.

The freedom to pursue education.

The freedom to seek truth.

The freedom to express ideas.

The freedom to serve communities.

The freedom to shape a better future.

Yet freedom, by itself, does not guarantee progress.

Its value is measured by what we choose to do with it.

Are we using knowledge to uplift others?

Are we transforming challenges into solutions?

Are we building stronger communities?

Are we preparing the next generation to inherit a nation better than the one we received?

In an era marked by rapid technological change, environmental challenges, and global uncertainties, the work of nation-building continues—not only in halls of government, but also in classrooms, laboratories, farms, industries, and communities.

Every discovery that improves lives.

Every act of service that strengthens communities.

Every effort to protect our environment.

Every commitment to excellence and integrity.

These, too, are expressions of freedom.

As a State University, we believe that education remains one of the most powerful ways to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us.

For a nation grows stronger when its people are empowered to think critically, act responsibly, and serve selflessly.

On this 128th Philippine Independence Day, may we continue to use our freedom not only to pursue personal success, but to contribute to the common good.

Because the question before us is no longer how freedom was won.

The question is how we choose to live it.

𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮.

𝗜𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆-𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮 𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘆.