President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) awarding ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines – “Just recently, the country faced another challenge due to the incident in Mamasapano. As president, I am doing everything, to face and respond to the problems of the nation. Most of the time, I just ignore fatigue and wakeful nights. I should not be carried away by my emotion because I might aggravate the problem. At all times, I need to be calm, and to always look back as to what is the purpose of all our perseverance. This is the only thing we want: to not repeat the past, and to endow to the next generation a Philippines more progressive and better than before we came to office.”
This is an excerpt of President Benigno Aquino’s speech during the recognition of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) held in Malacañang on Tuesday.
This is in relation to the 29th anniversary of EDSA People Power revolution tomorrow, February 25.
The President said that in the past years, the Philippines has faced many challenges, threats to the security of Filipinos caught in the conflicts abroad, spread of diseases like Ebola and MERS-Corona Virus, earthquakes, crisis, typhoons and Mamasapano incident.
These past days, some group have been calling for the resignation of President Aquino because of the issue on Mamasapano clash wherein 44 SAF troopers was killed.
Because of the incident, the peace negotiations with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) became a hot issue particularly the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
At the end of his speech, the President reiterated that he will not give in to the challenges the country is facing and assured that he will continue his programs and reforms towards development.
“Indeed we have come this far because we chose to do what must be done, and prioritize the interest of the majority. However, we know that we will be facing more challenges. But should we give up now when we are already able to realize those, which are only dreams before? Should be surrender now when more and more people are joining us towards inclusive development,” President Aquino said. (Nel Maribojoc / UNTV News)