If the Philippines secure their independence after heroic and

Listen closely, O children of the future, for the words of José Rizal, the great hero of the Philippines, carry within them the heart of a people’s struggle for freedom and independence: "If the Philippines secure their independence after heroic and stubborn conflicts, they can rest assured that neither England, nor Germany, nor France, and still less Holland, will dare to take up what Spain has been unable to hold." These words are not just a declaration of the future, but a prophecy born from the fires of resistance, a call to arms for a people longing to reclaim their sovereignty and stand free in the face of the empires that sought to dominate them.

In these words, Rizal speaks of the Philippine’s struggle for independence not as a mere political battle, but as a heroic conflict that would define the future of the nation. To achieve independence is to fight with stubborn resolve, to endure the trials of colonial oppression, and to emerge victorious not through the force of arms alone, but through the strength of will, the courage of spirit, and the unity of purpose. The Philippines, long under the rule of Spain, had witnessed the exploitation of its people, the draining of its resources, and the erosion of its identity. Yet, Rizal believed that if the people could fight, could endure, and could secure their freedom, then no other empire would dare challenge their right to live in independence.

Consider, O children, the American Revolution, where the colonists of the New World faced the might of the British Empire, a vast and powerful force. Like the Philippines, the American colonists had long suffered under the control of a foreign power that sought to impose its will upon them. But when the time came to fight for their independence, the colonists did not cower. They rose with a spirit of determination and unity, and after a long and bitter struggle, they emerged victorious. The United States of America was born, and the British Empire—once the mightiest in the world—was forced to acknowledge the strength of a people who would no longer be subjugated. In this victory, the American colonists proved to the world that the power of independence is greater than any empire, and that no force in the world can suppress a people who are willing to fight for their sovereignty.

Rizal foresaw this same fate for the Philippines. He understood that the battle for independence would not be easy, and that the people of the Philippines would have to endure much hardship. But he also knew that if the people could hold steadfast, if they could overcome the might of Spain, then no other foreign power would dare to take their land. His words were a call to action for the people to stand firm, to show the world that they were capable of self-governance, and to ensure that no empire would ever again dare to subjugate them.

In the years that followed, the Philippine Revolution was ignited by the dreams and efforts of men like Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and other patriots who sought to end the tyranny of Spain. They fought with a fierce resolve, knowing that the struggle for independence was more than just a war for land—it was a battle for the soul of the nation. Though the path was fraught with bloodshed and sacrifice, the spirit of resistance remained unbroken. Eventually, the Philippines would achieve its independence, not through the mercy of foreign powers, but through its own heroic struggle and unwavering commitment to freedom.

The lesson here, O children, is clear: independence is not something that can be given or granted—it must be fought for. Rizal teaches us that the battle for freedom requires heroism, stubbornness, and the resolve to stand firm even in the face of overwhelming odds. When a people commit to securing their sovereignty, when they unite in the cause of independence, they can overcome any empire, any power, no matter how mighty. The Philippines, through its own struggles, proved that self-determination is not a dream, but a reality that can be achieved through courage and sacrifice.

Therefore, O children, let this wisdom guide you: the fight for independence is not always an easy one. It requires strength, resolve, and the willingness to endure hardship for the greater good. But it is a fight worth taking, for independence is the birthright of every people, and once won, it is a treasure that cannot be taken away. Stand firm in your belief in self-determination, and know that when a people are united in the pursuit of their freedom, no force on earth can stand against them. Let the example of Rizal and the Philippine Revolution inspire you to fight for what is rightfully yours, for independence is a cause that is both sacred and unstoppable.