Manila, June 12 -- As the country celebrates its 128th Independence Day on Friday, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento called on all Filipinos to work together to overcome challenges that stop the nation from attaining progress.

"As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our forebears to free us from the bondage of foreign invaders, may the spirit of independence inspire Filipinos to unite and work together to overcome the challenges that hinder our nation's progress," Sarmiento said in a statement.

Sarmiento said these challenges are the "dividers that sow animosity, conflicts that impede development, and poverty that limits pathways to opportunity."

He added that...