National strength can only be built on character. A nation is nothing more or less than its citizenry.

It is the people that make up a nation and, therefore a nation cannot be stronge r than its component parts. Their weakness is its failings, their strength its power. Show me a people composed of vigorous, sturdy individuals of men and women healt hy in mind and body, courteous, brave, industrious, self-reliant, and purposeful in thoughts as well as in actions, imbeud with sound patriotism and a profound sense of righteousness, wit h high social ideals and strong moral fibers-and I will show you a great nation that will not be submerged. A nation that will emerge victorious from trials and bitter strifes of a destruc ted world. A nation that will live forever, sharing the common task and advancing the welfa re and promoting the happiness of mankind. The upward climb of mankind has been universal. In the human landscape, there ar e peaks and valleys, and deep chasms. Generally, there is a need for potent soci al upheavals, volcanic in proportions, to raise the lower levels to grow at heig hts. The battle for existence and the survival of the fittest has ever the rule of li fe, in nature and among men. It is a heroic task to awaken and apply these faculties so that our people shoul d become what rightly they should be: morally virile, refined, persevering, publ ic-spirited. I want our people to grow and be like the molave, strong and resilient, unafraid of the raging flood, the lightning or the storm, confident of its own strength. We are Orientals. Orientals are known for their passivity and placidity. In the world of humanity, we look upon a quiet lake from which adventures and enterpris ing may reap enjoyment and gain. I refuse to allow Filipinos to be so regarded. We shall be a flowing stream, a rippling brook, a deep and roaring torrent full of life, of hope, of faith and of strength. Through self-discipline, we shall harness all our energies so that our power spr eading over the length and breadth of this land will develop its resources, adva nce its culture, promote social justice and secure happiness and contentment to all the people under the aegis of liberty and peace.