PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday asked Filipinos to be heroes in their own right by upholding the principles of democracy, abiding by the rule of law, and defending the country’s sovereignty.
In his separate Heroes’ Day message and speech, the President paid tribute to the heroes of the past who fought to safeguard the country, its freedom, and dignity and modern-day heroes like soldiers “who protect our citizens” and members of the Navy and Coast Guard “who defend our maritime borders.
“In the spirit of shared responsibility, I call on everyone to be heroes in their own right. Uphold the principles of democracy, abide by the rule of law, and defend our sovereignty,” Marcos said during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
He said that as Filipinos honor our country’s heroes, “let us not lose sight of what is asked of us here in the present.
“Let us carry on the great legacy of our brave ancestors with the fortitude of an enlightened mind, the strength of compassion and generosity, and the courage of our convictions,” he said.
The President made the call on the heels of the series of aggressive and dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels against Philippine vessels engaged in routinary and resupplying missions in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos also urged every Filipino to acknowledge the significance of the country’s history and to pass it on to the youth “so we can nurture in our children the love of country; for it is only in that patriotism that we can preserve our national identity.
“Let us pay homage to our past so that we can be worthy of the freedom that our ancestors fought for and of the Bagong Pilipinas that we can proudly leave to succeeding generations.
With this vision ingrained in our endeavors, we can build a nation where the dreams of our heroes are realized in every home, in every community, in every single Filipino heart,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of modern-day heroes such as the healthcare workers who put their lives at stake for others; overseas Filipinos and ordinary workers who turn the gears of the Philippine economy; and the farmers and fisherfolk who increase the country’s agricultural output to put food on every table.
He also recognized the teachers who lead the fight against illiteracy, journalists who promote truth and accountability, environmental advocates who ensure that children and future generations will have a safe place to call home, and the athletes — including those who participated in the Paris Olympics and the upcoming Paralympics — who persevered and highlighted, once again, the Filipino talent in the field of sports.
He also recognized civil servants who respond to the needs of the public and the “everyday citizens who carry out simple acts of kindness to others.”
Marcos led the wreath-laying at the tomb of unknown heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Also present were Speaker Martin Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Regalado Jose Jr., Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, among others.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown led the ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps who attended the event that had as its theme “Kabayanihan ng Pilipino sa Panahon ng Pagbabago.”
The Official Gazette said the celebration of National Heroes’ Day started during the American Colonial Period through Act No. 3827 issued in 1931 which declared the last Sunday of August as a national holiday.
However, despite the holiday, the celebration of National Heroes’ Day usually coincided with Bonifacio Day on November 30.
Through Executive Order 29 issued in 1942, then President Jose Laurel set National Heroes’ Day on the 30th of November of every year until it was reverted back to the last Sunday of August of every year through Administrative Order 190 issued by President Elpidio Quirino in 1952.
The late President Corazon Aquino, through Executive Order No. 292, declared National Heroes’ Day as a regular Holiday while President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through Republic Act 9492 that was signed in 2007, declared the celebration of National Heroes’ Day every last Monday of August.
SARA’S TAKE
Vice President Sara Duterte urged the youth to “awaken the heroes in your hearts.”
“Ngayong National Heroes Day, gunitain po natin ang ating mga bayani na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa kalayaan ng ating bayan. Sana sa ating pagbabalik-tanaw sa ating kasaysayan ay matutunan natin ang mga aral tulad ng paninindigan, katapangan, pagmamahal sa kapwa at tapat na paglilingkod sa bayan (On National Heroes Day, let’s remember our heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. I hope that as we take a look back on our history, we will learn lessons like determination, bravery, love for other people, and honest service to the nation),” she said in a statement.
“Maging inspirasyon din sana natin ang kanilang kadakilaan at gisingin ang mga bayaning nagkukubli sa puso ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na sa ating mga kabataan (I also hope that we take inspiration from their greatness and awaken the heroes in the hearts of every Filipino, especially our youth.)” — With Wendell Vigilia
