PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the unknown heroes and everyday “Juans and Juanas” for their patriotism and acts of compassion and genuine service to others.
The President, in his National Heroes’ Day message, said he stands in solidarity with the entire Filipino people in commemorating the event and honoring the lives of exemplary Filipinos who selflessly offered themselves for the good of the nation.
Marcos said that these unnamed heroes were guided by their conviction that stemmed from a deep love for the country as they ventured into struggles through which their heroic legacy and the destiny of the nation were forged.
“Their sacrifice becomes the act through which the soul affirms its highest calling and the nation discovers its moral shape. Among the enduring truths to be drawn from their stories is that nation-building is a constant and unrelenting endeavor, and that heroes and heroines are needed throughout the life of a country, Marcos said.
“We are fortunate that the Inang Bayan continuously gives rise to heroic individuals best exemplified by our farmers, fisherfolk, workers, teachers, soldiers, law enforcers, scientists, and countless ordinary men and women who, in extraordinary ways, fulfill their duties. On this occasion, we extend our deepest gratitude and highest regard,” he added.
The President urged the public to emulate the examples of these everyday heroes by manifesting patriotism through acts of genuine service to others, as well as through simple and meaningful acts of compassion to others.
Marcos, together with officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Department of National Defense and the City of Taguig, will lead today, Monday, the National Heroes Day celebration in a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of unnamed heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Republic Act No. 9492, which rationalized the national holidays in the country, designates the last Monday of August as National Heroes Day, a tribute to Filipino heroes and honoring their sacrifices for the country. It does not specify any particular individual or key figure in the Philippines.
HOLIDAY PAY
Workers who will report for work today, Monday, are entitled to additional pay.
In its Advisory No. 11-2025, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that for work done during the regular holiday, the employer shall pay a total of 200 percent of the employee’s wage for that day for the first eight hours; and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day for overtime work.
For work done during a regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the basic wage of 200 percent, and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day for overtime work.
On the other hand, if the employee does not work, the employer shall pay 100 percent of the employee’s wage for the said day.
This, said DOLE, is provided that the employee reports to work or is on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the regular holiday.
“August 25, being a regular holiday, even if you don’t go to work, you’ll get 100% pay. When you go on duty, the pay will be double,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a radio interview. – With Gerard Naval
