VICE President Sara Duterte yesterday paid tribute to soldiers, overseas workers and ordinary Filipinos on National Heroes’ Day, saying they are the modern-day heroes who are fighting the country’s fight.
“Sa araw na ito, inaalala natin ang kabayanihan ng lahat mga Pilipinong nag-alay ng buhay at lakas para sa kapakanan ng bansang Pilipinas. Kinikilala natin ang kanilang katapangan, kadakilaan, at pagkakaisa upang makamit ang ating kasarinlan (Today, we remember the heroism of all Filipinos who offered their lives and strength for the country’s good. We recognize their courage, greatness and unity to achieve our independence),” she said in a statement.
Duterte, whose father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, is detained in the Netherlands, said modern-day heroes offer their strength, wisdom and perseverance to fellow Filipinos and the whole nation.
The Vice President hailed members of the Armed Forces “who are facing danger every day to ensure that our communities are safe.” She also commended professionals like teachers, doctors, nurses and frontline workers who are serving the society.
The younger Duterte also cited the sacrifices of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) who persevere, sacrifice and honestly work for their families and the country.
The Vice President also paid tribute to all Filipinos who bring pride to the country, saying they are proof of Filipinos’ fighting spirit and resilience “to achieve victory.”
“Sa bawat Pilipinong lumalaban para sa pamilya, sa kapwa, at sa bayan, kayo ay bayani. Tayong lahat ay may kakayahan na baguhin ang takbo ng ating buhay at ng ating bansa (To every Filipino fighting for family, community, and country, you are all heroes. We all have the ability to change the course of our lives and our nation),” she said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez urged Filipinos “to continue fighting corruption, injustice, and indifference,” saying that “tolerating these ills would betray the memory of Filipino heroes whose sacrifices won the country’s freedom.”
“We remember that freedom was never given to us lightly. It was fought for, defended, and won through the blood, sweat and tears of those who came before us,” the Speaker said in his National Heroes Day message. “That is why we cannot allow corruption, injustice or indifference to undo the gains our heroes secured. To do so would be a betrayal of their memory.”
Romualdez said the occasion is not only meant to honor prominent figures in Philippine history but also “the countless Filipinos whose quiet sacrifices made our freedom possible.”
“On National Heroes Day, we honor not only the great figures of our history but also the countless Filipinos whose quiet sacrifices made our freedom possible. Their courage is a constant challenge to us in public service to place the country above self,” he said. “Heroism did not end in the past. It lives on in our soldiers, teachers, health workers and ordinary citizens who put duty before comfort.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said defending the country’s independence is the duty of all Filipinos.
In his message for the commemoration of National Heroes Day yesterday, Teodoro recognized the courage and heroism of heroes who he said “stood up and sacrificed their lives to achieve freedom and independence” of the country.
“Times may have changed but our goal remains the same – to preserve and maintain a free, prosperous and united Philippines. May the spirit of heroism inherent in our Filipinos remain alive in our hearts and minds,” said Teodoro.
“Standing up for our independence is not just the duty of a few, but the responsibility of every Filipino,” he added.
Teodoro said Overseas Filipino Workers, fishermen, athletes and teachers — who he said are among the “modern-day heroes” — are “proof that everyone can participate in promoting our cause.”
“Let us pay tribute to the sacrifices and greatness shown by the heroes of the past in promoting our independence in a just, honorable, and peaceful manner; towards a Philippines that will never be oppressed by anyone,” said Teodoro.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the blood and sweat of heroes “became the seed of our freedom and served as a beacon for us to continue fighting for the honor and future of our beloved country.”
Brawner said heroism was displayed by soldiers who recently fought communist rebels in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, bravely facing the enemy’s threat to “maintain peace and security of our countrymen.”
The clash, which occurred last August 12, resulted in the death of three Army soldiers, including 1Lt. Marky John Alberto, son of former Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto.
“Likewise, in the West Philippine Sea, despite the deceit and dangerous actions of China, we continue to defend and preserve our rights and sovereignty together with our partners,” said Brawner.
“These events remind us that being a soldier is not just a duty, but a sacrifice that often comes at the cost of one’s own life and safety,” he added.
Brawner urged soldiers to “remain true to our sworn duty.”
“My guidance to everyone is clear. At the very least, it is our duty to serve the people with nothing less than honesty and purity of intent—for public service, in its truest form, is not about gain but about giving. In every decision and action we make, let us strive to instill strong loyalty to the country, to the Philippine flag, and to every Filipino citizen,” Brawner said.
“Indeed, our honor as soldiers and as Filipinos is more important than any award or recognition,” he added.
Brawner said it is the responsibility of soldiers to continue the legacy of courage and compassion left behind by heroes of the past.
“Amidst all the challenges, let us be role models of heroism, unity, and faithful service,” added Brawner.
GO WEIGHS IN
Sen. Christopher Go said Filipinos should recognize the hard work of the country’s healthcare workers and overseas Filipino workers for their significant contributions to the country’s healthcare system and economy, respectively.
Go said healthcare workers play a vital role in society, especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is only fitting to honor them as the nation celebrates National Heroes’ Day.
Go renewed his appeal for the release of the Health Emergency Allowances (HEAs) still pending for qualified healthcare workers, even as he assured that he will continuously push for their welfare through key legislations.
Go is the author and co-sponsor of RA 11712, which was passed into law in the 18th Congress. It provides a health emergency allowance for healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors who served during health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go, vice chairman of the Committee on Migrant Workers, recognized the contributions of OFWs for their sacrifices in working abroad to provide for their families and contribute to the country’s economy.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan said Filipinos should honor the modern-day Katipuneros (revolutionaries) who have fought for a better country.
“Bigyan pugay rin natin ang mga makabagong rebolusyunaryong Pilipino na tangan ang katotohanan, talino, at tapang na sama-samang kumikilos para sa bayan na ‘dasurb’ nating lahat (We should also fete modern-day Filipino revolutionaries who hold the truth and wisdom who fight as one for a country we all deserve),” Pangilinan said.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said National Heroes’ Day should also be a time to remember how the country struggled to become a “great nation.”
“As we celebrate National Heroes Day today (Monday), we need to do more than simply remember the heroes of our storied past. Our struggle to become a great nation did not end with the fight to end oppression. More than ever, we must preserve in our love for our country in the face of formidable enemies of poverty and corruption,” he said. – With Victor Reyes and Raymond Africa
