President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to uphold democracy, defend Philippine sovereignty, and abide by the rule of law as the country commemorates National Heroes' Day on Monday.
In his speech at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, the President called on the people to "be heroes in their own right." He added that we must remember the heroes of the past who fought against foreign colonizers so we can enjoy freedom.
"Their bravery and determination paved the way to the freedom that all of us enjoy today, although it came at a high cost, their peace, their rights, their lives," Marcos said of our heroes.
He noted that the country has a rich history that "produced a number of great heroes. " The President honored Lapulapu and his warriors, Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Antonio Luna, and the Katipuneros, as well as heroines Gabriela Silang, Trinidad Tecson, and Teresa Magbanua, who all stood firm and defiant against foreign aggressors.
He also paid tribute to modern-day heroes who serve the country, including the Navy and Coast Guard, overseas Filipino workers, farmers and fisherfolk, teachers, journalists, environmental advocates, and national athletes.
The Chief Executive then called on the public to "not lose sight of what is asked of us for the present and the future" in remembering the heroes of the past.
"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," Marcos said.
"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. Let us acknowledge the significance of history and pass it on to our young Filipinos 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," he went on.
National Heroes Day is a regular holiday observed every last Monday of August to mark the anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin, the beginning of the Philippine Revolution by the Katipunan against the Spanish colonizers in 1896.
The President also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument dedicated to the services of all soldiers killed in war.
After the event, he spent a moment with Filipino veterans.
Tribute to freedom fighters
Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) honored all "courageous men and women" who fought for the freedom now enjoyed by the country and its people.
"Their unwavering dedication to the nation serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that define the Filipino spirit," a social media post said.
The NSC also urged all Filipinos to draw inspiration from their legacy to build a safer and more secure Philippines.
The body stressed, "Together, we can ensure a future where our nation's freedom remains protected and its people safeguarded. "
'Quiet yet powerful acts'
Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez paid tribute to modern-day heroes who quietly act and contribute to the betterment of the nation.
He said modern-day heroes like teachers, fishermen, members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), law enforcers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and the Philippine delegation to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in France "remind us that heroism is not limited to grand gestures or acts of bravery in the face of danger."
"it is found in the quiet yet powerful acts of service that uplift others and contribute to the greater good," he said in his message to commemorate the National Heroes Day.
He urged the public to recognize the "countless everyday heroes among us – the ordinary Filipinos quietly making extraordinary contributions to our nation and the world." (With reports from PNA)
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