MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to reflect on history and emulate the selflessness of national heroes as the country commemorated the National Heroes’ Day on Monday.
Duterte said the collective sacrifice of those who fought for the country’s freedom and democratic ideals “has made it possible for us to enjoy the blessings of liberty and to continue strengthening this great nation that they have left behind.”
“I ask Filipinos to reflect on history and honor the nation’s forebears by being everyday heroes who will reach out to those who are in need, especially to the ones who have been neglected by society,” Duterte said.
“For it is through our small deeds that their spirit of valor can live on,” he added. “I truly believe that every Filipino is a hero who can build on our vibrant legacy of fortitude and resilience.”
Duterte also urged Filipinos to “embody solidarity and sustain our momentum towards positive change not for only ourselves, but for the succeeding generations as well.”
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, said that freedom and progress are achieved not only because of one hero, but through the collective heroic acts of every individual.
“Magsilbing paalala sana ang araw na ito na walang iisang bayani ang makapagsasalba sa atin mula sa ating kinalalagyan. Wala sa kamay ng iisang tao ang solusyon sa lahat ng ating mga suliranin, at walang iisang pinuno ang makapagbibigay sa atin ng mas magandang bukas,” Robredo said.
“Walang iisang bayani ang iniaangat natin sa iba. Tanyag man o hindi, may mukha man o wala, taas-noo nating binibigyang-pugay ang lahat ng mga bayaning nag-ambag para sa ating bayang malaya,” she added.
“Sa panahon kung kailan maraming banta sa ating demokrasya at soberenya, patuloy sana tayong manindigan para sa mga kalayaan at mga karapatang ipinaglaban ng mga nauna na sa atin. Panahon na upang tayo naman ang magpatuloy nito,” Robredo said.
The celebration of National Heroes’ Day was first signed into law through Act No. 3827 in 1931. Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9492, which sets the National Heroes’ Day on the last Monday of August./PN
