Get inspiration from our heroes

TODAY is National Heroes Day. If our heroes were part of this generation, they would probably use social media channels to push and tackle pressing issues such as human rights, freedom, democracy, corruption, even the protection of the environment for future generations.

The values and principles of Jose Rizal and our other heroes have been instilled in all of us. The youth, especially, must be encouraged to emulate our heroes’ indisputable loyalty and love for country and for our people’s heritage as the fate and future of our beloved Philippines rest upon them. The progress and freedom our heroes fought for are still the very same challenges we face as we continue to strive for a strong, independent nation. Instilling love of country at an early age will inculcate the values of discipline and organization, and will impart common sense to the young generation.

For example, Rizal maintained the enthusiasm to learn and educate himself with skills and expertise which not only benefitted his growth as an individual, but most importantly, also contributed to the betterment of the nation. He never got tired of acquiring knowledge and new skills. He never stopped learning because he knew that for a country to be socially and economically progressive, its people must not remain ignorant but instead be empowered through quality education.

We should develop within ourselves the same fervor our heroes had. There is an inherent creative genius that lies within each and every Filipino. Everyone has the potential to grow, excel and be the pride of the nation.  All that is needed is to cultivate these and gain inspiration from the noteworthy contributions of other individuals, such as our heroes.

Most especially, we all must respect and preserve the nation’s heritage. Rizal himself had expressed the need to embrace one’s roots. While fluent in several foreign languages, he had always expressed his love for his native tongue. He also recognized the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship of Filipinos. Many of his works also described the beauty of the Philippines and its people.

Rizal was also known for his concern for the environment. During his exile in Dapitan, he engaged in farming, planting trees and crops, and showed the local people how to improve their agricultural productivity through enhanced methods like irrigation and other scientific practices.

As a tribute to all our heroes, we should continue their work of protecting our rights and freedoms, and caring for the environment especially in light of the biggest threat to humanity and development – climate change.

We should continue to honor the sacrifices of our heroes. Let us all look back at their lives, work and their fight to ensure that Filipinos preserve their national identity. Without their sacrifices, there would be no Republic of the Philippines.

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