ILOILO City – Heroism should not end with remembering the nation’s historic figures but must live on in the everyday choices of Filipinos to serve others, uphold what is right and put the public good above themselves, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said.
In his National Heroes Day 2026 message, Tuaño challenged police officers and ordinary citizens alike to translate patriotism into daily action, stressing that acts of integrity, compassion and selfless service can carry forward the legacy of the country’s heroes.
“Our heroes remind us that love of country is not measured only by extraordinary acts, but also by the willingness to serve others, stand for what is right, and put the welfare of the Filipino people above self,” Tuaño said.
He said the sacrifices of the country’s national heroes remain particularly relevant to members of the Philippine National Police, whose responsibilities require them to make choices that directly affect the lives and safety of the people they serve.
“For the men and women of the Philippine National Police, their legacy continues to inspire us in the performance of our duty,” Tuaño said.
Tuaño stressed that for police officers, heroism can be demonstrated through the manner in which they exercise their authority and fulfill their responsibilities to the public.
“Every police officer who chooses integrity over convenience, compassion over indifference, and service over self is carrying forward the spirit of heroism,” he said.
But the PRO-6 chief said heroism is not the exclusive domain of uniformed personnel or people whose extraordinary deeds earn public recognition.
He urged Filipinos to also acknowledge people whose contributions often take place quietly in homes, schools, hospitals, government offices and communities.
“As we remember our national heroes, let us also recognize the everyday heroes in our communities—our parents, teachers, health workers, volunteers, public servants, and ordinary Filipinos who quietly make a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
Tuaño said such individuals demonstrate that heroism does not necessarily require extraordinary circumstances or grand acts. Their willingness to help others and contribute to their communities, he said, embodies the same spirit of service demonstrated by the country’s national heroes.
He also urged Western Visayans to turn the lessons of National Heroes Day into concrete contributions toward building communities that are safer and better prepared to withstand challenges.
“May their courage inspire us to do our part in building a safer, more peaceful, and more resilient Western Visayas,” he said.
For Tuaño, honoring the country’s heroes therefore goes beyond remembering their sacrifices. It also means continuing the nation-building work they began.
“Today, we remember. Today, we honor. And every day, we continue the work they started,” Tuaño said./PN
