Robredo: Protect country’s freedom, just like heroes did before
Vice President Leni Robredo. AP
MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo urged Filipinos on Monday to stand up for the country’s freedom and sovereignty— just like the heroes of the past did.
According to Robredo, it is time for modern Filipinos to continue the fight amid the various supposed threats the country faces today.
“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,” she said in her official message.
“Panahon na upang tayo naman ang magpatuloy nito,” she added.
The Vice President also reminded the public that the country’s revered heroes were also once ordinary citizens like most Filipinos.
Article continues after this advertisement“Bago natin sila tinaguriang mga bayani, sila ay mga ordinaryong mamamayan tulad natin — mga makabayang Pilipino na nagpasyang tumindig kung kailan pinakakailangan, sa pinakamahahalagang yugto ng ating kasaysayan,” Robredo said.
Article continues after this advertisement“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,” she explained.
The National Heroes Day is celebrated to commemorate people who have offered their lives for the common good. This was also intended to remember the efforts of several Filipinos who have not been enlisted in history books — those whose names have been lost and forgotten.
It is a national holiday as mandated by Republic Act 3872, which was passed in October 1931.
“Mataimtim ang pagkilala natin sa ating mga bayani; naglalaan tayo ng mga araw upang ipagdiwang at sariwain ang naging buhay nila. Ngunit ngayong araw, walang iisang bayani ang iniaangat natin sa iba,” Robredo said.
“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 noted.
And in the spirit of collectively celebrating the efforts of all heroes and not just one man or woman, she stressed that societal advancements are only achieved when everyone takes on a heroic role for the country.
“Gaya ng paulit-ulit nang itinuro ng ating kasaysayan, magiging totoo at makabuluhan lang ang ating pag-unlad at kalayaan kung magpapaka-bayani ang bawat isa at sa ating pagbabayanihan. Pilipino ang bayani ng kapwa Pilipino,” Robredo said.
“Ikaw ang bayani ng iyong kapwa, at may kakayahan kang makagawa ng makabuluhang pagbabago sa iyong bayan at sa buhay ng iyong kapwa tao […] Muli, isang mainit na pagbati, at mabuhay ang makabagong bayaning Pilipino,” she added.
