VP Robredo: Be a hero, get vaccinated and observe health protocols

Vice President Leni Robredo (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and complying with health protocols are forms of heroism, Vice President Leni Robredo said as the nation on Monday as the nation celebrates National Heroes’ Day.

“Hindi kailangang magarbo ang pagkilos; bawat hakbang, gaano man kaliit, ay kabayanihan basta nakatuon sa kapwa. Sa panahong ito, kabayanihan ang pagsisilbi sa propesyong medikal; ang pagpapabakuna; ang pagsunod sa health protocols; ang pagbabahagi ng katotohanan at pagpalag sa kasinungalingan; ang pagtulong sa nangangailangan sa abot ng makakaya,” Robredo said in a statement on Monday.

(Our acts do not need to be flashy; each step, however small, is a form of heroism as long as it is for others. It is heroic to serve in the medical profession; getting vaccinated; following health protocols; imparting truth and criticizing lies; helping the needy as much as we can.)

Robredo likewise acknowledged countless Filipinos who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

“‘Di man naitala ng kasaysayan ang kanilang pangalan at pinanggalingan, nabubuhay sa atin ang kanilang pinangarap at pinaghirapan: Isang bansang mas ligtas, mas malaya, mas makatao,” the vice president said.

(Their names may not have been etched in history, but their dreams and hardships live with us: One country that is safer, more free, and more humane.)

She added that each Filipino can be a hero as the nation combats COVID-19.

“Today reminds us: Heroism can be found beyond the gallows or the battlefield. Maaari itong makita sa tuwing titingin tayo sa salamin— dahil ang potensyal ng kabayanihan ay nasa loob natin, pamana ng mga kapwa-Pilipinong nauna sa atin at nagbahagi ng magandang halimbawa: Ng pagbubukas-loob, pagiging tapat at makatotohanan, pag-una sa kapwa kaysa sa pansariling interes, pagkilos nang marangal, at pagmamalasakit,” Robredo said.

(Today reminds us: Heroism can be found beyond the gallows or the battlefield. It can be found every time we look in the mirror — because the potential of heroism is within us, the legacy of Filipinos before us who shared a good example: of being wholehearted, being honest, prioritizing others instead of personal interest, acting with dignity, and being concerned.)

RELATED STORIES:

VP Robredo: Ninoy’s sacrifice changed course of PH history

No excuse for delayed release of health workers’ benefits — VP Robredo

Showing SALN an anti-corruption move — Robredo

gsg