MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte honored health workers and other essential frontliners battling the COVID-19 pandemic as the country commemorates National Heroes’ Day on Monday.
“I join the entire Filipino nation in celebrating National Heroes’ Day. With pride and joy, we honor the noble sacrifices of our ancestors who fought to celebrate our country and establish the thriving democracy that we are today,” Duterte said in a video message.
“As we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, let us honor our modern day heroes, our medical frontliners and all essential workers who sacrifice their lives, comfort and security to serve our fellow Filipinos.”
Frontliners at the Naga City Hospital (Image from Facebook / Naga City Hospital)
“May we all learn from the valiant example of the past and present heroes and build on them to achieve a stronger future for all. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang ating bayan,” he added.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea led the wreath-laying rites at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.
National Heroes Day, celebrated to pay homage to those who struggled for the country’s freedom, was initially celebrated on November 30, the birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio.
But the national holiday was later moved to the last Monday of August to mark the Cry of Balintawak or Cry of Pugad Lawin, the revolt that started the Philippine revolution against the Spanish colonizers.
READ: #InquirerSeven: Who exactly are our ‘national heroes’?