Marcos, Duterte honor unsung heroes

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. during a program at the Libingan ng mga Bayani for the commemoration of National Heroes Day, August 28, 2023. | PHOTO: Presidential Communications Office (PCO)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday recognized ordinary, unsung and modern-day heroes as he called on all Filipinos to unleash their heroism and let it ignite their dedication toward a progressive new Philippines.

In his National Heroes Day message, the President recognized the efforts not only of the most known heroes who fought for the honor and dignity that every Filipino enjoys today but also of the unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in shaping the Philippines.

“If all of this means anything, it is that each of us has the capacity to be a hero of our nation. Hence, on this year’s National Heroes Day, I enjoin every Filipino across the globe to celebrate with a renewed understanding and sense of pride for the fortitude that is naturally abundant in our hearts as a people,” Mr. Marcos said.

“As we recognize our forebears whose uncelebrated legacies our society is built on, let us also realize our own power to become heroes for our families and communities. May this consciousness then ignite us to be dedicated in our agenda of creating a new Philippines that is strong, prosperous, resilient and secure for present and future generations,” he added.

The President said that the Filipino people should never forget the many heroes and heroines who dedicated their lives to all the liberties that everyone enjoys today including the many lesser-known and unnamed Filipinos who played important roles in shaping the country.

Heroism of OFWs

Mr. Marcos elaborated more on this message as he led the state commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where he offered a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The President recognized, among others, the heroism of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), whose remittances continue to serve as a strong pillar of the country’s gross domestic product amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The President also mentioned the late Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, who died on Aug. 22, as a “perfect example” of a hero for her services in promoting the welfare of the OFWs.

This year’s celebration of National Heroes Day has the theme “Karangalan. Katungkulan. Kabayanihan.”

Vice President Sara Duterte also called on Filipinos to “find the heroes” within themselves and to forge unity among one another.

On Monday, the Vice President led the national celebrations at the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, named after the Philippine hero who warded off Spanish invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan over 400 years ago.

‘Find the heroes within us’

In a speech, she said Filipinos should commemorate the nation’s heroes and their “courage, sacrifices and unwavering commitment—along with the many nameless Filipinos who also fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

“They laid the groundwork for the freedom and opportunities we relish today,” she said.

“As Filipinos, we should find the heroes within us—carve a soul that is fearless, a soul that is selfless—and forge a unity that will enable us to overcome the challenges of the present day and enable us to achieve our aspirations for our country,” she added.

Like her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Vice President likewise believed that Lapulapu was the first Philippine hero, and that his bravery “foreshadowed the bravery of the heroes who started the Philippine Revolution in 1896.”

She said Filipinos should honor the country’s national heroes by raising a “new generation of fearless and selfless Filipinos who are united by their love of country.”

“Our heroes are not only names. They do not only exist in the past. They lie within us,” she added. INQ

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