LANDMARK The iconic 20-meter bronze statue of Cebu chieftain Lapulapu at Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. —Photo from the Facebook page of the Lapulapu Shrine
MANILA, Philippines — The stories of patriotism of the country’s heroes now bear greater significance than ever, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday, August 26, as the country marked National Heroes’ Day.
“It is through the freedom that they have fought for that we enjoy the liberties we have today, making it our solemn duty to ensure that their sacrifices are firmly etched in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos,” the president said in his video message posted on Facebook.
The chief executive is set to attend a commemoration of Filipino heroes at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City today, a regular holiday.
“Our heroes’ stories of courage, resilience, and patriotism bear even greater significance now that we are on the journey to becoming a truly revitalized and united nation,” he noted in the post.
Marcos also paid homage to the country’s anti-colonial heroes, who contributed to the country’s rich history of struggle.
“From the valiant resistance of Lapu-Lapu against foreign invaders to the revolutionary spirit of Andres Bonifacio and the resolve of the Katipuneros, our rich heritage has been forged in the fires of struggle,” Marcos said.
“We remember the likes of Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, and many others whose names resound through the ages, reminding us of the need to relentlessly strive and fight for a better future,” he continued.
READ: Marcos honors the ‘lesser-known and unnamed Filipino heroes’ on National Heroes Day
He also hailed unsung heroes, like today’s ordinary workers.
“Today, we pay tribute to the countless unsung heroes whose contributions are no less significant in building and pushing our nation forward – the farmers who till our land, the wage earners who propel our economy, the teachers who shape the minds of our youth, the healthcare workers who save lives, the civil servants who respond to the needs of the public, and the everyday citizens who carry out simple acts of kindness to others,” Marcos noted.
“In honoring our heroes, we affirm as our own the values, virtues, and ideals they stood for,” he went on.
“Let us draw inspiration from the strength of our ancestors and our fellow Filipinos as we dedicate our work to the challenging yet fulfilling task of creating a Bagong Pilipinas where every individual can live a comfortable and dignified life,” the president concluded.