Marcos calls Ople, OFWs and farmers 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)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. honored the late Migrant Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople by calling her a hero.

He made the statement on Monday during his speech in observance of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

“We must mention a dear and departed friend who we can only describe as well as a hero, and that is our good friend who we just lost, Secretary Toots Ople. And she is a perfect example of what true heroism can be,” Marcos said.

“She tirelessly dedicated the better part of her life to promote the welfare of our modern-day heroes,” he added.

Marcos also recognized the overseas Filipino workers.

“We can never disregard the countless tales of our workforce, who have bounced back from the agonizing challenges of the pandemic to drive our nation’s ongoing economic recovery. These include, of course, our overseas Filipino workers, whose remittances form a strong pillar of our country’s economy,” the President noted.

Marcos honored the farmers as well.

“It may be the Filipino farmer who prevailed over harsh weather and economic conditions to ensure a successful harvest that he might feed his countrymen. What to him was a mere personal triumph was a crucial fragment of a greater accomplishment – a high level of production of food, which contributes to our goal of food sufficiency for our people,” he said.

The Chief Executive is the concurrent secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

Marcos also gave recognition to teachers.

“There is also, of course, the Filipino teacher, who, in spite of a meager pay, strives not only to be a good educator to our youth, but a patient and persevering servant of government and of the people in many various activities outside of their strict job description,” he said.

During the ceremony, Marcos led the flag-raising ceremony and the laying of a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In a separate message, Marcos urged Filipinos to remember the unnamed heroes who played vital roles in shaping the nation.

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