President Aquino lauds, vows to aid soldiers

HONORING HEROES President Aquino walks behind soldiers carrying flowers for Monday’s wreath-laying ceremony commemorating National Heroes Day at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier Monument (Libingan ng mga Bayani) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Calling them unrecognized heroes, President Benigno Aquino III on Monday lauded veteran soldiers and those on active duty for serving the country well. He also promised to look after their welfare.

In a speech marking National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Mr. Aquino saluted the soldiers for playing a big role in ensuring the peace and order in the country. He also paid tribute to those who had given up their lives the in service of the country.

“In our gathering today, it’s only right that we emphasize and praise their heroism,” the President said in Filipino, thanking the military men for doing their duty and sacrificing their lives for the people.

This year’s theme of the heroes day celebration was “Bayani ng Bayan, Gabay ni Juan sa Matuwid na Daan,” which according to the organizers “highlights the importance we give to our heroes who struggled for our democracy.”

In his speech, the President also thanked the soldiers for being the partners of the government in its bid to take the country down the right path.

“The government is behind you to help and respond to your needs,” he said.

The President said that through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the government had improved the health services for veterans by accrediting them with almost 300 hospitals. He promised more government programs for their benefit.

As for the soldiers on active duty, Mr. Aquino said the government was doing its best to provide them with skills and the equipment necessary to improve their capabilities.

“We are trying to make good our dream that when you say Filipino soldier, he is known and respected by the whole world,” he said.

President Aquino also said he was taking the opportunity to talk to civilians to help the government achieve change for the betterment of the nation.

“I am ready to be the first to sacrifice,” he said, but added that he could not do this alone.

“The country doesn’t need a superman to resolve all our problems. What we need is the heroism of Juan and Juana de la Cruz. We need to take part in solving the problems,” the President said.

It is in these instances that “a true hero—those who are not asking to be recognized in history, and who stand by their principles even if no one knows—is born.”