President hails nation’s ‘unsung heroes’

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the nation’s “unsung heroes” as the Philippines marked National Heroes Day.

In his message, Marcos lauded ordinary Filipinos, including teachers, farmers and health care workers, for their contributions to nation-building.

“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 health care 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,” he said.

PHOTO FROM RTVM LIVE

“In honoring our heroes, we affirm as our own the values, virtues and ideals they stood for,” Marcos said.

He cited the selflessness of the country’s ancestors, whose bravery paved the way for the freedom the present generation enjoys.

“From the valiant resistance of Lapulapu 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,” the President 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 added.

National Heroes Day is celebrated every last Monday of August and is one of the country’s oldest public holidays.

Speaker Martin Romualdez also cited ordinary Filipinos for their heroism in his own National Heroes Day message.

“Whether it’s the fishermen of Masinloc protecting our marine resources or the teachers in remote areas ensuring that no child is left behind, OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) who represent the spirit of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifices for national development, and the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard and other law enforcers who defend the country’s territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea, these modern-day heroes exemplify the true essence of nation-building,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the celebration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, August 26, 2024. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the celebration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, August 26, 2024. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the celebration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, August 26, 2024. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the celebration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, August 26, 2024. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

Romualdez also called the Filipino athletes who competed in the 2024 Olympics as heroes. “Their victories on the global stage demonstrate how perseverance and dedication can lead to extraordinary accomplishments,” he said.

“Every time a citizen upholds the law, participates in community activities, or simply cares for their family, they are strengthening the integrity of our nation,” he said.

Romualdez urged every Filipino “to find inspiration in the lives of these modern heroes,” reminding them that heroism “does not always require grand gestures — sometimes, it lies in the small, everyday acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others.”

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the frontliners in the tourism sector are the embodiment of modern-day heroism.