PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte honored “everyday heroes” who help build the Filipino nation as the country marked National Heroes’ Day on Monday.
In remarks at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Duterte recognized the “extraordinary heroism of countless Filipinos” who, he said, “have faced seemingly insurmountable odds in defense of this nation and the values that it stands for.”
He encouraged Filipinos to remember the heroes’ “exploits,” and also to emulate their “selflessness” and “to live up to their example as we go about our daily lives.”
“Today, let us honor ordinary Filipinos who, despite the challenges that come their way, continue to work for the well-being [of] their families, the betterment of their communities, and the advancement of our nation. These are our [everyday] heroes that we need our youth to emulate and look up to,” Duterte said.
“It is my sincere hope that as we come together to honor our heroes and celebrate their extraordinary feats and love of country, may we further inspired to embody the ideals and values that they stood up for,” he added.
Duterte said it was also important to honor “those heroes whose statues proudly stand along hallways and pedestals, or whose portraits are embedded in our currency and history books.”
The President then honored brave Filipino soldiers, especially the fallen ones, for sacrificing their lives to quell terrorist threats in Mindanao last year. He thanked those who took time to help in rebuilding the war-torn city of Marawi in Lanao del Sur.
A total of 165 state troops were among more than 1,000 killed in the five-month war between government and Islamic State-linked Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
“We honor our volunteers who, despite the risks to their lives and safety, have dedicated their precious time and resources to rebuild and bring back the once thriving and prosperous city back to its former glory,” he added.
The President likewise recognized the dedication of the Philippine National Police in advancing his “relentless and chilling” campaign against illegal drugs.
“We honor our dedicated police officers who, through an intensified campaign against criminality and illegal drugs, have made our streets, neighborhoods, communities and businesses safer and more conducive for growth and development,” he said.
Finally, Duterte honored teachers and overseas Filipino workers for the sacrifices they make for their families and communities.
“We honor our educators who, despite limited resources, have made it possible for our youth to learn and understand what it takes to become heroes in their own right by contributing to our efforts in nation-building,” Duterte said.
“We honor our overseas Filipino workers who, while enduring the hardships of working away from their homeland, have contributed to our national development while providing the needs of their loved ones,” he added.
The country celebrates National Heroes’ Day every last Monday of August, under Republic Act 9492 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 24, 2007.
The annual celebration coincides with the Cry of Pugad Lawin — now known as Cry of Balintawak — which marked the beginning of the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonizers.