President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to “be heroes in their own right”, urging them to uphold democracy, abide by the rule of law, and defend Philippine sovereignty.

Speaking at the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Marcos remembered the heroes of the past who fought foreign colonizers to safeguard the country’s freedom and dignity.

Noting that the country’s rich history “produced a number of great heroes,” the President honored Lapulapu and his warriors, Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Antonio Luna and the Katipuneros, as well as heroines Gabriela Silang, Trinidad Tecson, and Teresa Magbanua who all stood firm and defiant against foreign aggressors.

“Their bravery and determination paved the way to the freedom that all of us enjoy today, although it came at a high cost, their peace, their rights, their lives,” Marcos said.

He also paid tribute to modern-day heroes who serve the country, including the Navy and Coast Guard, overseas Filipino workers, farmers and fisherfolk, teachers, journalists, environmental advocates, and national athletes.

The Chief Executive then called on the public to “not lose sight of what is asked of us for the present and for the future” in remembering the heroes of the past.

“Let us carry on the great legacy of our brave ancestors with the fortitude of an enlightened mind, the strength of compassion and generosity, and the courage of our convictions,” Marcos said.

“In the spirit of shared responsibility, I call on everyone to be heroes in their own right, uphold the principles of democracy, abide by the rule of law, and defend our sovereignty. Let us acknowledge the significance of history and pass it on to our young Filipinos, so we can nurture in our children the love of country, for it is only in that patriotism that we can preserve our national identity,” he went on.

National Heroes Day is a regular holiday observed every last Monday of August to mark the anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin, the beginning of the Philippine Revolution by the Katipunan in 1896 against the Spanish colonizers.

The President also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument dedicated to the services of all soldiers killed in war.

After the event, he spent a moment with Filipino veterans.

Tribute to freedom fighters

The National Security Council (NSC), meanwhile, honored all “courageous men and women” who fought for the freedom now being enjoyed by the country and its people.

“Their unwavering dedication to the nation serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that define the Filipino spirit,” it said in a social media post.

The NSC also urged all Filipinos to draw inspiration from their legacy to build a safer and more secure Philippines.

“Together, we can ensure a future where our nation’s freedom remains protected, and its people safeguarded,” the body stressed. (PNA)