President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has rallied Filipinos to strive and be heroes in their own right and serve as inspiration for the succeeding generation to emulate.
In his message on the occasion of National Heroes’ Day Monday, the Chief Executive said the legacy of Filipinos who fought and sacrificed (their lives) to establish and preserve this nation… lives on in the hearts of medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens who toil daily.”
Sara message
For her part, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte urged the public not to squander the lessons of the past and instead use them to awaken all the greatest heroes inside the hearts of every Filipino, especially the youth.
Duterte paid tribute to the country’s national heroes who selflessly offered their lives for the liberation of the Philippines and the Filipino people.
“As we honor our National Heroes today, may we not only look back with admiration at their profound sense of patriotism but also look at the future of our country and its unrelenting longing for the same profound sense of patriotism from us,” she said.
Marcos offers wreath
Marcos led the commemoration of the country’s national heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani within Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, where his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., is buried.
The President, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, offered a wreath during the event that honors the courage and sacrifices of past Filipino heroes who braved death or persecution for the nation, justice, and freedom.
Modern-day heroes
In his speech, the 64-year-old chief executive recognized the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes to “ease” people’s burden and “achieve” our dreams for the nation.
He also hailed “modern-day heroes” who he said made the country’s situation “better” through their compassion for others.
“Kinikilala natin ang ating mga magsasaka, mga agricultural worker na buong araw ay nagsisikap upang matugunan ang ating mga pangangailangan para sa seguridad ng suplay ng pagkain,” said Marcos, who is the country’s Agriculture chief.
Marcos noted that without agricultural workers, Filipino families wouldn’t have had food on their tables.
He praised business owners for appropriately compensating their employees despite financial losses due to the pandemic-induced community lockdowns.
Moreover, Marcos hailed the teachers for leading the resumption of in-person classes after more than two years.
Marcos recognized healthcare workers and other front liners for sacrificing their security and health to help the country end its fights against the deadly coronavirus disease.
He also remembered the overseas Filipino workers, particularly those working in war-torn countries, for enduring being away from their families to give them a better future.
Finally, Marcos recognized war veterans and vowed that the government will continue to provide what is due to them.
@tribunephl_mish