President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday led the National Heroes Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, where he called on Filipinos to emulate the bravery of national heroes by taking a stand against corruption, deception, and abuse of power in today’s society.
According to a report by RH Leth Narciso, the President arrived at the ceremony around 8:00 AM. He offered a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, joined by Philippine Army Chief Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete. This year’s celebration carries the theme “Isang Diwa, Isang Lahi, Isang Bayanihan.”
In his keynote address, Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against even the smallest acts of dishonesty, warning that repeated tolerance for such behavior could slowly erode the nation's moral foundation.
“Dapat ipagwalang-bahala ang maliliit na panlilinlang sapagkat kung pauulit-ulit ito’y pinapalampas natin unti-unti nitong sinisira ang ating lipunan ng hindi natin namamalayan,” the President said.
He emphasized the importance of encouraging critical thinking and civic responsibility among the youth, noting that their role in upholding freedom is vital to the country’s future.
“Bilang Pilipino may pananagutan tayo sa ating bansa na maging mas mapanuri sa mga mali; na isiwalat ang panloloko at panindigan ang alam nating tama kahit hindi ito madali.
“Ito rin ay pagkakataon upang gisingin ang kamalayan ng kabataan tungkol sa kanilang tungkulin sa bayan. Gabayan natin sila upang maging mas mapanuri sila sa mga suliranin sa ating lipunan,” he added.
Marcos warned that failing to prepare the next generation to defend the nation’s freedoms would dishonor the sacrifices of past heroes.
“Kung hindi natin maihahanda ang ating mga kabataan sa pagtatanggol sa ating kalayaan, ipinagkakanulo natin hindi lamang ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani kundi pati na rin ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. At sa hangaring ito, ito ang pangako ng inyong pamahalaan: hindi namin kayo iiwan.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials.
“Pananagutin namin ang lahat ng sangkot sa anomlaya at katiwalian. Ilalabas natin nang buo ang pawang katotohanan. At titiyakin nating hindi na mauulit ang kawalan ng respeto at malasakit sa taong bayan,” Marcos said.
He then called on the public to unite in building what he described as a “Bagong Pilipinas” rooted in justice, transparency, and national solidarity.
“Kaya’t magtulong-tulong tayo upang labanan ang korapsyon, labanan ang pag-aabuso sa tungkulin, labanan ang pagwarak sa ating karapatan, sapagkat ito lamang ang paraan upang matamasa natin ang mas maunlad, mas makatarungan at mas matatag na Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Mabuhay ang ating mga bayani, mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino,” the incumbent President said, ending his speech.
Following the program, President Marcos made a brief visit to the grave of his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who is interred at the same cemetery after his controversial burial in 2016.
Marcos also highlighted the importance of recognizing unsung heroes whose names may not be recorded in history but whose contributions remain essential to the country’s independence and progress.
National Heroes Day is a regular holiday in the Philippines, observed every last Monday of August, in honor of Filipinos, both known and unknown, who have shown extraordinary courage and patriotism in service of the nation.
