The national heroes must never be forgotten for their legacy of heroism lives in the hearts of the health professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and hardworking ordinary citizens, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said on Monday, Aug. 29.
In his message to the public on the commemoration of National Heroes Day, Marcos paid honor and tribute to the countless men and women of extraordinary courage and valor, who fought and sacrificed to establish and preserve the nation.
‘’We remember and honour each of them for the sacrifices they made on our behalf so that we may live in peace, security, and liberty as well as realize our full potential as Filipinos,’’ he said.
Marcos hailed the modern-day heroes, saying that their deeds not only remind the nobility of the Filipino race but also encourage everyone to be part of the ‘’difficult but rewarding task of nation-building.’’
He asserted that Filipinos are destined for greatness because the heroes’ blood flows in everyone’s veins and that the bodies have courageous spirits that can accomplish feats.
The President then encouraged the public to strive to be heroes in ‘’our own right and a source of pride and inspiration for the succeeding generations of Filipinos.‘’
Marcos led the celebration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Quezon City on Monday morning.
With a celebration theme "Kabayanihan Tungo sa Pagkakaisa at Pag-unlad", Marcos in his speech hailed again farmers, teachers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), laborers, teachers, military barangay officials, community leaders, ecological warriors, and health workers for their deeds and devotion which contributes to the country’s development.
He first commended farmers and agricultural workers for their hardships in ensuring food security for the country.
"Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, wala tayong maiaahin sa ating mga pamilya, tunay silang mga bayani, kailanman," he added.
Marcos then expressed his gratitude to the trade and industry sector for leading the path towards a progressive economy despite the challenges of the pandemic.
"Sa bawat likha ng kanilang mga kamay, mas lalo nilang pinagtitibay ang pundasyon ng ating ekonomiya at lipunan," Marcos said.
Teachers and education workers were also praised by the President for their dedication to ensure that the resumption of face-to-face classes was safe.
"Panatag ang ating kalooban na nasa mabubuting kamay ang ating mga kabataan," he added.
Marcos also praised the health sector, particularly the frontliners for their limitless sacrifices every day for the Filipinos amid the pandemic.
The military, barangay officials, community leaders, and ecological warriors were also commended, respectively, for their continued service to the Filipino community.
