Noy to lead Heroes’ Day rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead today the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day by having a simple wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte made the announcement yesterday and took the opportunity to extend Aquino’s message urging Filipinos to be heroes in their own right as his administration continues its fight to stamp out corruption.

“Four years ago, the Filipino people dared to go against the tide of indifference and braved the waters towards good governance and social justice,” Valte said, reading Aquino’s message over state-run dzRB station.

“Despite seemingly insurmountable odds we forged on, never letting those who continue to sow greed, doubt, and negativism undermine our love of country and people,” Aquino’s message read.

The President also reminded Filipinos that “we are forever indebted to the sacrifice of our heroes and we sustain their legacy as we persist in weaving their dream of a free, inclusive, and empowered Philippines into a tangible reality.

“We stand proud of the nation that we have become, as we bear the greatest gift for our forefathers: We have launched a revolution for enduring change and reform. It is this transformation that we shall proudly bequeath to coming generations,” Aquino said.

The President also called on Filipinos to take time to rediscover the story of their country, learn from the past and face the future with renewed courage and optimism.

“Through the most daunting circumstances – in the face of the strongest storm to hit our lands, in our continuing fight against poverty and corruption, or in our steadfast campaign for peace and equitable progress – we shall prove, time and again that indeed, the Filipino is worth fighting for,” he noted.