MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Monday received the first copy of book on the martial law years from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
NHCP gifted the copy of the book entitled "Ang Mamatay ng Dahil Sa'yo" (To die for you) honoring Filipino martyrs and heroes who fought for freedom and justice during the Martial Law to the president at the commemoration of National Heroes' Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Aquino acknowledged the present saying the book can be considered as a heritage for the next generation.
He also quoted philosopher George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Alay po ito sa mga martir at bayaning Pilipinong nanindigan laban sa diktaturya ng martial law noong taong 1972 hanggang 1986. Kabilang din po sila sa mga Pilipinong pinapasalamatan at kinikilala natin ngayon," Aquino said in his speech.
"Tunay pong magandang pamana ang aklat na ito sa kasalukuyang henerasyon, gayundin sa mga susunod pang salinlahi, upang maiwasan ang kamalian ng nakaraan, at maging gabay sa mga hakbang sa kinabukasan," he added.
The book was given by NHCP Chair Ma. Sereno Diokno, also present at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday.