Duterte: 'Honor patriotism, bravery of nation’s heroes'

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday urged Filipinos to emulate the ways of patriots and everyday heroes as they face the problems hounding the country and to work for the good of their families and their communities.

Duterte, in ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, said National Heroes Day is an opportunity to honor the patriotism and bravery of those who fought for the country’s freedom and laid the foundations “upon which the nation proudly stands.”

He lauded everyday heroes who continue to make sacrifices for the welfare of their families and advancement of their communities, as well as highlighted the contributions of ordinary citizens to nation-building.

“At a time when our unity as a people is constantly being tested, we take inspiration from their triumphs and struggles as we rise above the ills that plague our society and champion the empowerment of the poor, marginalized and oppressed,” Duterte said in his message.

“As we commemorate the valor of our heroes, let us continue to emulate their selfless ways in our daily endeavors as we effect lasting change across the nation and create a legacy upon which future generations can build… We are gathered here today not just to commemorate their sacrifices and remember their exploits, but more importantly, to emulate their selflessness and to live up to their example as we go about our daily lives,” he added.

Duterte pointed out that National Heroes Day is not just about honoring those whose statues proudly stand along hallways and pedestals or whose portraits are embedded in our currency and history books, but also for “our unnamed heroes who, in their own little ways, have made huge difference in the lives of those they have touched.”

He praised the military troops who gallantly sacrificed their lives to defeat communist rebels, Islamic separatists and other threats to Philippine sovereignty, citing the soldiers who took part in the liberation of Marawi from terrorist groups and lauding volunteers who gave time and resources to rehabilitate the city despite risks to their lives.

He also honored the police officers who made streets, communities and businesses safer through the campaign against crime and illegal drugs.  

The President also honored educators, who made it possible for the youth to “learn and understand what it takes to become heroes in their own right by contributing to our efforts in nation-building” despite limited resources, and the efforts of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who endure the hardships of working abroad to provide for their families and contribute to national development.

“Let us honor ordinary Filipinos who, despite the challenges that come their way, continue to work for the well-being of their families, the betterment of their communities and the advancement of our nation. These are our everyday heroes that we need our youth to emulate and look up to,” the President said. 

Like Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo also honored the country’s everyday heroes. “We are so much grateful to our OFWs who sacrifice to give their families better lives. We also salute our soldiers who put their lives in danger to ensure our safety every day,” she said.

Senators, for their part, said the nation badly needs heroes as Filipinos continue to confront various challenges.

Sen. Loren Legarda called on Filipinos to “be their own hero” while emulating the country’s national heroes “who fought for peace, justice and independence.”

“We need not die to be a hero, we only need to be responsible citizens and be the best that we can be,” she said in a statement. – With Paolo Romero, Michael Punongbayan, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Helen Flores