Get inspired by ‘everyday heroes’

CEBU, Philippines —  In the celebration of the National Heroes Day, Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has encouraged the youth to make both the national heroes and “everyday heroes” as source of inspiration.

The city government, led by Mayor Michael Rama and Garcia, celebrated the occasion yesterday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Plaza Sugbo Grounds, which was followed by a short program.

“In our numerous heroes, you will find a display of wonderful qualities such as bravery, selflessness, patriotism, nationalism, and deep love for country. Truly, they are role models worth imitating and their examples to follow,” said Garcia.

“But our dear youth need not actually dive deep into the history books, nor scan through the gravestones in the Libingan ng mga Bayani to find heroes. One can easily find them today as they are also living among us. These everyday heroes deserve as much honor and respect on National Heroes Day,” he said.

Garcia said that the National Heroes Day is a day to honor and celebrate the brave men and women in our nation's history who realized that there was something more important fighting for and protecting than their own selves.

He said historically, it celebrated the heroes of the revolution who helped establish the foundation for the country's independence such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Apolinario Mabini.

“But over the years, it has also embraced honoring the men and women who've risen to the status of heroes because they made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. For our fallen heroes, we, too, salute you today,” he said.

The vice mayor highlighted how the “everyday heroes” deserve such great recognition in yesterday’s celebration.

Garcia said these modern day heroes include the medical frontliners, who were at the forefront in the battle against COVID-19 and unfortunately were among the first to take very heavy casualties.

He described them as the people whom the majority relied on during the height of the pandemic.

Also recognized were the teachers, who, according to him, were forced to be pioneers to a modular approach in education which oftentimes meant additional work with their already limited resources.

Garcia also mentioned how the disaster responders and volunteers risk their life and limb so that others may be safe when the calamity or disaster strikes.

He said even though these men and women, too, have houses, property, and family to protect, they leap into action for the sake of others without any expectation of gratitude or renumeration.

“To our everyday heroes, we also salute you,” said Garcia.

“May we all emulate the national heroes in our history and in our everyday lives so that we, too, can become heroes in our own right, to become heroes within our own circle of  influence. In that way, we can build a better city, better country, and a better world for the next generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rama, in his message, asked everyone to "walk the talk" in honoring our heroes and following their examples instead of simply showing up in the celebration without understanding its significance.

The National Heroes Day commemorates the “Cry of Pugad Lawin,” a revolt that kicked off the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire and the long struggle toward that country’s independence. — JMD (FREEMAN)