MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called on Filipinos to embody the courage of both past and present heroes by performing “small deeds of heroism” such as helping the poor and the marginalized.
In his National Heroes’ Day speech delivered by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Duterte said the occasion honors heroes who dedicated their lives in the name of “justice, equality, and freedom.”
“Today, we pay tribute not just to those heroes whose statues adorn our edifices, or whose portraits appear on our currency, or whose exploits are immortalized in the annals of this nation’s history. We dedicate this day most especially to those unnamed heroes who have also shed blood, sweat, and tears in defense of this nation and the values that it represents,” Duterte said.
“Their ultimate sacrifice will never be in vain if we, in our daily lives, learn to embody their courage through small deeds of heroism that will touch the lives of our countrymen, especially the poor and marginalized,” he added.
Duterte called on Filipinos to emulate the patriotism of heroes by supporting the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, terrorism, poverty and environmental degradation - among other nation-building programs.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to create an environment, where all Filipinos are heroes in their own rights, regardless of ethnicity, political affiliation, religious belief, educational attainment, or financial capability.
“It is our obligation to build on the legacy of those brave men and women who offered their lives building the foundations of a better Filipino nation. We owe it to our heroes to be worthy heirs to this legacy,” Duterte said.
Duterte, meanwhile, asked Filipinos to set aside differences, to create a better society for the future generations of Filipino heroes.
In another National Heroes’ Day message released by Malacañang, the President said Filipinos can also honor heroes by reflecting on history, especially the sacrifices they took to make possible the freedom enjoyed today.
"Their collective sacrifice has made it possible for us to enjoy the blessings of liberty and to continue strengthening this great nation that they have left behind. We recognize their heroism not only by erecting statues in their honor but by uplifting the welfare of the poor and the marginalized for it is through our small deeds that their spirit of valor can live on," Duterte said.
Duterte said Filipinos can make their forebears proud by being "everyday heroes" who will reach out to those in need.
"I truly believe that every Filipino is a hero who can build on our vibrant legacy of fortitude and resilience. As we face the future together, I encourage everyone to embody solidarity and sustain our momentum towards positive change not only for ourselves but for the succeeding generations as well," he added.
Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced that Duterte would be unable to attend the National Heroes’ Day event in Taguig City.
“We wish to inform that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is unable to attend the National Heroes Day event today, 26 August, 2019 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano will be representing him on his behalf,” Panelo said.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s former aide, told reporters that the President skipped the event because he was not feeling well but assured it was no cause for concern.
Go said Duterte was busy with activities over the weekend, which include a meeting Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari in Davao City.
He, however, assured that Duterte’s trip to China from August 28 to 31 to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and invoke the arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea will push through. (PNA)
