Balagtas as hero

Writer and educator Michael Coroza joins calls for renowned Filipino poet Francisco Baltazar's formal recognition as Philippine hero for harnessing the pen's might to advocate love of country and fellowmen. "He inspired even our heroes," Coroza said. 'Francisco Balagtas' was the pen name Baltazar chose for his work. This Sunday (April 2), the country will celebrate the annual Araw ni Balagtas to mark Baltazar's 229th birth anniversary. Earlier, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and the late Filipino writer Lope K. Santos also sought hero status for Baltazar. (PNA photo by Catherine J. Teves)