Duterte tells Filipinos: Be ‘everyday heroes’ to people in need

AS the country marked National Heroes’ Day on Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to be “everyday heroes” who champion those who have been “neglected by society.”

In his message, Duterte said Filipinos could recognize the heroism of our forebears “not only by erecting statues in their honor, but by uplifting the welfare of the poor and marginalized for it is through our small deeds that their spirit of valor can live on.”

“Let us make our forebears proud of our triumphs as a people by being everyday heroes who will reach out to those who are in need, especially to the ones who have been neglected by society,” Duterte said.

The President further urged Filipinos “to reflect on our history and honor the brave souls who courageously fought for our freedom and the democratic ideals upon which our nation was founded.”

“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,” he said.

Duterte also asked Filipinos to “embody solidarity and sustain our momentum towards positive change not only for ourselves but for the succeeding generations as well.”

“I truly believe that every Filipino is a hero who can build on our vibrant legacy of fortitude and resilience,” the President added.

The President was supposed to lead the National Heroes’ Day celebration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday morning, but he had to skip the event.

In a statement, Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo said Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano would represent the President in the ceremony.

Former Duterte top aide and now Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go told reporters that the President was “indisposed” but assured the public that there was nothing to worry about  on the 74-year-old Chief Executive’s health.

The President attended the National Heroes’ Day celebration last year.

Meanwhile, Go joined the Filipino people in celebrating National Heroes’ Day, saying “our nation is truly fortunate to have a long list of heroes who have dedicated their lives to protect the liberty and ensure the welfare of the country.”

“This reflects not only our reputation for courage, valor and determination amidst adversity but also our inherent nobility as a people,” Go said in a statement.

“Today, their legacy lives on in the modern-day heroes of our nation: From the soldiers who protect us from our enemies, to the police who maintain order in our society, to the teachers who nurture our youth, to the overseas workers who toil abroad for their families, and to every Filipino who strive day and night to contribute to our society,” he added.

The senator then urged the public to “pay tribute to all of our nation’s heroes, both past and present, by celebrating their deeds and honoring their memory.”

“Let their example guide us as we confront the challenges of our time and build the Philippines we aspire for ourselves and our nation,” Go added.

The celebration of National Heroes’ Day was first signed into law through Act 3827 in 1931. The law declared the last Sunday of August an official national holiday.

In 2007, then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9492, which set the National Heroes’ Day on the last Monday of August.