By Christine Fabro
Commemorative rites were held at various areas across the country as the nation observes National Heroes’ Day today (Aug. 30) with the theme “Kabayanihan ng Bawat Pilipino, Susi sa Tagumpay at Pagkamakatao”.
In a video message, President Rodrigo Duterte, honored the “countless unsung heroes upon whose collective sacrifice the foundations of this nation was built on.”
“With pride and joy, we honor the noble sacrifices of our ancestors who fought to celebrate our country and established the thriving democracy that we are today. As we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, let us honor our modern day heroes, our medical frontliners and essential workers, who sacrifice their lives, comfort, and security to serve our fellow Filipinos,” Duterte said.
Read more: PRRD honors Filipino frontliners on National Heroes’ Day
In Taguig City, the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea graced the flag raising ceremony and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. He was joined by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), along with other officials.
The city government of San Juan, together with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, commemorated San Juan’s Pinaglabanan Day and National Heroes’ Day with solar-powered lights that formed the image of Gat Andres Bonifacio on Sunday (Aug. 29) night.
Alongside National Heroes’ Day, the province of Bulacan also commemorated the 171st birth anniversary of its foremost hero, Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar.
Some public officials also joined the Filipino nation in celebrating National Heroes’ Day.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, in separate messages on Monday (Aug. 30), paid tribute to the country’s modern-day heroes – the medical frontliners and other essential workers – for the “critical role they play in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We must also salute the police, firefighters and soldiers who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. And lastly, we recognize our national athletes, the sports heroes who are a source of inspiration and strength for many Filipinos amid these trying times,” Velasco said.
On Sunday (Aug. 29), the AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino said in a statement the life and legacy of the national heroes have become cornerstones of the country’s freedom, independence, and democratic ideals. –rir
