DND, AFP to Filipinos: Be heroes for others 'whenever we can'
The Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) paid tribute to the country’s national heroes and told Filipinos that they, too, can be modern-day heroes for others if they want.

DND Officer-in-Charge Jose Faustino Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro Jr. joined the Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during the flag-raising ceremony held at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City for the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day on Monday, August 29.
“The Department of National Defense joins the nation in commemorating this year's National Heroes Day, and honoring our heroes who put the nation and our people above all else, including themselves,” Faustino said.
The Defense chief also recognized the service the service and contribution of the modern-day heroes such as the front line forces in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, first responders in humanitarian assistance and disaster response in times of calamities, the overseas Filipino workers, and the everyday heroes in each other’s lives.
“I enjoin our compatriots to become heroes for others, whenever we can, to our family, friends and strangers,” Faustino noted.
Meanwhile Bacarro paid the ultimate respect to Filipino heroes who sacrificed their lives “for us to enjoy the freedom, peace, and security we have today.”
The ceremony was also attended by Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Rene Escalante, major service commanders of the AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Adm. Artemio Abu, Filipino veterans, members of the diplomatic corps, and other guests.