Stories of heroism of ordinary Filipinos like the farmers, teachers, linemen, and overseas Filipino workers, must continue to be told, no matter if these may be less tragic or dramatic.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. made this statement as he spoke during the National Heroes Day ceremony held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Marcos emphasized that the nation "must break free" from the notion that heroes are only those who have earned the place in the national pantheon, immortalized in monuments, or those whose names are inscribed in the streets or whose lives are chronicled in biographies.

"Like the unknown soldiers buried in this hallowed ground, unnamed and unheralded heroes too deserve due recognition," he said in his speech on Monday, Aug. 28.

He said that while the memories of heroes of storied past will never fade, new ones continue to emerge, adding that they are amongst us in modern day society, in communities, in families, and inner circles.

"In their own ways, more often than not, in less dramatic, less tragic circumstances, their selfless deeds and sacrifices have the same ability to inspire and to create a possible ripple effect in society," he said.

"Heroism is  not only to be found in the grand battles and struggles, it also resides in the simplest acts of kindness, of empathy, solidarity that not only move hearts but also influence minds, and actions,and change lives for the better," he added.

Tell their stories, do not take them for granted

The President encouraged the citizenry to keep telling the tales of the heroic deeds of our kababayans, wherever they are in the country or in the world.

The tale, he said, might be about the electric lineman from Bacolod City who risked his life to repair a broken electrical wire to avert the greater danger to the neighborhood, or it may be the Filipino farmer who prevailed over harsh weather and economic conditions to ensure a successful harvest that he might feed his countrymen.

He went on saying, it might be the tale of the Filipino teachers, who inspite of meager pay, strive not only to be good educators to the youth, but also as patient and persevering servants of the government and of the people in many various activities outside of their strict job description.

Marcos also paid tribute to the overseas Filipino workers and Migrant Workers Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople for their contribution to the society.

Ople, he said, was a true example of heroism.

"We must mention a dear departed friend, who we can describe as a hero and that is our friend who we just lost Secretary Toots Ople. She is a true example of a true heroism can be. She tirelessly dedicated the better part of her life to promote the welfare of our modern-day heroes," Marcos said.

"We shall not take their heroism for granted. We will not spare ourselves of the moral duty to perpetuate the ideals they have fought for, and to rectify the unsafe, inequitable, or exceptionally difficult conditions that necessitated their selfless deeds," he added.

The celebration of National Heroes Day began during the American colonial period. According to the Official Gazette, it specifies no hero; the law that put into practice the celebration does not name a single one."

READ MORE: Marcos to Pinoys: Be heroes for your families, communities