In observance of National Heroes' Day, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto asked the people to also honor the heroic deeds of society's lesser-known agents of change. 

"Sa bawat bayani na kilala natin, meron pong isang daan, libo, o bilyong bayani na 'behind the scenes'," said Sotto in a speech delivered on Monday, Aug. 28. 

"May mga bayani na mas sikat, kilala, at tunay namang dakila. Pero meron din pong mga bayani na walang pangalan, hindi na natin makikila pero kasing importante o maaaring sa ibang panahon ay mas dakila ang kanilang papel sa pakikipaglaban sa lahat ng nangyari sa ating kasaysayan sa ating bansa (There are heroes who are popular, known, and truly honorable. But there are also heroes who remain nameless or unknown whose roles in our revolutionary history are just as important or, as we uncover in the future, more significant)," he added. 

The mayor cited the famous "Nagsabado sa Pasig," which the city commemorates every Aug. 29, close to the annual celebration of National Heroes Day.  

The occasion remembers the heroism of 2,000 representatives from almost every family in Pasig who marched to what is now called "Plaza Rizal" and successfully fought Spanish forces to seize the offices of the Guardia Civil. 

It was one of the first victories of the Katipuneros during the Spanish colonial revolution led by General Valentin Cruz. 

Sotto said that objectively speaking, life is better at present compared to the conflict-ridden periods of 1890s or 1940s in the country's history. 

However, it is not enough to look up only to the popular, well-known leaders. 

Sotto also urged Pasigueños and, by extension, all Filipinos, to realize the essence of collective efforts in bringing about genuine societal change, reminiscent of the solidarity of Filipinos during the "Nagsabado," colonial, and world war periods. 

"Importante po na kinikilala ng bawat isa sa ating katungkulan tungo sa isang mas maganda, maunlad, at maayos na pamayanan (It's important that we recognize each other's responsibilities and duties to lead us to a progressive  nation)," said the mayor. 

Aside from Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert "Dodot" Jaworski Jr., Representative Roman Romulo, members of the City Council, and other city government officials attended the short National Heroes Day program at the Plaza Rizal on Aug. 28. 

They were joined by officers of Barangay Malinao, members of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Pasig, Pasig police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - Pasig, Traffic and Parking Management Office (TPMO), Public Information Office (PIO), Clean and Green, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office (CATO), Pasig City Masonic Lodge, Knight of Columbus - Pasig Chapter, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (BSP / GSP). 

The officials laid and offered flowers and wreaths at the Dr. Jose Rizal monument in Plaza Rizal on Monday morning. 

National Heroes Day, which celebrates the bravery and contributions of both past and modern-day heroes, is annually celebrated every last Monday of August, in accordance with Republic Act. No. 94292, Series of 2007.