Contrary to popular belief, it does not need a special kind of act for an individual to be considered a hero.
Thus said the Department of National Defense (DND) as it encouraged the public on the eve of the National Heroes Day to find ways in the modern times how to be a hero in their own lives.
“Let us remember that heroism is not confined to the fields of battle or our seas; it is also found in our commitment to justice, our daily acts of kindness, and our efforts to uplift our fellow Filipinos as we face the future together,” DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Sunday, Aug. 25.
Teodoro paid tribute to the heroes of the past who fought for the country’s independence and the modern-day heroes who continue to protect and serve the nation.
He said their courage and sacrifice “have shaped our nation's history.”
“Their extraordinary courage and unyielding faith in the goodness of Filipinos impel us to do more for to better secure our country and its future through diligence, perseverance, and integrity, and solidarity,” the defense chief said.
“May we draw strength from the legacy of our heroes and work together to build a nation that is free, just, and prosperous for all,” he added.
National Heroes Day, or Araw ng mga Bayani, is commemorated every fourth Monday of August in honor of both known and unknown heroes who fought for the nation's freedom and independence.
This year, the National Heroes Day will be on Aug. 26.
‘Ride for WPS’
Meanwhile, around 600 riders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) participated in a fun motorcycle-ride activity in honor of the soldiers deployed to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The event dubbed as "Ride for West Philippine Sea: Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future" started at 5:30 a.m. at the Lapulapu Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Sunday. The activity ended up at Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.
Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations, said the event aims to boost the morale of military forces deployed to the WPS so they will be inspired to fulfill their role of guarding the country’s territory despite various intimidation tactics by China, such as the conduct of dangerous maneuvers and use of flares.
“We will continue to deploy our forces, the Navy and the Air Force, in the West Philippine Sea to show that we really own that area,” he said.
Blood donation drive
The Philippine Army (PA) also held a simultaneous blood donation drive all over the country in commemoration of the National Heroes Day.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, said the activity aims to ensure sufficient blood reserve for the Army personnel, dependents, and other civilians.
Various Army major units participated in the event, from the brigade level to the regional community defense groups.