President Marcos encouraged the nation to remember both the famous and unsung heroes for their contributions to the nation's progress.
In his message on National Heroes Day, Marcos urged Filipinos to pay tribute to the country's famous heroes like Lapu-Lapu, Andres Bonifacio, the Katipuneros, Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, and many others.
The President also called on the Filipino people to pay tribute to the unsung heroes—farmers, workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and everyday citizens.
"Our heroes' stories of courage, resilience, and patriotism bear even greater significance now that we are on the journey to becoming a truly revitalized and united nation," he said.
"Today, we pay tribute to the countless unsung heroes whose contributions are no less significant in building and pushing our nation forward-the farmers who till our land, the wage earners who propel our economy, the teachers who shape the minds of our youth, the healthcare workers who save lives, the civil servants who respond to the needs of the public, and the everyday citizens who carry out simple acts of kindness to others," he added.
In honoring Filipino heroes, Marcos said "we affirm as our own the values, virtues, and ideals they stood for."
He also highlighted that it is through the freedom that they have fought for that the nation enjoys the liberties it has today, making it the citizenry's "solemn duty to ensure that their sacrifices are firmly etched in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos."
"It is on a special day like this that we remember the brave souls who have come before us and reflect upon the legacy they have bequeathed to us and our beloved motherland," he said.
Marcos further urged the Filipino nation to draw inspiration from the strength of their ancestors and fellow Filipinos towards progress.
Heroism lies in every Filipino
In his speech at the commemoration ceremony for the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Marcos said heroism lies in every Filipino in various fields.
"Heroism also lies in him [and her] who [are] virtuous, in her who is compassionate, in [those] who [are] just," Marcos said in his remarks on Monday, Aug. 26.
"We have seen how it resides in the heart of a modern-day Filipino, fearless amidst the continuing adversities and perils that the world [has unleashed] – geopolitical conflicts, diseases, and climate change," he added.
"We see it in the navy and coast guard[s] who defend our maritime borders; in the soldiers who protect our citizens; and in the healthcare workers who put their lives at stake for others," he further said.
Marcos paid tribute to the overseas Filipinos who leave the comfort of home to support their loved ones; the ordinary workers who turn the gears of the economy; and the farmer and fisherfolk who increase the country's agricultural output to put food on every Filipino’s table.
Heroism, he added, is also emulated by educators who lead the fight against illiteracy, journalists who promote truth and accountability, and the environmental advocates who ensure that the
people will have a safe place to call home.
He also said that It is embodied by Filipino athletes who stood before millions, bearing the name of the Philippines in the international arena.
Marcos further said that they are the definition of modern heroes and testament that anyone is capable of becoming a hero.
Become heroes
The Chief Executive also called on every Filipino to be heroes in their own right. He urged the citizenry to abide by the rule of law and defend the country's sovereignty.
"In the spirit of shared responsibility, I call on everyone to be heroes in [their] own right," he said.
"Uphold the principles of democracy, abide by the rule of law, and defend our sovereignty," he added.