President Marcos marked National Heroes Day with a call for Filipinos to confront corruption and deceit, stressing the duty to prepare the next generation to defend the country’s freedom.

In his speech during the National Heroes Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Aug. 25, the President warned that failing to guide the youth weakens the nation’s future.

“Kung hindi natin maihahanda ang kabataan sa pagtatanggol sa ating kalayaan, ipinagkakanulo natin hindi lamang ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani, kundi pati na rin ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa (If we cannot prepare the youth to defend our freedom, we betray not only the sacrifices of our heroes, but also the future of our nation),” he said.

At the same time, Marcos warned against selfishness and corruption, saying these rob the nation not only of resources but also of the dreams and future of generations to come.

“Bilang Pilipino, may pananagutan tayo sa ating bansa na maging mas mapanuri sa mga mali, na isiwalat ang panloloko, at panindigan ang alam nating tama, kahit hindi ito madali (As Filipinos, we have a responsibility to be more discerning of wrongdoings, to expose deceit, and to stand by what we know is right, even when it is difficult),” he said.

“Dahil hindi lamang salapi ang kanilang ninanakaw, kundi pati ang kalusugan, pangarap, at kinabukasan ng mga susunod na henerasyon na Pilipino (Because they do not only steal money, but also the health, dreams, and future of the next generation of Filipinos),” he added.

With this, the President pledged that his administration would not abandon Filipinos and vowed to hold corrupt officials accountable.

“Hindi namin kayo iiwan. Pananagutin namin ang lahat ng sangkot sa anomalya at katiwalian (We will not leave you behind. We will hold accountable all those involved in anomalies and corruption),” he said.

“Ilalabas natin ang buo at pawang katotohanan (We will reveal the whole truth),” he added.

In his speech, the Chief Executive recalled the story of Teresa Magbanua of Iloilo, known as the “Visayan Joan of Arc,” who gave up a life of privilege to lead guerrilla forces against colonial powers.

He said her courage reflected the sacrifices of countless unnamed Filipinos who fought for independence.

“Ngayong Araw ng mga Bayani, binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga Pilipinong hindi naisulat ang pangalan sa mga pahina ng kasaysayan ngunit naging mitsa at apoy na bumuhay sa ating kasarinlan (On this Heroes Day, we honor Filipinos whose names were never written in history but became sparks and flames that gave life to our independence),” the President said.

Marcos added that heroism continues to live on through ordinary Filipinos who serve the nation daily—farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, healthcare workers, and laborers. He said their perseverance in the face of challenges proves that the spirit of sacrifice is still alive.

“Likas na sa Pilipino ang pagiging tapat, ang paglilingkod, at ang pakikipag-kapwa (It is natural for Filipinos to be honest, to serve, and to care for others),” he said.

“Ang kanilang araw-araw na paglilingkod sa kabila ng mga hamon ay patunay na buhay pa rin ang diwa ng kabayanihan (Their daily service despite challenges proves that the spirit of heroism is alive),” he added.

In a separate message, Vice President Sara Duterte honored both historic and modern-day heroes, from soldiers and frontliners to overseas Filipino workers.

She thanked those “who quietly dedicate their strength, knowledge, and effort for their fellowmen and the nation” and saluted Filipinos abroad who “sacrifice and work diligently for their families and the country.”

Sa bawat Pilipinong lumalaban para sa pamilya, sa kapwa, at sa bayan, kayo ay bayani (To every Filipino who fights for family, for others, and for the country, you are a hero),” she said.

National Heroes Day is observed every last Monday of August to honor Filipinos who fought for independence and those who continue to serve the nation in different capacities.