Today, Aug. 25, 2025, we again pause to honor National Heroes Day, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices and ideals that forged our nation. Observed every last Monday of August and rooted in the Cry of Pugad Lawin that sparked the 1896 revolution, this day invites Filipinos to reflect on both the storied past and the urgent calls of the present.

This year’s celebration falls within NHCP’s History Month, themed Isang Diwa, Isang Lahi, Isang Bayanihan. The focus is clear: to ignite a living connection to our heroes and imbibe the ideals of courage, compassion, and commitment to the nation.

Our pantheon of heroes, including Rizal, Bonifacio, Gomburza, Tandang Sora, Gabriela Silang, among others, provides enduring inspiration. Gomburza’s martyrdom galvanized Rizal toward radical awakening; Bonifacio’s leadership defined revolutionary zeal; Tandang Sora’s humble bravery symbolized grassroots resistance; Gabriela Silang exemplified defiance and female leadership in revolutionary struggles. These heroes embody diverse paths toward a shared goal—a free, just, sovereign Philippines.

Yet, National Heroes Day transcends nostalgic homage. The NHCP has codified the criteria for heroism, namely: Sacrifice, moral character, influence across generations, and enduring public acclaim. These serve as guideposts to remind us that heroism evolves and is perpetual. In times of crisis, from pandemic frontliners to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), ordinary Filipinos have risen as modern-day heroes. They serve as living embodiments of selfless service, resilience, and hope .

The memory of EDSA People Power in 1986 evokes the spirit of a peaceful revolution that ousted the dictatorship. To this day, it is an enduring testament to the Filipino people’s collective action and moral resolve. Its legacy continues to shape civic consciousness: the belief that unity and courage can dismantle oppression, even in entrenched systems. Still, post-EDSA, many challenges loom: persistent inequality, erosion of democratic institutions, environmental degradation, and the new forms of disinformation that threaten our democracy.

These challenges demand a heroic response in terms of steadfast civic engagement. Today’s heroes are community organizers, educators, youth advocates, climate defenders, journalists, and everyday citizens who uphold accountability and truth, undaunted by great odds and unwavering in their resolve..

Indeed, the young generation has a living connection to our heroes. They are inheritors not just of memories, but the ideals of courage, compassion, and commitment to the nation.

Let our young Filipinos channel Bonifacio’s courage, Rizal’s principled eloquence, Gomburza’s sacrificial awakening, and Gabriela’s fearless leadership. Let them see in Tandang Sora’s humility the power of grassroots action, and in the People Power movement the potency of peaceful solidarity.

Beyond being a civic holiday, National Heroes Day 2025 is a clarion call to rekindle our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the common good, and to foster in the next generation an unquenchable flame of patriotism. Such love of country is demonstrated not in terms of blind idolization, but through thoughtful, active, and compassionate participation in nation-building.

Indeed, our Filipino youth could capably lead in inspiring the citizenry to scale the heights of achievement and demonstrate to the world our nation’s capacity for greatness.