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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Past, modern heroes hailed on National Heroes Day 2025

Past, modern heroes hailed on National Heroes Day 2025

Published Aug 25, 2025 08:49 am  |  Updated Aug 25, 2025 01:18 pm
(Courtesy of Department of National Defense)
(Courtesy of Department of National Defense)
The country marked National Heroes Day on Monday, August 25, with top defense, security, and peace officials urging Filipinos to keep alive the spirit of patriotism exemplified by those who fought for freedom while recognizing modern-day heroes who continue to serve the nation in different fields.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. led the DND in honoring the courage and sacrifices of the country’s heroes, underscoring that the duty to defend the nation’s freedom and sovereignty rests on every Filipino.
“Manatili nawang buhay sa ating puso at kamalayan ang diwa ng kabayanihang likas sa ating mga Pilipino. Ang paninindigan para sa ating kasarinlan ay tungkulin hindi lamang ng iilan, ngunit pananagutan ng bawat Pilipino (May the spirit of heroism, which is innate in us Filipinos, remain alive in our hearts and consciousness. The defense of our independence is not only the duty of a few but the responsibility of every Filipino),” he said in a statement.
The defense chief also paid tribute to modern-day heroes such as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), healthcare workers, fisherfolk, athletes, and teachers. He said their dedication and service reflect the same spirit of sacrifice and resilience of heroes from generations past.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. echoed this call, stressing that heroism is not confined to history books but is an ideal carried on by ordinary Filipinos who rise above challenges for a greater cause.
“Heroism is not only defined by the strong and valiant individuals enshrined in our history books. It is an ideal and legacy that is deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of each and every Filipino,” he said.
Galvez emphasized that OPAPRU remains committed to advancing the peace process, uplifting the lives of former combatants and conflict-affected communities, and sustaining the hard-won gains of peace, freedom, and justice.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) marked the occasion with a nationwide blood donation drive as a way of demonstrating heroism in service to communities.
Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, PA commanding general, led soldiers, reservists, civilian personnel, and stakeholders in the Army-wide simultaneous blood donation held over the weekend.
The initiative collected 3,015 blood bags from eligible donors across Army units nationwide.
Nafarrete lauded the troops for their selfless participation, saying the was another way for the soldiers to live out the values of service and sacrifice, by providing lifesaving support to the communities they serve.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. also honored the sacrifices of both fallen heroes and modern-day troops, emphasizing that heroism is continuously lived out by soldiers in service.
“Ang kanilang dugo at pawis ay naging binhi ng ating kalayaan at nagsilbing tanglaw upang tayo ay magpatuloy na lumaban para sa dangal at kinabukasan ng ating minamahal na bansa. Ang tunay na diwa ng Araw ng mga Bayani ay hindi lamang nakaukit sa nakaraan kundi patuloy na isinasabuhay ng bawat isa sa ating kawal ng bayan (Their blood and sweat became the seed of our freedom and served as the light that guides us to continue fighting for the honor and future of our beloved nation. The true spirit of National Heroes Day is not only etched in the past but is continually lived out by every soldier of our country),” he said.
He cited recent examples of courage, including internal security operations in Baco, Oriental Mindoro where three Philippine Army soldiers died during an armed encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Aug. 12, and the AFP’s continuing defense of Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite “deception and dangerous maneuvers” from China.
“Ang mga pangyayaring ito ay nagpapaalala na ang pagiging sundalo ay hindi lamang isang tungkulin, kundi isang sakripisyo na kadalasan ay kapalit ang sariling buhay at kaligtasan (These events remind us that being a soldier is not merely a duty, but a sacrifice that often comes at the cost of one’s own life and safety),” the military chief added.

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