Senators on Monday, August 31 called on Filipinos to remember the legacy left behind by the country’s heroes and use this as an inspiration to build a better Philippines.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian led the Senate in pushing for this call as the country observes this year’s National Heroes Day.

“As we honor the men and women whose sacrifices secured our freedom, sovereignty, and democracy, let us remember that their legacy calls on us to continue building a better nation,” Gatchalian said.

“Magiging mas makabuluhan ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani kung bawat isa sa atin ay maglilingkod sa pamilya, komunidad, at bayan nang may integridad, katapatan, at malasakit (The sacrifice of our heroes will become more meaningful if each of us serves our family, community, and country with integrity, honesty, and compassion),” he further said.

Gatchalian also said the recent problems facing the country should spur Filipinos to do their part in protecting public funds and ensure that every program of the government is sincerely for the benefit of the country.

“Sa gitna ng mga problemang kinakaharap ng bansa — tulad ng pagbaha, korapsyon sa gobyerno, mga hamon sa kalidad ng edukasyon, at mataas na presyo ng pagkain at kuryente — sama-sama nating pangalagaan ang kaban ng bayan at tiyaking bawat programa ng pamahalaan ay maayos, tapat, at tunay na nagsisilbi sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino (Amidst the problems facing the country—such as flooding, government corruption, challenges regarding the quality of education, and the high cost of food and electricity—let us work together to safeguard public funds and ensure that every government program is well-managed, honest, and genuinely serves every Filipino family),” he said.

Real heroes do not ‘ghost’

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, on the other hand, said this year’s celebration of National Heroes Day should serve as a reminder that real heroes do not ghost.

“Madalas natatapat ang Araw ng mga Bayani sa ghost month — paalala na ang tunay na bayani, hindi nanggo-ghost (National Heroes' Day often falls during the “Ghost Month”—a reminder that a true hero doesn't “ghost”),” Pangilinan said.

The senator further pointed out that the commemoration of National Heroes Day is rooted in acknowledging the collective struggle for freedom that began with the Revolution of 1896.

The annual exercise is a means to pay tribute not only to the renowned heroes found in history books but, above all, to the unsung Filipinos who bravely love their country.

He pointed out that many of these heroes come to the aid of those on the brink of peril, even at the cost of their own health, safety and livelihood.

“Sabi nga nila, not all heroes wear capes. Nandyan lang silang: Mga magulang, marami sa kanila mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), na araw-araw nagsasakripisyo upang maitaguyod at mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang pamilya; mga environment defender na nangangalaga sa ating lupa, kagubatan, karagatan, at mga komunidad (As the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes. They are right there among us: Parents—many of whom are OFWs—making daily sacrifices to provide for their families and secure a better future for them; environmental defenders who safeguard our lands, forests, oceans, and communities),” Pangilinan explained.

 “Mga magsasaka at mangingisda, na nagpapakain sa bayan, kahit ginigipit ng price manipulators at smugglers; at mga truth-tellers, kasama ang mga saksi sa mga krimen, na naninindigan para sa tama at pananagutan kahit binabantaan o sinusuhulan (Farmers and fisherfolk who feed the nation, even while being exploited by price manipulators and smugglers; and truth-tellers—including witnesses to crimes—who stand up for what is right and for accountability, despite facing threats or offers of bribes),” he stressed.

Pangilinan further hailed as heroes the country’s riders, social workers, health professionals, disaster and emergency response volunteers who braved the recent floods to serve fellow Filipinos.

“Hinarap nila ang panganib para maghatid ng pagkain, gamot, tulong, at kaligtasan. They faced danger to deliver food, medicine, aid, and safety,” he noted.

“‘Yan ang bayaning Pilipino: Hindi nagpapasiil sa hamon ng buhay (That is the Filipino hero: one who does not yield to life's challenges),” he reiterated.