Marcos tells Pinoys on National Heroes' Day: Prove we're worthy of liberty entrusted to us
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. outlines his administration’s economic accomplishments, key policy priorities, and upcoming legislative agenda during his fifth State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, July 27, 2026. (Photo by Mark Balmores | MB)
President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to show that they are worthy of the freedom that the country's heroes valiantly fought for.
In his National Heroes' Day message on Monday, Aug. 31, Marcos urged the nation to continue building a Philippines that would always honor the heroes of the past, present, and future.
"[M]ay we continually prove ourselves worthy of the liberty entrusted to us and build a country that generations yet to come will proudly inherit," Marcos said.
'Do more than remember'
The President also enjoined the citizenry to do more than just remember the brave national heroes by renewing the solemn duty to help the nation they fought for move toward a better future.
"I call on every Filipino to do more than remember our brave national heroes. Let us also renew our solemn duty to carry forward the nation for which they fought and sacrificed," Marcos said.
He emphasized that "our forebears won our freedom, defended our dignity, and laid the foundations of the Republic we cherish."
Thus, he said, Filipinos must honor their heroes by embodying their courage, keeping the flame of patriotism alive and becoming the citizens the country needs.
"Their spirit endures in every Filipino who chooses to serve, care, and contribute to a cause greater than oneself," he said.
"We see it in our soldiers and first responders who risk their lives to keep us safe. We recognize it in our teachers, health workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and overseas Filipinos who sustain our families and communities," he added.
"We find it in every citizen who helps a neighbor, protects the vulnerable, and works honestly for the common good," the President went on.