President Duterte yesterday encouraged the public to honor the Filipino heroes by upholding the rule of law, protecting the nation, and fostering goodwill.
In his National Heroes’ Day message, Duterte urged the Filipinos to pay homage to the country’s heroes by harnessing the “same virtues as we continue to fight against lawlessness, criminality, and poverty that hinder us from achieving our full potential.”
“Their courage, leadership and wisdom paved the way for us to enjoy the blessings of freedom, independence and democracy,” Duterte said.
“They have dedicated their lives to ensure that future generation will have a life that is full and comfortable,” he added.
Duterte also said that Filipinos should continue to embrace the heroes’ ways in everyone’s daily undertakings.
“Let us emulate their example as we continue to realize our ideals and aspirations for ourselves and for our country,” he said.
National Heroes’ Day is a holiday celebrated as early as 1931 which honors and remembers all Philippine national heroes.
The holiday, since first observed, was commemorated every last Sunday of August until former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued in 2007 Republic Act 9492 which mandated that if a regular or nationwide special holiday falls on a Sunday, it shall be observed the next day.
This year, President Duterte is set to commemorate National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng Bayani in Taguig City and is expected to give a speech Monday morning. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)