Senators say heroes should be honored through honest service

MANILA – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Senator Francis Pangilinan on Monday said the sacrifices of Filipino heroes should be honored through honest public service and ordinary acts of courage amid present-day challenges.

The country observes National Heroes Day on Aug. 31, a regular holiday under Proclamation No. 1006 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Gatchalian said remembering those who fought for the country's freedom, sovereignty, and democracy should also compel Filipinos to continue building a better nation.

“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 sacrifices of our heroes will become more meaningful if each of us serves our family, community, and country with integrity, honesty, and compassion),” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“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 (Amid the problems facing the country — such as flooding, corruption in government, challenges in the quality of education, and high food and electricity prices — let us work together to safeguard public funds and ensure that every government program is properly and honestly implemented and genuinely serves every Filipino family),” he said.

Pangilinan, meanwhile, said heroism should not be confined to prominent figures found in history books, pointing to ordinary Filipinos who make sacrifices for their families, communities, and country.

He cited overseas Filipino workers and other parents, environmental defenders, farmers and fisherfolk, truth-tellers and witnesses who stand for accountability despite threats or bribery attempts.

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

He also recognized neighbors, riders, social workers, health professionals, and disaster-response volunteers who braved floods during the recent weeks of persistent rains to deliver food, medicine, and other assistance.

President Marcos, in his National Heroes Day message Monday, likewise said Filipinos should honor not only historical figures but also people who continue to serve the country in their everyday lives. (PNA)