President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Filipino people to emulate the heroism of past heroes who fought for the country’s freedom, as well as the modern-day heroes, including the athletes who brought pride to the Philippines in the recently concluded Paris Olympics.
In his speech, President Marcos acknowledged the great contributions of Lapu-Lapu, Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Antonio Luna, the Katipuneros, Gabriela Silang, Trinidad Tecson, and Teresa Magbanua, who paved the way for the country’s freedom.
“Their bravery and determination paved the way to the freedom that all enjoy today, although it came at a hefty cost—their peace, their rights, their lives. While these gallant men and women remind us that our liberty was hard-won, those who lie here at the Libingan ng mga Bayani remind us [once again ] of the constant vigilance required [to preserve] it,” President Marcos said.
“Let our commemoration today teach us the importance of not only remembering our heroes, but also of [continuing to perpetuate] their legacy of patriotism and [of] nobility. After all, heroism is not confined [to just the] history books. Heroism also lies in him [and her] who [are] virtuous, in [those who are] compassionate, in [those] who [are] just,” he added.
The President also acknowledged the modern-day Filipinos who were fearless “amidst the continuing adversities and perils that the world [has unleashed] – geopolitical conflicts, diseases, and climate change.”
“We see it in the navy and coast guard[s] who defend our maritime borders; in the soldiers who protect our citizens; and in the healthcare workers who put their lives at stake for others,” President Marcos said.
“We also see it in the overseas Filipinos who leave the comfort of home to support their loved ones; in the ordinary workers who turn the gears of [our] economy; and in the farmer and fisherfolk who increase our agricultural output [to] put food [on every Filipino’s] table,” he added.
The Chief Executive also paid tribute to the educators who fight against illiteracy, to the journalists who promote truth and accountability, and to the environmental advocates who ensure safe places for the Filipino people.
President Marcos also honored the great performance of the Filipino Olympians.
“It is embodied by our athletes who stood before millions, bearing the name of the Philippines in the international arena. All our Olympic athletes who persevered and highlighted, once again, the Filipino talent in the field of sports,” he said.
The President also lauded the six Filipino Paralympians for showing “extraordinary strength and dedication to compete despite their disabilities; they are a symbol of hope for all of us.”
“The national pride they brought and continue to bring home is unrequitable – not by awards, not by effusive praises, not by incentives. We [have] heard their stories, we saw the glory. We did not [however] witness the discipline and sacrifice they endured to train every [single] day, the risks of injury, and the struggles of financial constraints,” he said.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos urged Filipinos to carry on the legacy of our country’s brave ancestors “with the fortitude of an enlightened mind, the strength of compassion and generosity, and the courage of our convictions.”
He also called on Filipinos to become heroes in their own right, to uphold the principles of democracy, abide by the rule of law, and defend the country’s sovereignty.
““Let us acknowledge the significance of history and pass it on to our [young Filipinos] so we can nurture [in] our children [the] love of country; for it is only in [that] patriotism that we can preserve our national identity,” the President said.
“Let us pay homage to our past so that we can be worthy of the freedom [that] our ancestors fought for and of the Bagong Pilipinas that we can proudly leave to succeeding generations,” he added.
President Marcos led the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, along with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, and witnessed by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Regalado Jose Jr., and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. PND
