President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the commemoration of National Heroes Day on Monday, August 28, and called on Filipinos to emulate the nationalism of the country’s heroes and take part in the administration’s efforts to build a stronger nation.
“As we further our efforts to build a stronger, peaceful, and more secure nation, we count on our people to emulate the patriotism of our heroes so that we may all prevail against the looming threats of criminality, terrorism and [illegal] drugs,” the President said in his speech at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
“Again, I urge our people to just follow our heroes by becoming heroes in their own private ways. Join the government in building a stronger nation that is capable of providing a better life for its people,” he added.
The President also led the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“In these trying times, when our people are in need of heroes to look up to, we pay tribute to those whose heroism made our nation what [it is] today,” he said.
During his speech, the Chief Executive also honored nameless heroes whose exploits are never published in history books or whose death anniversaries are not celebrated as public holidays.
“We thank them still for their deeds and remember their exploits forever,” the President said.
President Duterte also led the awarding of the Order of Lapu-Lapu to Police Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido and the fallen heroes of Marawi, of Jolo, Sulu and in other places in the country fighting terrorism and subversion of the New People’s Army and the ISIS-Maute terror groups in Lanao.
“Today, we confer the Order of Lapu-Lapu on individuals who rendered extraordinary service to our country… I cannot thank them enough for their valuable service to our nation, and we shall forever be in [their] debt,” he said.
The President ended his speech by expressing confidence that the country would hurdle the difficulties it is facing.
“In the face of the difficulties we are facing as a nation, I am confident that we can overcome the challenges and emerge triumphant for the simple reason that it is through tough times that heroes like you are made,” he said.###PND
