Marcos to Pinoys: Be heroes in your own right

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday asked Filipinos to be heroes in their own right by upholding the principles of democracy, abiding by the rule of law, and defending the country’s sovereignty.

In his separate Heroes’ Day message and speech, the President paid tribute to the heroes of the past who fought to safeguard the country, its freedom, and dignity and modern-day heroes like soldiers “who protect our citizens” and members of the Navy and Coast Guard “who defend our maritime borders.

“In the spirit of shared responsibility, I call on everyone to be heroes in their own right. Uphold the principles of democracy, abide by the rule of law, and defend our sovereignty,” Marcos said during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

He said that as Filipinos honor our country’s heroes, “let us not lose sight of what is asked of us here in the present.

“Let us carry on the great legacy of our brave ancestors with the fortitude of an enlightened mind, the strength of compassion and generosity, and the courage of our convictions,” he said.

The President made the call on the heels of the series of aggressive and dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels against Philippine vessels engaged in routinary and resupplying missions in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos also urged every Filipino to acknowledge the significance of the country’s history and to pass it on to the youth “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.

“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.

With this vision ingrained in our endeavors, we can build a nation where the dreams of our heroes are realized in every home, in every community, in every single Filipino heart,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of modern-day heroes such as the healthcare workers who put their lives at stake for others; overseas Filipinos and ordinary workers who turn the gears of the Philippine economy; and the farmers and fisherfolk who increase the