Senators on National Heroes’ Day paid tribute not only to country’s historical heroes but also ordinary citizens who risked their safety to help others amid recent rains, flooding, and other disasters.
Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan said that while National Heroes’ Day is rooted in the country’s collective struggle for freedom-beginning with the 1896 Revolution-it honors not only historical figures, but also ordinary Filipinos who courageously love and serve the country.
He cited parents, overseas Filipino workers, environment defenders, fisherfolks, farmers, truth-tellers, and those holding people accountable as modern-day heroes.
Pangilinan also paid tribute to those who responded to the recent rains caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat.
Nitong mga nagdaang linggo ng walang tigil na ulan, sumuong sa baha ang mga kapitbahay, rider, social worker at health professional, at volunteer sa disaster at emergency response,’ Pangilinan said in a press release on Monday.
(In recent weeks of incessant rains, neighbors, riders, social workers, health professionals, and disaster and emergency response volunteers waded through floodwaters)
”Yan ang bayaning Pilipino: Hindi nagpapasiil sa hamon ng buhay,’ he added.
(That is the Filipino hero: One who does not let life’s challenges defeat them.)
Sen. Bong Go echoed Pangilinan’s sentiments, highlighting the contributions of frontliners, health workers, rescuers, uniformed personnel and volunteers who continue to respond to emergencies and disasters.
‘Sa mga nararanasan nating kalamidad at masamang panahon, marami sa kanila ang hindi nag-atubiling tumulong at rumesponde para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,’ Go said in a Facebook post.
(Amid the calamities and severe weather we have experienced, many of them did not hesitate to help and respond to ensure the safety of their fellow Filipinos.)
Go said their courage, compassion, and love for the country should inspire other Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Senate President Win Gatchalian called on Filipinos to carry the spirit of heroism into the challenges they face.
‘Pugay sa ating mga bayani at sa tapang nilang manindigan para sa bayan,’ Gatchalian said in a post on Facebook.
(Salute to our heroes and to their courage to stand up for the country.)
‘Dalhin natin ang diwang ito sa bawat hamong kinakaharap natin – manindigan sa tama, ipaglaban ang kapakanan ng bawat isa, at higit sa lahat, unahin ang Pilipinas,’ the Senate president added.
For Sen. Loren Legarda, honoring the country’s modern-day heroes must go beyond gratitude and translate to better living conditions.
‘[K]ung tunay nating pinahahalagahan ang kanilang ambag, dapat nakikita iyon sa kanilang sahod, benepisyo, kaligtasan sa trabaho, kabuhayan, at proteksyon para sa kanilang pamilya,’ Legarda said in a statement.
(If we really want to honor their contributions, it should be reflected in their salary, benefits, job security, livelihood, and protection for their family.)
Moreover, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III also praised Filipinos who had dedicated their lives and service to the country.
For Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the occasion is a chance to honor heroes across generations.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano also praised the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence, encouraging Filipinos to ‘continue what they started.’
National Heroes’ Day is observed every last Monday of August as a national holiday to commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of the country’s heroes.