MANILA: 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 honours 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.
"In recent weeks of incessant rains, neighbours, riders, social workers, health professionals, and disaster and emergency response volunteers waded through floodwaters,” Pangilinan said in a press release on Monday (Aug 31).
“That is the Filipino hero: One who does not let life’s challenges defeat them,” he added.
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.
“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 in a Facebook post.
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.
“Salute to our heroes and to their courage to stand up for the country,” Gatchalian said in a post on Facebook.
“Let us carry this spirit into every challenge we face — stand up for what is right, fight for the welfare of everyone, and above all, put the Philippines first,” the Senate president added.
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 and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the occasion is a chance to honour heroes across generations.
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. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
