Duterte lauds ‘indomitable spirit’ of country’s unsung heroes
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday lauded the country’s countless “unsung heroes” who have led the country’s fight against the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.
In his National Heroes Day message, Duterte thanked health workers, uniformed personnel, government employees, and economic front-liners for their “collective sacrifice” in readily answering the call to serve fellow Filipinos.
“This National Heroes Day, we pay tribute to a new breed of heroes who readily answered the call to fight in a war against one of the greatest threats to our way of life,” he said.
Duterte recognized them for their “indomitable spirit” in leading the battle against the health crisis despite hiding in anonymity.
“Their names will not be etched on edifice, statues will not be erected in their honor, banknotes will not be graced by their portraits, and their individual exploits will not be immortalized on the pages of history books. Yet, for selflessly risking their lives to ensure the survival of our society, I can confidently say that they have more than earned their rightful place in the pedestal of heroes,” he added.
He said today’s celebration should serve not just as a memorial to their extraordinary heroism, but as an “enduring testament” to Filipinos’ capacity to “rise above self-interest” to fight for a greater cause.
“This year, let us consecrate this day not just as a memorial to their extraordinary heroism, but as an enduring testament to our inherent capacity to rise above self-interest to fight for a cause far greater than our own,” he said.
In a taped message aired over state-run PTV-4, Duterte honored the “noble sacrifices” of the country’s ancestors who fought to establish a now thriving democracy.
He again honored “modern-day heroes” who sacrificed their lives, comfort, and security for others and urged the public to learn from the country’s past and present heroes.
“May we all learn from the valiant example of the past and present heroes and build on them to achieve a stronger future for all. Philippine News Agency
