President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday urged Filipinos not just to remember the country’s heroes on National Heroes’ Day, but to honor them by emulating their courage and patriotism to become citizens that the Philippines needs.
He made the remarks in his message for National Heroes Day.
Marcos also led the commemoration of the national holiday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
The President called on Filipinos “to do more than remember our brave national heroes,” but to also renew their solemn duty to “carry forward the nation for which they fought and sacrificed.”
He said the country’s heroes won Filipinos’ freedom and dignity, laying down the foundations of the Republic.
“We honor them best by embodying their courage, keeping the flame of patriotism alive, and becoming the citizens our country needs,” Marcos said.
He added that these heroes’ spirit continues to endure in every Filipino who chooses to serve, care, and contribute to a cause greater than oneself.
The President said these virtues are seen in soldiers, teachers, health workers, farmers, fisherfolk, overseas Filipinos, and even in “every citizen who helps a neighbor, protects the vulnerable, and works honestly for the common good.”
“As we forge ahead, may we continually prove ourselves worthy of the liberty entrusted to us and build a country that generations yet to come will proudly inherit,” Marcos said, adding: “Let the Bagong Pilipinas we are shaping continue to revere the heroes of the past, present, and future.”
At his speech at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, he also paid tribute to modern-day heroes like the fisherfolk, Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
“Ipaglalaban natin ang ating mga karapatan sa paraang mapayapa, naaayon sa batas, at naaayon sa ating mga prinsipyo,” Marcos said.
He added: “But defending our territory is a responsibility shared by the entire nation. It calls on each of us to understand our history, to know our rights, and to take part in protecting the national interests.”
He noted that 2026 marks a decade since the 2016 arbitral award affirmed the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Marcos said fisherfolk need unconditional support, as their continued presence in Philippine waters “strengthens our connection to our maritime territory.”
“Above all, we have a duty to uphold the integrity of our institutions — by demanding transparency, accountability, and a standard of service worthy of the Filipino people. Sapagkat ang tibay ng ating paninindigan bilang bansa ay nagsisimula sa lalim ng ating kaalaman at lakas ng ating pagkakabuklod-buklod bilang isang bayan,” he said.
The President added: “Magkakaiba man ang ating pamamaraan, iisa ang mensahe ng mga ito: Ang Pilipinas ay karapat-dapat na ipaglaban. Ang bawat Pilipino ay karapat-dapat na paglingkuran. Ang ating soberanya ay karapat-dapat na ipagtanggol.”