Sen. Francis Pangilinan celebrated National Heroes’ Day by honoring the Filipinos who keep on showing up and working to serve and help others.
Pangilinan noted that National Heroes’ Day often falls in the so-called “ghost month” of the lunar calendar, and he reminded people that real heroes don’t ghost others.
He paid tribute to the country’s heroes who took collective action to fight for the country’s freedom during the 1896 revolution.
But he also said he wants to go beyond history books to honor the Filipinos who show love for the country.
“Dito sa duyan ng magiting, maraming bayani ang sumasaklolo sa mga nasa bingit ng kapahamakan—kahit nakataya ang sariling kalusugan, kaligtasan, at kabuhayan. Sabi nga nila, not all heroes wear capes,” he said in a statement.
Pangilinan honored parents, many of them overseas Filipino workers, who make sacrifices for their families.
He also commended environmental defenders who protect the country’s natural resources, and the farmers and fisherfolk who help feed Filipinos despite price manipulators and smugglers.
He lauded truth-tellers and those who continue to stand for what is right amid threats.
Also earning his praise were the neighbors, riders, social workers, health professionals, and volunteers for disaster and emergency response, who came together to help Filipinos hit by floods amid the recent heavy rains.
“‘Yan ang bayaning Pilipino: Hindi nagpapasiil sa hamon ng buhay,” he said.