Marcos urges Filipinos to ‘realize own power to become heroes’

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) — On National Heroes Day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said every Filipino has the potential to make immense contributions to nation-building as he pushes for a “new Philippines.”

In a message on Monday, the president honored the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.

But Marcos said that heroism should not be limited, as he also saluted the unsung champions “who played pivotal roles in shaping our nation.”

“If all of this means anything, it is that each of us has the capacity to be a hero of our nation…,” he said.

“As we recognize our forebears whose uncelebrated legacies our society is built on, let us also realize our own power to become heroes for our families and communities,” Marcos added. “May this consciousness then ignite us to be dedicated in our agenda of creating a new Philippines that is strong, prosperous, resilient, and secure for present and future generations.”

Marcos led the commemorative ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, where he also honored frontliners in key sectors, such as teachers, electric linemen, and overseas Filipino workers.

The president also described the late Migrant Workers Secretary Susan ‘Toots’ Ople as a “hero.”

“She is a perfect example of what true heroism can be. She tirelessly dedicated the better part of her life to promote the welfare of our modern-day heroes,” he said.

Ople died on Aug. 22 at the age of 61.