Marcos on National Heroes Day: Defending our territory a shared responsibility

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday urged Filipinos to take part in protecting national sovereignty and help shape a nation that stands firm against all forms of pressure.

In his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, the President honored the country’s modern-day heroes, including the fisherfolk, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

“Ipaglalaban natin ang ating mga karapatan sa paraang mapayapa, naaayon sa batas, at naaayon sa ating mga prinsipyo,” Marcos said.

(We will fight for our rights through ways that are peaceful, lawful, and consistent with our principles.)

“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 added.

The President noted that this year marks a decade since the historic 2016 arbitral award affirmed the Philippines' maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He also recalled his recent State of the Nation Address, where he reaffirmed that the duty to the people “extends to protecting the country’s interests, upholding the rule of law, and securing the resources upon which our communities depend.”

Doing so, Marcos emphasized, begins by educating the youth on where the Philippines’ maritime rights come from and why they matter.

He said that disinformation must also be countered and responsible discourse should be encouraged across every platform available.

The President also said that fisherfolk need unconditional support as their continued presence in the country’s 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,” Marcos said.

(Because our resolve as a nation begins with the depth of our knowledge and the strength of our unity.)

“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,” he added.

(Our methods may differ, but the message is the same: The Philippines is worth fighting for. Every Filipino is worth serving. Our sovereignty is worth defending.)

Marcos also called on the Filipinos to help shape a nation where everyone stands firm against all forms of pressures, where institutions serve with integrity, and where sovereignty remains secure for generations to come.

After the President delivered his speech, he paid tribute to his late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who is also buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. —AOL, GMA News