VP Sara urges Filipinos to remember sacrifices of national heroes

In celebration of National Heroes Day, Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday called on the public to remember the lives and sacrifices made by the country’s heroes.

According to GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak, Duterte led the celebration at the Liberty Shrine in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

She named heroes Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo Del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, Gabriela Silang, and Lapuapu.

“Today, we are once again reminded of their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment along with the many nameless Filipinos who also fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” she said in her speech.

“They laid the groundwork for the freedom and opportunities we relish today. We may honor them with our respect and gratitude as we are constantly reminded to keep their legacy alive,” she added.

Meanwhile, Duterte said Lapulapu’s heroism foreshadowed the bravery of the heroes who started the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

She said she agreed with former President Rodrigo Duterte, her father, that Lapulapu was the first Philippine hero.

“Datu Lapulapu’s triumph in the pre-colonial Philippines is a powerful manifestation that we are a race of people who are selfless and fearless in the face of adversities and a people deeply connected by a strong sense of unity,” she said.

For Duterte, the country’s heroes do not only exist in the past but also “within us.”

“As Filipinos, we should find the heroes within us—carve a soul that is fearless, a soul that is selfless—and forge a unity that will allow us to overcome the challenges of the present day and enable us to achieve our aspirations for our country,” she said.

According to Balitang Bisdak, there was also a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Lapulapu after the flag-raising ceremony.

Also in attendance were Presidential Assistant For the Visayas Secretary Terence Calatrava, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Ahong Chan, and District Representative Cindi King Chan. — DVM, GMA Integrated News