25/08/2025
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βThe Filipino people have fought revolutions, by the power of the pen, the strength of the sword and the might of prayer to claim and reclaim their fundamental rights.β [1]
Every last Monday of August, the Philippines observes National Heroes Day, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9492 [2]. More than a ceremonial holiday, this observance reflects the enduring spirit of the Filipino people, honoring heroes past and present who shaped the nation through courage, service, and unity.
Today, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in collaboration with the Department of National Defense and the City of Taguig, will commemorate National Heroes Day with a program at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
The commemoration will be led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as Guest of Honor, with the theme "Isang Diwa, Isang Lahi, Isang Bayanihan." Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, NHCP Chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Taguig City Mayor Ma will also be present. Laarni "Lani" Cayetano is also participating in the celebration. This yearβs commemoration will include an unveiling of the monument βUnsung Heroes,β also at the Libingan ng mga Bayani [3].
This yearβs commemoration not only pays tribute to the great men and women who fought for the nationβs freedom but also raises questions about how the country values its modern-day heroes. Farmers, the backbone of food security, continue to struggle with poverty and the unresolved issues of land ownership and distribution, leaving many without the means to fully benefit from the lands they till [4].Fisherfolks, who are equally vital contributors to the countryβs food supply, courageously sail despite repeated harassment from external powers and the looming threat of environmental degradation [5][6]. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), long hailed as the lifeblood of the economy, remain separated from their families while grappling with labor rights issues abroad [7][8]. Educators, tasked with shaping future generations, face perennial shortages in classrooms, resources, and fair compensation [9][10]. Medical frontliners and public servants, praised during the pandemic, continue to endure systemic neglect in healthcare and governance [11][12][13]. Even ordinary citizens, through their resilience and small acts of service, often find themselves filling the gaps left by weak institutions and policies.
As the nation reflects, let us remember that the true measure of heroism lies in our collective ability to stand together, to serve one another, and to build a just and humane society.
[1] Republic v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 104768, July 21, 2003, Carpio, J. [J. Puno, Separate Opinion] https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/48867
[2] REPUBLIC ACT No. 9492https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/republic_acts/ra%209492.pdf
https://nhcp.gov.ph/news_and_updates/nation-to-observe-national-heroes-day-2025/
[3] NATION TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HEROESβ DAY 2025
https://nhcp.gov.ph/news_and_updates/nation-to-observe-national-heroes-day-2025/
[4] Lucenio, M. (2022) After 34 years of Philippinesβ agrarian reform law, farmers continue to long for own land
https://www.licas.news/2022/06/12/after-34-years-of-philippines-agrarian-reform-law-farmers-continue-to-long-for-own-land/
[5] Gonzales, C. (2019) Panelo: Govβt will not tolerate oppression of Filipino fishermen
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1131802/panelo-govt-will-not-tolerate-oppression-of-filipino-fishermen
[6] Bernal, B., Yang, C. (2024) Wary Filipino fishermen continue to fish in disputed waters, despite Chinaβs maritime detention rule
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-fishermen-south-china-sea-maritime-patrol-regulation-law-dispute-4476211 #:~:text=Trump%20podcasts%20Wellness-,Wary%20Filipino%20fishermen%20continue%20to%20fish%20in%20disputed%20waters%2C%20despite,generated%20by%20an%20AI%20tool.
[7] Sampang, D. (2025) 11 OFWs file complaints vs Amsterdam gym over harsh working conditions
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/287730/11-ofws-in-amsterdam-file-complaints-vs-gym-company-over-harsh-working-conditions
[8] International Labour Organization. Labour migration in the Philippines
https://www.ilo.org/regions-and-countries/asia-and-pacific/philippines/areas-work/labour-migration-philippines #:~:text=They%20are%20deceived%20about%20the,forced%20labour%20and%20human%20trafficking.
[9] Hernando-Malipot, M. (2025) Teachers push for higher education budget, immediate reforms as SY 2025β2026 opens amid shortages
https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/15/teachers-push-for-higher-education-budget-immediate-reforms-as-sy-20252026-opens-amid-shortages
[10] Espenido, J. (2025) Thoughts on βSchools return, and so do their problemsβ
https://opinion.inquirer.net/184488/thoughts-on-schools-return-and-so-do-their-problems
[11] Manabat, J. (2021) Are the doctors alright? Frontliners in remote areas feel Manilaβs neglect
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/situation-doctors-frontliners-remote-areas-feel-manila-neglect-covid-19/
[12] Council for Health and Development, Philippines. Failing COVID-19 Response: A failure of a weak and privatized healthcare system
https://phmovement.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Revised_Viva_Salud_Phillipines_Health-system-preparedness-and-response-to-Covid-in-the-Phillipines-FULL.edited.pdf
[13] Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (2021) Plight and neglect of health workers a continuing crisis
https://cmfr-phil.org/media-ethics-responsibility/journalism-review/plight-and-neglect-of-health-workers-a-continuing-crisis/