Members of the Senate urged the public on Monday, August 31, to honor historical figures by actively embodying integrity and public service as the country observed National Heroes Day.
Senate President Win Gatchalian led the calls, urging citizens to carry forward the principles forged by the nation’s forebears.
“As we honor the men and women whose sacrifices secured our freedom, sovereignty, and democracy, let us remember that their legacy calls on us to continue building a better nation,” Gatchalian stated.
“Magiging mas makabuluhan ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani kung bawat isa sa atin ay maglilingkod sa pamilya, komunidad, at bayan nang may integridad, katapatan, at malasakit,” he added.
Gatchalian emphasized that pressing national issues—ranging from recent flooding and government corruption to educational gaps and high utility costs—should inspire the public to safeguard state resources and advocate for transparent governance.
“Sa gitna ng mga problemang kinakaharap ng bansa — tulad ng pagbaha, korapsyon sa gobyerno, mga hamon sa kalidad ng edukasyon, at mataas na presyo ng pagkain at kuryente — sama-sama nating pangalagaan ang kaban ng bayan at tiyaking bawat programa ng pamahalaan ay maayos, tapat, at tunay na nagsisilbi sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he noted.
In a separate statement, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan highlighted that the holiday serves as a reminder of accountability and presence.
“Madalas natatapat ang Araw ng mga Bayani sa ghost month — paalala na ang tunay na bayani, hindi nanggo-ghost,” Pangilinan said.
He underscored that National Heroes Day, rooted in the 1896 Revolution, honors both famous historic icons and everyday Filipinos who demonstrate selflessness.
“Sabi nga nila, not all heroes wear capes. Nandyan lang silang: Mga magulang, marami sa kanila mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), na araw-araw nagsasakripisyo upang maitaguyod at mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang pamilya; mga environment defender na nangangalaga sa ating lupa, kagubatan, karagatan, at mga komunidad,” Pangilinan stated.
“Mga magsasaka at mangingisda, na nagpapakain sa bayan, kahit ginigipit ng price manipulators at smugglers; at mga truth-tellers, kasama ang mga saksi sa mga krimen, na naninindigan para sa tama at pananagutan kahit binabantaan o sinusuhulan,” he stressed.
Pangilinan also commended emergency responders, healthcare workers, delivery riders, and social workers who braved danger during recent flooding events.
“Hinarap nila ang panganib para maghatid ng pagkain, gamot, tulong, at kaligtasan. They faced danger to deliver food, medicine, aid, and safety,” he remarked.
“‘Yan ang bayaning Pilipino: Hindi nagpapasiil sa hamon ng buhay,” Pangilinan concluded.