Archival, Chan underscore heroism in everyday duty

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival marked this year's National Heroes Day with a stirring call for “everyday heroism,” urging Cebuanos to embody the timeless values of service, integrity, and sacrifice not only in historic battles but in the ordinary duties of daily life.

Speaking before an audience composed largely of men in uniform—police officers, public servants, and even athletes—Archival reminded the crowd that while the nation reveres figures like Dr. Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, heroism is not confined to martyrdom or revolution.

“You do not need to be imprisoned or take a bullet to be a hero,” he declared. “Heroism is found in our daily duty, in choosing to do what is right for our society wherever we are called to serve.”

Archival drew inspiration from the principles of scouting, emphasizing preparedness, daily good deeds, and the Scout Law’s 12 virtues.

He cited examples of modern day heroes: street cleaners who keep the city livable, police officers who risk their lives for public safety, media workers who uphold truth and responsibility, and government personnel, including Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) and Cultural and Historical Affairs Office (CHAO) staff, who labor behind the scenes to uplift communities.

“You are the working heroes of today,” he said, inviting applause for their service.

The mayor also challenged scientists and experts to channel their knowledge toward constructive nation-building rather than division, stressing that heroism lies in uplifting others.

In a lighter moment, he quipped that even small acts—like bringing one’s own tumbler to reduce waste—are heroic choices for the greater good.

The ceremony took on a unique character when members of Cebu’s lone professional football team, the Cebu Football Club, joined the event.

Instead of a traditional courtesy call to the mayor, the players, both local and foreign, joined uniformed personnel to witness the commemoration.

Archival praised them as heroes in their own right for bringing pride to Cebu through sport.

The team also thanked CHAO head Atty. Bryner Diaz for including them and recognizing their contributions.

Closing his address, Archival urged Cebuanos to live out heroism in their chosen fields and everyday actions.

“Let us be the heroes our community needs today,” he said, leaving the audience with a resonant reminder that heroism is not only remembered in history books but written daily in the lives of ordinary citizens.

Mactan liberty shrine

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan and Congressman Junard Chan led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Mactan Liberty Shrine for National Heroes Day. They were joined by city officials, barangay leaders, public servants, uniformed personnel, and residents.

A 21-gun salute was also rendered before the monument of Datu Lapulapu, who is widely recognized as the country’s first national hero.

For King-Chan, holding the commemoration at the historic site where Lapulapu and his men stood centuries ago gave the occasion a deeper meaning.

“Standing here today, on the very ground where Datu Lapulapu and his men stood centuries ago, gives National Heroes Day a meaning that words alone can hardly capture,” she said.

King-Chan said the Mactan Liberty Shrine serves as a reminder that the freedoms Filipinos enjoy today are rooted in the courage and sacrifices of those who came before them.

She cited national figures such as Rizal, Bonifacio, and Apolinario Mabini, as well as countless patriots and martyrs whose contributions helped shape the country.

But she also pointed to teachers, health workers, social workers, disaster responders, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, Coast Guard personnel, rescuers, and volunteers as heroes of the present day.

Farmers, fisherfolk, overseas Filipino workers, parents, and workers, she added, also make sacrifices that sustain families and communities.

“These are the heroes of our own time. They may never have their names carved in stone, but their service is reflected in the lives they protect, the families they support, and the communities they strengthen,” King-Chan said.

She also reminded public officials that heroism carries a lesson for those entrusted with leadership, as decisions made in government can have lasting consequences on people’s lives.

“The most meaningful way we can honor those who came before us is by giving purpose to what they sacrificed for,” she said.

King-Chan urged Filipinos to protect human dignity, create opportunities for children, uphold truth and justice, and maintain public trust in government.

She also encouraged young Filipinos to look beyond simply memorizing the names of national heroes and instead understand the values behind their sacrifices.

“Heroism does not require a battlefield,” King-Chan said. “It can be found in choosing what is right, serving others, protecting our communities, and doing our part for the country we share.”

Meanwhile, in Mandaue City, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede led the National Heroes Day ceremony, stressing that heroism can also be found within families and communities.

“We are all heroes. Ang pagdala lang nato sa pamilya, hero na ta sa atong kaugalingon,” Bercede said in an interview.

He said Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano’s message for the occasion also emphasized that while people may have different responsibilities and ways of understanding heroism, they remain united by the common good.

The Mandaue City Police Office also took part in the commemoration, along with various government agencies and stakeholders, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The MCPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team staged a simulated robbery response, while an AFP K9 unit conducted a demonstration showcasing the role of trained dogs in security and law enforcement operations.

This year’s National Heroes Day theme, “Spirit of Heroism, Strength of the Nation,” calls on Filipinos to carry forward the values of courage, service, and concern for the common good. — (FREEMAN)