Vice President  Sara Duterte: Reflect on the lives of heroes

CEBU, Philippines — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has urged the public to remember the lives and sacrifices made by the country’s heroes and make their legacy an inspiration to bring forth a fearless and selfless generation.

Duterte on Monday led the National Heroes Day celebration at the Liberty Shrine in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

“Let us remember the lives and sacrifices made by Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silang. Their courage and love of country ignited the Philippine Revolution in August 1896,” she said.

She also urged to remember the heroism of Datu Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan which resulted in the death of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

“The heroism of Datu Lapulapu foreshadowed the revolution that ended the 333-year Spanish rule of the Philippines. It was a triumph in the pre-colonial Philippines that showed 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,” the vice president added.

This year’s National Heroes Day theme is Karangalan. Katungkulan. Kabayanihan. (Honor. Duty. Heroism).

“Let us continue to protect and uphold the freedom we enjoy today, for we owe it to our national heroes who fought sweat, blood and tears to acquire it for us,” said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard during the same event.

Chan also acknowledged the selfless assistance provided by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and her daughter, Sara, to all Oponganons during the pandemic and super typhoon Odette which greatly aided the swift recovery.

“Sa atong pagsaulog sa adlaw sa mga bayani, ato usab hinumduman ang kabayanihan sa matag usa kanato. Sa atong pagpangalagad sa atong isig kaingon, let us draw inspiration from the gallantry of Datu Lapulapu, motivated by the examples set by Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte and VP Inday Sara Duterte and be guided by this year’s theme honor, duty and heroism,” the mayor added.

Among the other attendees were the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas' Undersecretary Terrence Calatrava and his wife, Tingog Partylist Region 7 coordinator Happy Calatrava, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Cindi King-Chan, Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, Lapu-Lapu City Council members, commander of the Air Mobility Command, Major General Joannis Leonardi Dimaano from the Philippine Air Force; Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, regional director of DepEd 7; teachers from the DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division; and regional directors from various national agencies, including the men and women in uniform from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Philippine Air Force, among others. — (FREEMAN)