MANILA, Philippines - Heroism is in the blood of every Filipino, President Aquino said yesterday.
“I believe the blood that runs in our veins is the blood of heroes. We’re a nation of heroes. There are many ways to heroism in the present times, and there’s no need for guns or spears, no need to shed blood,” said the only son and namesake of the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr., who is regarded by many as a modern day hero for his struggle against authoritarian rule.
“What is required of us is to help one another, to serve the country without asking for anything in return. In fact, it’s enough that we do our duties as responsible Filipinos,” he said in his National Heroes’ Day message at the Libingan ng Bayani at Fort Bonifacio yesterday.
“I believe that for many of us, the fight is not against an enemy but against one’s self. They’ve chosen to stay behind the bars of greed and every-man-for-himself. They’re still chained to the culture of apathy, of blame tossing,” he said.
Mr. Aquino again enjoined Filipinos to join him in his crusade to weed out corruption in government, which he called the main stumbling block to progress.
“Putting personal interest ahead of the majority’s is no doubt the biggest obstacle to the path to change,” he said.
“If we remain indifferent, we will remain trapped in a situation that we want changed. We will not progress and our countrymen will still be mired in extreme poverty,” he said.
“Let’s put away the hindrance to a bright future. Let’s not hesitate to stand up and leave the situation that is holding us down,” he said.
With the President during the Heroes Day rites were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David Jr., Taguig Mayor Laarni Cayetano and National Historical Commission chairman Ambeth Ocampo, among others.
Mr. Aquino, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, also laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Mr. Aquino also said that many Filipinos have not realized yet the significance of the sacrifices of the country’s heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini.
“Let’s aspire for a better life and let’s not stop until we reach this goal. And for the future of our children and the next generations, I’m challenging everyone to help spread the true message of heroism,” he said.