Aquino to lead Heroes' Day rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day in the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City today.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino would attend the traditional wreath-laying ceremony scheduled at 8 a.m.

“From what I understand, the President will also deliver a speech,” Valte told state-run radio station dzRB.

Today has been a declared a holiday by Malacañang to allow the public to participate in the activities that commemorate the deeds of Filipino heroes.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Pilipinong tapat, magiting, at makabayan: Ikaw ang bayani sa tuwid na daan (Honest, courageous, and nationalistic Filipinos: You are the heroes of the straight and righteous path).”

Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Lopez-Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chair Maria Serena Diokno, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Col. Ernesto Cimatu are also expected to participate in the program at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Wreath-laying rites will also be held in other historical sites like the Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revoluccion, Manila North Cemetery and Pathway to Glory at the Rizal Park in Manila.

NHCP said the Department of Tourism has also launched the “Icons of Greatness” project, which seeks to instill national pride among the public especially the youth.

“National Heroes’ Day allows us to remember the patriotism of our heroes, whose selflessness makes them fitting role models worthy of esteem, reverence and gratitude,” NHCP said in a statement.

“Through their (heroes) ideals, we are able to follow the straight path towards true freedom and sustainable progress,” it added.