A day for national heroes

As the month of August ends, we celebrate National Heroes Day. Its commemoration was made pursuant to Republic Act No. 3827, passed by the Philippine Legislature on October 28, 1931. This year, Malacanang has designated Monday, August 31, a holiday, so that the whole nation can pay homage to all national heroes of the Philippines, including those whose names have been forever lost to history. Historically, the honor centered on Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan, known in history as the organization that first waged a revolt against our Spanish colonizers. This day, 140 years ago, Bonifacio also declared in a manifesto he issued, the beginning of the general uprising against Spain. Later on, this led to a series of revolts that ultimately won for us our independence.                              

Many events from the past around this time mark the valor of our heroes in obtaining peace, freedom and democracy; their works and deeds contributed to the shaping of our country. But many of us, especially the youth, have no appreciation of the real essence of these kinds of celebrations. Unfortunately, it seems that most Filipinos have very little historical consciousness. Remembering what our heroes did in the past is considered much less important then having a day off from work because of a declared holiday. The historical event is totally inconsequential and its only effect on the nation is that we lose a day’s work. 

 Our most prominent national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, once said that “he who does not know how to look back to where he came from will never get to his destination”. (“Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan?”). Filipinos today, especially the youth, do not seem to give too much importance on our past, forgetting the fact that history is there precisely so that we may learn from it. Many have become oblivious of the historical events and the many men and women behind it. However, disappointing as our situation may be, our country is not bereft of acts of valor and heroism even in this day and age. We read of our courageous and loyal soldiers who, even as I write this, continue to risk their lives while defending our country from MILF extremists and Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Mindanao. They are the heroes of our day who are, sadly, not given the recognition they deserve, as much as those whose names are remembered in history through designated holidays.                                                             

A day to remember the deeds of our national heroes must be made more meaningful with an outlined program of activities that are geared towards the education of the youth. Moreover, everyone should be made to feel part of the holiday and what it stands for. A good example of this is the People Power Revolution, a celebration which evokes the spontaneous participation of people from all walks of life. Such spontaneity was recently sparked with the death of Cory Aquino, the woman who inspired the EDSA revolution. Sadly, her memory and that of her husband are now being dragged into politics by so-called leaders with vested interests. Their unsuspecting followers, still enthused with a noble cause, are now in danger of being exploited by a few unfit candidates.                                                                          

 A day for national heroes should not only celebrate the great deeds in the past of great Filipino men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. There can be a meaningful celebration only when we are able, from re-living history, to inspire and educate the youth, our hope for the future.