EDITORIAL - Heroes

National Heroes’ Day is marked today with the nation mourning the loss of a public servant who dedicated much of his life to working for good governance. Not surprisingly, the loved ones of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo have declined offers to have his remains buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Instead, the family will bring him back home to Naga City, where his constituents when he was mayor will give him a burial befitting a hero.

It is the nation’s misfortune that the life of this modern-day hero was cut short. Today’s national holiday celebrates the heroism of another age – the men and women led by Andres Bonifacio, most of them peasants, who defied an empire in August 1896 and demanded Philippine independence in an event that is known as the Cry of Pugad Lawin. Many of them would die in the struggle for independence. While a special day is dedicated to honor the valor of those who fought during World War II, their heroism is also remembered on this day.

As important as the courageous Filipinos who gave up their lives for the country are those who dedicate their lives to serving it with honesty and competence. The nation needs more of this type of hero, and not just in government. Efren Peñaflorida, who grew up in poverty and later delivered education on a cart to impoverished communities, was honored by Cable News Network as a world hero in 2009.

Surely there are other Filipinos like Peñaflorida out there, working without fanfare in their chosen fields to help others and make the nation a better place to live. This year’s National Heroes’ Day, the 116^th anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin, is dedicated to all of them. Like Robredo, they serve as role models who deserve emulation. Heroism can live in every Filipino.