President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, August 29, said the only way to succeed as a nation is to lift each other up by being instruments of peace and solidarity.
He made the call in a speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.
“Let’s not lock ourselves in conflict and drag each other down. Instead, let us be instruments of peace [and] solidarity),” Marcos said in Filipino.
Citing how past heroes fought for the country’s freedom, he called on Filipinos to embrace the same kind of passion in carrying out acts of love and genuine concern for others.
He also honored present-day heroes such as farmers, teachers, healthcare workers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and the like for making the country a better place to live in.
“I hope that with the example of our great heroes, we will further live out the love shown to the country and the vow of goodness that they defend and fight for),” he added.
Marcos said that unity is the key to achieving success as a nation.
“Let us bravely face any challenge that lies ahead with the confidence that we will be stronger and more successful if we continue to unite and work together as a nation,” he said.
In an official statement released for the occasion, the president called on Filipinos to “strive” to become heroes in their own right by taking part in building a great nation.
“We remember and honor each of them for the sacrifices they made in our behalf so that we may live in peace, security, and liberty as well as realize our full potential as Filipinos,” he said.
He likened the heroism shown by “medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens who toil daily to keep the Filipino dream alive” to that of heroes of the past.
“Their deeds not only remind us of the nobility of our race, but also invite us to take part in the difficult but rewarding task of nation-building,” he added.
Marcos said he believed Filipinos are “destined [for] greatness” because they possess an “indomitable spirit” required to accomplish incredible feats so long as their will is manifested into action.
“As we celebrate this day dedicated to our nation’s heroes, let us strive to fulfill our own promise so that we may also be heroes in our own right and a source of pride and inspiration for the succeeding generation of Filipinos to emulate,” said the president. – from Philippine News Agency reports
