Manila, 29 August 2022 (TDI): The Philippines celebrated its National Heroes Day on 29 August this year, the last Monday of August. The day is celebrated to honor and remember all the heroes of the revolution who helped the Philippines in gaining Independence.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the Filipino nation in celebrating a peaceful and meaningful National Heroes Day 2022. #AFPyoucanTRUST pic.twitter.com/pHv999OvnM
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) August 29, 2022
National Heroes Day
On this day, the Philippines celebrates the contributions made by its national heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Apolinario Mabini. These heroes helped the Philippines in creating a national identity and moving toward the path of Independence.
National Heroes Day commemorates the Cry of Pugad Lawin, a revolt that kicked off the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. Consequently, the revolution helped the Philippines in gaining independence from Spain.
Filipinos celebrate the day with parades, events at local shrines, and fireworks displays, honoring the known and unknown heroes of the Revolution.
Designating the Day
On October 28, 1931, the Philippine Legislature passed Act No. 3827 which designated the last Sunday of August as National Heroes Day. At that time, it was still a U.S. commonwealth.
However, this changed in 2007, when the day was moved to last Monday in August. The holiday has seen the Japanese occupation of the Philippines too.
Yet, it continues to hold an important place in the Filipino calendar today. Citizens honor fallen heroes with solemn military events, wreath layings, and parades.
Additionally, the day now not only commemorates the memory of the heroes of the Revolution against Spain but also against Japan and America.
Further, the Foreign Ministry of the Philippines also uploaded a special message on Heroes Day. The Ministry highlighted the importance of learning the history of the Philippines. Moreover, it highlighted the courage of Philippines heroes who strived hard for the nation.
Today, the DFA joins the nation in celebrating National Heroes Day. May we take this day to reflect on our history, its heroes, and what it means to confront power with principle, adversity with courage, and difficulty with dignity in the name of our Nation and our people. pic.twitter.com/1oyn8RRV6p
— DFA Philippines (@DFAPHL) August 29, 2022
Remarks by President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos also joined the country in commemorating the day. President Marcos led the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday.
Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang kanilang pagsisikap at sakripisyo sa atin upang makamtan natin ang mas magandang kinabukasan para sa lahat.
Mabuhay ang bayaning Pilipino!
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) August 29, 2022
During his remarks, he urged the Filipinos to strive to be heroes and serve as inspiration for the next generations. The President also paid tribute to national heroes for their extraordinary courage and valor to establish and preserve the country.
President Marcos remarked that their actions remind Filipinos of the nobility of their race. Moreover, he added that the day also reminds others to take part in the difficult task of nation-building.
In his concluding remarks, the President reminded the nation to never forget the legacy of the nation’s heroes. He also appreciated the medical professionals, civil servants, and ordinary citizens who work extraordinarily to keep the Filipino dream alive.
