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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
September 1, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on Filipinos to take part in protecting national interests, counter disinformation and “stand firm against all forms of pressures” as the nation commemorated National Heroes’ Day yesterday.
Marcos led the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
Joining Marcos were Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Armed Forces vice chief Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Senate
President Sherwin Gatchalian and Speaker Faustino Dy III.
In his speech, the President emphasized the need to educate young Filipinos about the country’s maritime rights and responsible public discourse.
He also underscored the importance of providing strong support to Filipino fishermen, whose continued presence in Philippine waters “reinforces the country’s connection to its maritime territory.”
“This is especially meaningful as we confront the challenges before our nation today,” the Chief Executive said.
“In my recent State of the Nation Address, I reaffirmed that our duty to the people extends to protecting the country’s interests, upholding the rule of law and securing the resources upon which our communities depend,” he said.
Marcos stressed the significance of the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day as the nation marked the 10th anniversary this year of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS.
“We will fight for our rights through peaceful means, in accordance with the law and consistent with our principles,” he said.
Marcos reiterated that defending the country’s territory is a responsibility shared by the entire nation.
“It calls on each of us to understand our history, to know our rights and to take part in protecting the national interests. We begin by educating the youth on where our maritime rights come from and why they matter,” he said.
Marcos likewise urged the public to champion truth, counter disinformation and encourage responsible discourse across every platform available to them.
He also reminded Filipinos of their collective duty to uphold the integrity of institutions, by demanding transparency, accountability and a level of governance the nation truly deserves.
“Together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas whose people stand firm against all forms of pressures, where institutions serve with integrity and where sovereignty remains secure for generations to come,” Marcos said.
Modern-day heroes
Marcos also recognized ordinary Filipinos who continue to make sacrifices for their families and communities.
“But the National Heroes Day also offers an invitation to look beyond the pages of history. After all, the spirit of heroism lives on because every generation gives it a new face,” he said.
He said honor should be given to people who choose to serve, care and contribute to a cause greater than oneself.
“We see it in our soldiers and first responders who risk their lives to keep us safe. We recognize it in our teachers, health workers, farmers, fisherfolk and overseas Filipinos who sustain our families and communities,” the President said.
The Chief Executive said the occasion must go beyond remembering the nation’s heroes as he urged Filipinos to continue advancing development.
“Our forebears won our freedom, defended our dignity and laid the foundations of the Republic we cherish. We honor them best by embodying their courage, keeping the flame of patriotism alive and becoming the citizens our country needs,” he said.
National Heroes’ Day is observed every last Monday of August as a regular national holiday under Republic Act 9492.
Marcos also visited the tomb of his father and namesake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, in his message, called on Filipinos and government officials alike to translate the sacrifices of the nation’s forebears into meaningful public service with honesty and compassion.
“As we honor the men and women whose sacrifices secured our freedom, sovereignty and democracy, let us remember that their legacy calls us to continue building a better nation,” he said.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan highlighted the unsung heroism of ordinary citizens, noting the coincidence of the holiday falling within the traditional Chinese ghost month. “Be reminded, true heroes don’t ‘ghost.’”
Pangilinan recognized overseas Filipino workers, environmental defenders, food producers and disaster volunteers who wade through floods during calamities to deliver relief. — Daphne Galvez, Neil Jayson Servallos
