MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday honored frontliners in the war against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and expressed hope that the courage of those who fought for the country’s health and freedom would inspire Filipinos to overcome their difficulties.
“The current global health crisis we are facing today demands of us a new expression of heroism – the kind that has been shown us by our selfless Filipino frontliners in various settings,” Duterte said in his message for National Heroes’ Day.
More than 217,000 people in the Philippines have caught the coronavirus, nearly 7,000 of them health workers, according to latest government data. A total of 40 health workers have died from the disease, which has dragged the Philippine economy into a recession and has forced the government to impose lockdowns.
“In honor of our heroes, let us strengthen our resolve in overcoming the challenges ahead guided by the virtues and standards set by the stalwarts of our nation,” Duterte said.
He lauded the countless Filipino frontliners here and abroad, calling them “modern day heroes” who rose from the present day challenges posed by the public health crisis.
“Today, we honor not only the valor of our forebears who fought for our motherland’s freedom, but also the heroism of those who risked their lives, fighting a different kind of enemy,” he said in a taped video message played during the National Heroes’ Day celebration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. “I hope that the bravery of our Filipino heroes, past and present, will inspire us all to face and overcome even the most unfavorable situations. Together, let us become everyday heroes as we pursue a better future for everyone.”
Duterte also urged the public to honor the memory of “valiant Filipinos whose legacy has strengthened and shaped our beloved nation as we know it today.”
“I am hopeful that their courage, bravery and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire us to uphold our democratic institutions and rally against all threats to our freedom and sovereignty,” the President said.
Vice President Leni Robredo also paid tribute to the frontliners, saying in a statement that Filipinos are once again facing difficult times.
“As we face COVID-19 and its terrible effects, the spirit of our heroes lives within each of us, especially those in the frontlines of pandemic response: medical professionals, community leaders, government workers and those from the uniformed services, volunteers and the common Filipino ready and willing to expand the reach of their compassion. May the courage of our heroes continue to inspire us, as we once again face difficult times,” Robredo said.
Like the many heroes who struggled, fought and sacrificed for the country, Robredo urged Filipinos to “fight if necessary” despite the fear and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon thanked the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives in the service of the nation as Sen. Francis Pangilinan called on the Department of Health to ensure that frontliners receive their P500 daily hazard pay.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay dedicated their salutes to the modern-day heroes now leading the fight against COVID-19 to save the lives of fellow Filipinos.
Gapay, who led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, recalled the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and dedicated the celebration to modern-day heroes fighting the pandemic in the frontlines.
Lorenzana said National Heroes’ Day should serve as a reminder for all to unite and support each other as the country recovers from the effects of the pandemic and at the same time work together to safeguard communities from the threat of criminality, terrorism and violent extremism.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar called on Filipinos to reflect on the country’s history and remember the courage and determination of heroes who fought colonial and social ills. He said the government would continue to work to enable the country to “heal and recover as one nation.” – Alexis Roemro, Helen Flores, Paolo Romero, Michael Punongbayan, Jose Rodel Clapano, Evelyn Macairan