ILOILO City – Today is National Heroes Day.
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 90, Malacañang declared today, the last Monday in August, as a regular holiday.
There are no local government-organized activities in this city and Iloilo province relative to the celebration. Nevertheless, Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry P. Treñas called on Ilonggos to remember the sacrifices of heroes who helped achieve the country’s freedom and democracy.
He cited the likes of Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio and Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., and even Iloilo’s very own Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena, Gen. Martin Delgado and Teresa Magbanua. He said they were all worthy of emulation.
“I call on all Ilonggos to never forget the lessons of the past as we create an even much better tomorrow for the next generation,” said Treñas.
The National Heroes Day commemorates and honors all heroes of the country, both the known and unknown.
As stated in the official website of the Philippine Government’s officialgazette.gov.ph, National Heroes Day specifies no hero. “The law that put into practice the celebration does not name a single one. And this lack of specifics offers an opportunity to celebrate the bravery of not one, not a few, but all Filipino heroes who have braved death or persecution for home, nation, justice, and freedom.”
Treñas said anyone can be a hero in his or her own way and make a difference for the good of the city and the country.
“Together, we can all be heroes in our own significant way as we bring our city and country to greatness,” he said./PN
