Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to recognize not only the country’s historical figures but also the countless modern-day heroes who continue to serve and sacrifice for the nation, as the Philippines marked National Heroes’ Day on August 25, 2025.
In her official statement, Duterte emphasized that heroism is alive in every Filipino who contributes to the well-being of the country. “Sa araw na ito, inaalala natin ang kabayanihan ng lahat ng Pilipinong nag-alay ng buhay at lakas para sa kapakanan ng bansang Pilipinas. Kinikilala natin ang kanilang katapangan, kadakilaan, at pagkakaisa upang makamit ang ating kasarinlan,” she said.
The Vice President honored both the heroes of the past and the everyday heroes of today. She cited the Armed Forces of the Philippines who face daily risks to ensure security, as well as teachers, doctors, nurses, and frontline workers who dedicate their service to communities. “Bigyang-pugay natin ang lahat ng mga nasa Hukbong Sandatahan na araw-araw ay humaharap sa panganib… Kinikilala din natin ang lahat ng mga guro, doktor, nars, at lahat ng mga frontline workers na nagsisilbi sa ating lipunan,” Duterte noted.
She also gave special recognition to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), describing them as modern heroes whose sacrifices sustain families and contribute to national progress. “Pasalamatan din natin ang ating mga Overseas Filipino Workers na nagsisikap, nagsasakripisyo, at tapat na nagtatrabaho para sa kanilang mga pamilya at sa bansa,” she said.
National Heroes’ Day, observed every last Monday of August, was originally tied to the Cry of Pugad Lawin (1896)—the historic uprising that marked the start of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Unlike other holidays dedicated to individual figures such as Rizal Day or Bonifacio Day, it honors all heroes—known and unknown—who shaped the nation’s struggle for independence and freedom.
For Duterte, this legacy must serve as inspiration for Filipinos to embrace heroism in their own ways. “Sa bawat Pilipinong lumalaban para sa pamilya, sa kapwa, at sa bayan, kayo ay bayani. Tayong lahat ay may kakayahan na baguhin ang takbo ng ating buhay at ng ating bansa,” she declared.
