MANILA – The country’s Defense chief urged Filipinos to become heroes in their own way by following health regulations and helping the government’s vaccination program in the fight against the pandemic.
By doing so, Filipinos protect themselves and the community from the virus, and winning the battle requires collaboration, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“Sa gitna ng pagsubok na dulot ng pandemya, nawa’y maging inspirasyon natin ang mga bayani noon at ngayon upang gampanan natin ang ating tungkulin at magkaisa para sa kapakanan ng ating bayan (amid the suffering due to the pandemic, may the heroism of past and present day heroes be an inspiration for every Filipino to do their duty and cooperate for the benefit of the country),” he said.
As the nation celebrates National Heroes’ Day on Monday, he encouraged everyone to be inspired by the bravery and heroism of Filipino heroes.
“Today, we take inspiration from their legacy and heroism as we battle a new and dangerous invader, the Covid-19 virus. The challenges we currently face call upon all of us to become heroes ourselves,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, he said, Filipinos have always battled courageously against every foreign invader threatening the country’s independence.
“As the nation commemorates this year’s National Heroes Day, the DND pays tribute to the heroes of our history who offered their lives and sacrificed for our country. Despite the odds, our forebears fought side-by-side against the Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese to defend our nation,” he added.
Lorenzana cited present-day heroism in the defense of Zamboanga City in 2013 and Marawi City in 2017 against terrorist organizations as examples of readiness to sacrifice for freedom.
“More recently, we have witnessed heroism amongst our troops in protecting Zamboanga and Marawi against those who threatened to destroy our institutions and way of life,” Lorenzana said.
