TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Army (PA), the city government commemorated National Heroes Day with a 21-gun salute and a brief program.
According to City Vice Mayor Dick Bal-o in his message, National Heroes Day may be one of the most meaningful holidays because through the sacrifices of our heroes we are able to enjoy our freedom today.
“Iti freedom nga talaga ket haan magatang, isu iti maka-ited waya-waya tunggal maysa, magited ragsak ti tunggal maysa’” he said.
Bal-o continued by stating that without the hardships and sacrifices of our forefathers, the Philippines would still be under the control of the Spanish, American, or Japanese empires.
Then, he continued, “Today, becoming a modern hero depends on the demands of the times, and even the most straightforward acts could transform someone into a hero.”
“We can be a hero in our own right. Nu agsing-singpet ka laeng ken taraknem iti pamilyam, you are already a hero in your own home,” he stated.
In a message delivered by his representative Henry Gupaal, City Mayor Darwin Estrañero said that the celebration not only honors national heroes but also lesser-known and everyday Filipinos. These include overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are dispersed around the globe and endure all kinds of hardships and abuse in order to send money home, frontline workers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PNP and Army, and many more.
“Our heroes come from the different strata of Philippine society, some come from well to do families, educated. While some come from poor families and no formal education,” he said.
The most significant act performed by our heroes, according to Estrañero, was giving up their wealth, families, and aspirations in order to serve their country and their fellow citizens.
“We salute all of you for being fearless and self-sacrificing. Always making a difference to whom you serve without counting the cost or even expecting anything in return,” he said.
Finally, Estrañero urged everyone to follow in the footsteps of our heroes past and present, act as a catalyst for change, and make a difference whether they work for the government or in private practice.