CITY government officials, regional offices, and security forces honor the courage of World War II soldiers and ordinary citizens to mark National Heroes Day at Osmena Park on Monday, Aug. 25.
Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Commo Phillips Y. Soria, commander of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, led the wreath-laying followed by a gun salute.
In his welcome message, Duterte emphasized that Davaoeños should not only honor those who are immortalized in books but also ordinary citizens who carried the weight of sacrifice in building the country as it is now.
“It is our hope for everyone, especially the youth, to collectively honor the memory of our heroes not with mere words, but with action. By upholding the rule of law, promoting unity over division, and being heroes in our own rights, we are creating a society worthy of their sacrifices” Duterte said.
He added that heroism should be passed down to the next generations to re-live the courage of the heroes.
“Let us all proudly carry the legacy passed down by our heroes with courage, integrity and resolute hope for our better future building a stronger, more united and more resilient Philippines for the years ahead,” he said.
Soria, the guest speaker, said that National Heroes Day is not just about remembering the past, but a meaningful reminder to reflect and to take action to ensure a bright future.
He shared that BRP 83-01, an 83-meter aluminum hub vessel of the Coast Guard, is named after Gabriela Silang who symbolized resistance; BRP 97-01 is named after Teresa Magbanua, a former teacher who fought against American colonizers; BRP 97-02 is named after Melchora Aquino or known Tandang Sora who provided refuge to the injured.
“We in the Philippine Coast Guard guard are proud to have ships that bear their names not just as steel vessels but as floating symbols of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our country,” Soria said.
He stressed heroism is not just about uniforms or ships, “it’s something that lives in all of us no matter what your role is.
“Whether you are the LGU worker in Davao handling documents with integrity, the traffic aide braving the sun and rain to keep our roads safe, the dedicated teacher shaping young minds, the health worker reaching the most remote sitios and barrios, or the farmer providing for his community despite of hardships,” Soria added.
