THE LOCAL government here paid tribute to historical figures and modern-day heroes on National Heroes Day on Monday, Aug. 31.
Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II and COMMO Irineo Battung, Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao commander, led the commemoration at The Unknown Soldiers’ Monument at Osmeña Park.
In a message delivered by the vice mayor, Mayor Sebastian Duterte said that the understanding of heroism has evolved over time.
“In the past, heroes were often defined by those who stood on battlefields, led resistance, or made the ultimate sacrifice for the country,” Duterte said.
Heroism today, he said, can also be found in “the courage to serve, to uphold what is right, and to place the welfare of others before one’s own interest.”
Duterte lauded those who work for the safety and well-being of communities “even when the work is difficult and unseen.”
He called on residents to continue the values of service and cooperation for the benefit of Davao and the country.
“Sa atong panumduman sa atong mga bayani karong adlawa, hinaot nga atong ipadayon ang ilang kaisog, sakripisyo, ug gugma alang sa atong nasud,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Battung highlighted the legacy of Datu Bago, described as a local leader who resisted foreign intrusion and fought to protect Davao and its waters before the city’s founding.
He said Datu Bago’s example showed that heroism is deeply rooted in the courage to defend “what we value.”
“Datu Bago did not fight for recognition; he fought because he believed that his people and their homeland were worth protecting. That is the essence of true heroism,” he stressed.
His message also cited national heroes including Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, Gabriela Silang, Melchora Aquino, and Teresa Magbanua, alongside Filipinos whose names were not recorded in history but who served in various capacities.
The naval officer recognized unnamed present-day figures including soldiers, sailors, police officers, coast guard personnel, firefighters, health workers, teachers, and volunteers.
He noted “heroism did not end with the sacrifices of our ancestors” and continues “wherever there is duty, courage, and selfless service.”
The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, he said, carries forward the obligations inherited from past heroes, citing the unit works with other government agencies and stakeholders to keep communities in the area safe and secure.
The officer urged young Filipinos to see themselves as capable of heroism in their own time, and not wait for history to be called a hero.
“Your battlefield may not look like the battlefields of Datu Bago, Bonifacio, and other heroes. Your weapons may be knowledge, discipline, compassion, integrity, and responsible citizenship,” he stressed.
