A Celebration of Independence and Filipinos’ Bravery on National Heroes Day
The National Heroes Day is one of the public holidays in the Philippines. Its observance was in fact, already present during the American colonial period before World War II.
By virtue of Republic Act 3827, established on October 29, 1931, the Philippine legislature marked every last Sunday of August as National Heroes Day, observed by the whole country. Plans for this important occassion has been in the works as early as July.
The National Heroes Day in the Philippines is celebrated by fellow citizens in honour of all the heroes of the Philippine revolution. These heroes, with their unyielding courage and bravery, provided significant contributions, with some even giving up their lives to establish the foundation for the country’s independence.
Remembering the heroes of the Philippine Revolution
To fight for one own country’s freedom, honour, and independence is an important quality that every country and its key figures should have.
The Philippines did not enjoy any of these, including a national identity before the Philippine revolution.
National heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Apolinario Mabini may have lost their lives in their fight for freedom and independence, but they will be remembered in history as our fellow citizens who helped create a national identity and worked towards the dream of independence.
National Heroes’ Day is often viewed as just another public holiday and another chance to relish in a long weekend. In today’s fast-paced culture, the essence and purpose of the holidays we celebrate seem to be all too fleeting.
However, a trip down recent past gives credence to this commemoration.
Blood, sweat, and tears: the true meaning of being a hero
No hero is the same as the other: they all look different and serve various ideologies. While the values of every generation become much more diverse than the other, one thing remains the same: true heroes do not think of themselves in the face of tragedy and think about the welfare of others.
While physical strength and the stereotypical capabilities of fictional superheroes are important, traits such as courage, kindness, and selflessness are substantial, too.
The everyday heroes
More than super-strength or lasers that shoot out of eyes, a modern hero is someone who looks after the needs of others without expecting anything in return. However, with the rise of social media, heroism can often be distorted through “acts of kindness” filmed for recognition while receivers are being exploited for views or likes.
True heroism is about standing up to one’s beliefs and challenges of the world with strength and grace. It is about altruism and selflessness to bring change to those who are going through suffering and oppression.
As we celebrate National Heroes Day, let’s take a moment to honor the role models of today.
The unsung heroes
Farmers and agriculture workers
Agriculture plays a vital role in the world economy, especially that of ours. With the global crisis we have experienced over the past years due to COVID-19, Filipino farmers carried the population and its hope and future by providing its most essential need.
Even before the pandemic struck the country, they remain the most vulnerable, yet valuable among all the sectors of our society.
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Single parents
Despite the struggles, hardships, and the stigma cast upon single parents, these unsung heroes continue to strive and support their children, juggling different facets of life, while making sure they keep the family intact.
The duty of a single parent requires resilience, diligence, and persistence, but all of that comes from the most important among all. They come from a place of love and hope.
Single parents deserve all the support they could get. If you are a single parent reading this, you are amazing and you are seen for everything you do. You got this!
Animal rescuers
Finding new homes for animals who are either strays or victims of abuse, animal rescuers are often volunteers who give their time, energy, hearts, and even money to the craft. The dedicated work that they do comes from a place of love.
This duty takes a lot of empathy and genuine compassion, as most animal-rescuing jobs are, more often, not financially rewarding. Regardless, they move forward and continue their mission, saving one abandoned, hungry, or ill animal at a time.
Scientists and medical workers
Scientists and medical workers often devote most, if not all of their energy, to the heroic work of pursuing knowledge and creating scientific advancements for the benefit of the world. Scientists and medical workers continue to promote science and innovation, contributing to building a better and healthier nation.
A testament of their dedication was put to the test during the pandemic when a lot of them selflessly and tirelessly become frontline workers.
Journalists and news reporters
Being a journalist requires relentlessness and an unending thirst for objective truth. As part of the frontline, they are considered first responders, delivering the news and important information to the Filipino people, even if it means reporting through a province being struck hard by thunderstorms or going to war zones to broadcast information.
Overseas Filipino Workers : Bagong Bayani
“Bayani” is how the heroes are called in the Philippines. In the country, they are those who exhibit courage, humility, and selflessness. They chase causes that are above themselves — causes that impact their family, community, the nation, and the environment.
Bayani is also how the overseas Filipino workers are called. They are individuals who leave the familiarity of home to pursue work in other nations so they can provide comfortables lives for their loved ones. OFWs endure dreadful working conditions, homesickness, alienation, and other personal sacrifices in order to build better lives for their families back home.
In 1988 former President Corazon Aquino coined the term “Bagong Bayani” for the OFWs. They are modern day heroes, role models not just because they fuel the economy with their remittances, but more importantly, they are figures of resilience.
To date, there are about 1.83 million OFWs employed abroad, according to Philippine Statistic Authority.
Modern heroes do not wear capes—they are streaked in blood, sweat, and tears. We thank you for your service in making this world a better place for everyone.
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