Frontliners new breed of heroes

ON National Heroes Day, President Rodrigo Duterte paid tribute to frontliners who continue to serve the public amid the raging pandemic.

“Every year, we dedicate this day to honor the countless unsung heroes upon whose collective sacrifice the foundations of this nation was built on,” Duterte said.

“This National Heroes Day, we pay tribute to a new breed of heroes who readily answered the call to fight in a war against one of the greatest threats to our way of life,” he added.

The President put the spotlight on the tireless efforts of “these nameless health workers, uniformed personnel, government employees, and frontliners in essential industries,” who bravely led the almost two years of battle against Covid-19.

“Their names will not be etched on any edifice; statues will not be erected in their honor; banknotes will not be graced by their portraits; and their individual exploits will not be immortalized on the pages of history books,” Duterte said.

“Yet, for selflessly risking their lives to ensure the survival of our society, I can confidently say that they have more than earned their rightful place in the pedestal of heroes.”

National Heroes Day, a regular holiday, commemorates the “Cry of Pugad Lawin,” a revolt that started the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish empire.