Assalamualaikum.

Today, we honor our national heroes and all the nameless Filipinos who bravely fought for our freedom.

Let us remember the lives and sacrifices made by Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silang.

Their courage and love of country ignited the Philippine Revolution in August 1896.

But let us also remember the heroism of Datu Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan, which resulted in the death of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

The heroism of Datu Lapulapu foreshadowed the revolution that ended the 333-year Spanish rule of the Philippines.

It was a triumph in the pre-colonial Philippines that showed that we are a race of people who are selfless and fearless in the face of adversities—and a people deeply connected by a strong sense of unity.

Our heroes are not only names. They do not only exist in the past. They lie within us.

Let their sacrifices serve as an example as we raise a new generation of fearless, selfless Filipinos united by love of country.

As Filipinos, we should find the heroes within us—carve a soul that is fearless, a soul that is selfless—and forge a unity that will allow us to overcome the challenges of the present day and enable us to achieve our aspirations for our country.

Happy National Heroes Day to everyone!

Maging MATATAG tayo tungo sa isang Bansang Makabata at Batang Makabansa.

Lahat—para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.

Shukran.