Our history as a nation is marked by the blood of our forebears who selflessly offered their lives for the liberation of the Philippines and the Filipino people.

As we honor our National Heroes today, may we not only look back with admiration at their profound sense of patriotism but also look at the future of our country and its unrelenting longing for the same profound sense of patriotism from us.

The blood of our National Heroes is the same blood of bravery, selflessness, and love of country and fellowmen that continues to flow across the nation today — now permeating into the minds and hearts of many Filipinos who have committed to the cause of rebuilding the nation from the rubbles caused by disunity, hatred, misunderstanding, and acts of hostilities perpetuated by anti-people, anti-government, and local terror groups that hostaged the progress of the country for a long time.

As we look back, may we never squander the lessons of the past and instead use them to awaken all the greatest heroes inside the hearts of every Filipino, especially the youth.

Today, let us honor our National Heroes with a promise that their sacrifices will serve as our light and inspiration as we vow to protect the integrity of our independence and the interest of our nation against those who wish for us to fail, to fall, and to break as a nation.

Patuloy nating mahalin ang Pilipinas.

Sara Z. Duterte
Vice President of the Philippines
Secretary of the Department of Education
August 29, 2022