LAPU-LAPU CITY - Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday called on Filipinos to be heroes themselves and unite for the 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 enable us to overcome the challenges of the present day and enable us to achieve our aspirations for our country,” Duterte said during the National Heroes Day celebration at the Liberty Shrine in this city, home to the first Filipino hero.

She said the tribute to our heroes who started the revolt against the Spanish in 1896 was made meaningful by the honor also given the Datu Lapulapu.

She said “The heroism of Lapulapu foreshadowed the bravery of the heroes who started the Philippine Revolution in 1896.”

As provided in history, our ancestors headed by the courageous Datu Lapulapu defeated the Spanish invaders headed by Magellan on the Island of Mactan 375 years before the Philippine Revolution.

Duterte, also the Secretary of Education, said Lapulapu and the people of Mactan defeated Magellan because they were selfless and fearless connected by a strong sense of unity.

“Datu Lapulapu’s triumph is a powerful manifestation 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,” she told the crowd led by Mayor Junard Chan.

The Vice President said Lapulapu’s heroism “foreshadowed the bravery of the heroes who started the Philippine Revolution in 1896.” She said she agreed with former President Rodrigo Duterte when he said Lapulapu was the first Philippine hero.

“And 375 years later, in Balintawak, this unity, this selflessness, and this fearlessness were once again unleashed by the Katipuneros, who tore their cedulas— signifying the start of the fight against Spanish rule,” she added.

Duterte said on National Heroes Day, Filipinos are “once again reminded of their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment—along with the many nameless Filipinos who also fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

“They laid the groundwork for the freedom and opportunities we relish today,” she said.

Duterte also said that Filipinos should honor the country’s national heroes by keeping their legacy alive.

“Let their sacrifices inspire us to raise a new generation of fearless and selfless Filipinos who are united by their love of country,” she said.

“Our heroes are not only names. They do not only exist in the past. They lie within us,” she added.

OVP MEDIA