MANILA — For Vice President Sara Duterte, the country’s armed forces have commendably shown remarkable devotion to their noble duty to protect and safeguard the integrity of the nation.

In the Tribute to Soldier: The Armed Forces of the Philippines and The Manila Times 10 Outstanding Filipino Soldiers Awards at the Manila Hotel here Monday night, Duterte paid tribute to the military personnel who exemplified excellence, courage, dedication, and love of country.

“In the areas of combat zone, community service, administrative and logistics functions, and education, you have commendably shown us your remarkable devotion to your sworn oath to serve the best interest of the nation as well as the capability of our uniformed men and women to propel innovation within the organization,” Duterte said.

“I salute your courage and dedication to duty,” she added.

The event was held as the country celebrates the National Heroes Day.

The Vice President, who led the commemoration of National Heroes Day in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu Monday morning, noted that the Cry of Pugad Lawin came 375 years after Datu Lapulapu and his men defeated Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.

The Cry of Pugad Lawin was the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire in 1896.

“The heroism of Datu Lapulapu foreshadowed the heroism of Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo, Sultan Kudarat, and all of those who courageously ended the 333-year rule of the Spaniards over the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“It only means that Filipinos are inherently brave, selfless, fearless, and united in the face of adversity. And this is something that we, today, should always remind ourselves about,” she added.

The Vice President, who is also Education Secretary, assured the AFP that the Department of Education will strive to produce basic education graduates that are patriots.

She also thanked the uniformed personnel for their support to the Office of the Vice President, and for the help extended to Filipinos especially during disasters.

“Hindi man namin magawa ang trabaho niyo, know that kapag kailangan niyo kami na tumulong sa inyo, kahit taga-dala man niyan ng tubig, you will always have a friend in the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte said.

Duterte said she is one with the armed forces in the pursuit to defend the nation against terrorism, lawlessness, and other threats to national security.

“Kayo ay patuloy na maging haligi ng katapangan na siyang magiging daan sa mas mapayapa at mas matatag na sambayanan. Kaakibat ninyo kami sa inyong mga dakilang adhikain para sa katarungan at kapayapaan,” Duterte said.

“Nawa’y taas-noo ninyong haharapin ang mga pagsubok sa serbisyo ng may pananalig, tapang, pagkakaisa, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” she added. OVP MEDIA