House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III called on Filipinos to embrace everyday heroism on Monday, emphasizing that building a stronger, more prosperous nation requires the collective effort of every citizen, not just its leaders.
In a video message released on the official social media channels of the House of Representatives for National Heroes Day, Speaker Dy urged the public to honor the country’s fallen patriots through meaningful action, whether big or small.
“Dahil ang isang mas maunlad at matatag na Pilipinas ay hindi lamang itinatayo ng mga lider. Itinatayo ito ng bawat Pilipinong may malasakit at paninindigan,” Dy said.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Speaker noted that National Heroes Day serves as both a remembrance of history and an active call to duty for the current generation.
“Ang National Heroes Day ay hindi lamang araw ng paggunita. Ito ay araw ng pagpapaalala kung sino tayo bilang mga Pilipino,” Dy said. “Ang ating mga bayani ay nag-iwan sa atin ng isang mahalagang pamana: ang paniniwalang may mga bagay na higit na mahalaga kaysa sa sarili—ang bayan, ang kapwa, at ang kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon.”
He emphasized that the task of safeguarding and enriching this legacy now rests on today’s generation.
Amid rapid global and societal shifts, Dy stressed the importance of anchoring the nation’s progress on core Filipino values.
“Sa isang panahon na mabilis magbago ang mundo, kailangan nating bumalik sa mga pagpapahalagang hindi dapat magbago: katapatan sa salita at gawa, paggalang sa kapwa, malasakit sa nangangailangan, tapang na panindigan ang tama, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” he said. “Ito ang tunay na mukha ng kabayanihan sa ating panahon.”
Dy emphasized that meaningful service does not require fame or grandiose gestures but daily commitment to integrity and community.
“Hindi kailangang maging tanyag upang maging bayani. Hindi kailangang gumawa ng pambihira upang makapaglingkod. Kailangan lamang nating piliing maging mabuting Pilipino—araw-araw, sa bawat pagkakataon,” he said.