Marcos Jr. on National Heroes Day: 'Do more than remember'

President Bongbong Marcos leads Heroes' Day ceremonies at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.

RTVM; Philstar.com screenshot, composite

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to honor the country's heroes not only by remembering their sacrifices but also by carrying their ideals forward.

In his National Heroes Day message Monday, August 31, Marcos urged the public to "do more than remember."

"Let us also renew our solemn duty to carry forward the nation for which they fought and sacrificed," Marcos said.

"Our forebears won our freedom, defended our dignity, and laid the foundations of the Republic we cherish. We honor them best by embodying their courage, keeping the flame of patriotism alive, and becoming the citizens our country needs," he added.

Marcos said the spirit of heroism also lives on in ordinary Filipinos who contribute to causes greater than themselves.

"We see it in our soldiers and first responders who risk their lives to keep us safe. We recognize it in our teachers, health workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and overseas Filipinos who sustain our families and communities. We find it in every citizen who helps a neighbor, protects the vulnerable, and works honestly for the common good," he said.

National Heroes Day is a regular holiday observed on the last Monday of August, which falls on August 31 this year.