ON NATIONAL Heroes Day, August 31, 2020, officials honored not only the fallen heroes who fought for the country’s freedom but also the frontliners in the battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his message, said the pandemic calls for a new breed of heroism.

“The current global health crisis we are facing today demands of us a new expression of heroism - the kind that has been shown us by our selfless Filipino frontliners in various settings,” he said.

“In honor of our heroes, let us strengthen our resolve in overcoming the challenges ahead guided by the virtues and standards set by the stalwarts of our nation,” he added.

The President also honored the memory of “valiant Filipinos whose legacy has strengthened and shaped our beloved nation as we know it today”.

“I am hopeful that their courage, bravery and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire us to uphold our democratic institutions and rally against all threats to our freedom and sovereignty,” he said.

Earlier Monday, the President also gave the following message:

"I join the entire nation as we celebrate this year's National Heroes Day. Today, we honor not only the valor of our forebears who fought for our motherland's freedom, but also the heroism of those who risked their lives, fighting a different kind of enemy. Present day challenges posed by the current public health crisis has given rise to modern day heroes: the countless Filipino frontliners here and abroad who are battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I hope that the bravery of our Filipino heroes, past and present, will inspire us all to face and overcome even the most unfavorable situations. Together, let us become everyday heroes as we pursue a better future for everyone."

Vice President Leni Robredo honored the Filipinos who *struggled, fought, sacrificed for our nation."

"We honor not one or a few names, but the countless others who were, or continue to be, animated by the same imperatives that drive us in times of crisis: Love those beyond your immediate circle; expand these circles to go beyond family or friends; care for the community, care for the country,” Robredo said in a statement.

“Do this, despite fear and uncertainty. Fight, if necessary; do not shrink from struggle or sacrifice. Be kind and be brave,” she added.

Robredo also praised medical frontliners and government leaders who have given their services amid the ongoing health crisis.

“The spirit of our heroes lives among medical professionals, community leaders, government workers, those from the uniformed services, volunteers, and the common Filipino ready and willing to expand the reach of their compassion,” she said.

“May the courage of our heroes continue to inspire us, as we once again face difficult times,” she added.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros called on the government to prioritize protection for health workers.

She said the production and purchase of local personal protective equipment (PPE) will help local manufacturers and businesses.

"Hindi kailangang maging martir ng mga health workers natin. Even six months into this pandemic, ensuring adequate protection for them continues to be a problem. Too many doctors and nurses have died in the line of duty. We have to better ensure that every health worker in every city or province has access to effective and affordable PPE,” she said.

The senator said it will be more practical for the country to source for PPE from local manufacturers.

“Bakit natin pipiliin ang imported PPEs na may kwestiyonableng kalidad kung kaya naman nating mag-produce ng dekalidad sa halos kaparehong presyo? Hindi praktikal ang mag-import pa, habang padami ng padami ang health workers na nagkakasakit,” Hontiveros said.

National Heroes' Day, a national public holiday in the Philippines, is held every last Monday of August to commemorate the anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin, the beginning of the Philippine Revolution by the Katipunan led by its Supremo Andrés Bonifacio in 1896. (SunStar Philippines)