ON MONDAY, August 26, the Philippines commemorated National Heroes’ Day, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of all Filipino heroes to attain the nation’s freedom.

In honoring all Filipino heroes, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

“It is on a special day like this that we remember the brave souls who have come before us and reflect upon the legacy they have bequeathed to us and our beloved motherland,” said Marcos. 

“It is through the freedom that they have fought for that we enjoy the liberties we have today, making it our solemn duty to ensure that their sacrifices are firmly etched in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos,” he added.

But the question is: does commemorating National Heroes’ Day matter to the young generation, more than being a regular holiday that allows them to pause from their jampacked schedules?

Yes, it remains significant

When republicasia asked several Gen Zs if they still thought honoring National Heroes Day was important, they all answered in the affirmative.

These young individuals said this celebration allows them to “remember and honor” Filipino heroes who fought for the freedom that they enjoy today.

“By celebrating it in today’s age, we will show our appreciation to every individual who sacrificed themselves in order for us to enjoy the freedom that we have today,” said 20-year-old marketing management student Robert Discar.

Broadcasting student Tricia Abad, 20, said that without the Filipino heroes’ sacrifices, the young generation would not be able to enjoy the independence they have today.

Another broadcasting student Shaina Maldo, 20, agreed with Abad and said, “Most of the things we [have] or know at the moment came from our past.”

“Kung ano mang kalayaan na meron tayo at pribilehiyo is a result of their sacrifices and bravery,” she continued.

For Nathalie Enriquez, 21, the annual commemoration of National Heroes’ Day is a way for Filipinos to preserve the nation’s rich history as it allows young individuals like herself to “remember and learn” about the past events that led to the country’s independence.

“This also helps people to become more inspired and patriotic. The heroes can serve as the people’s inspiration to do good deeds and fight for our freedom when put in a situation where our freedom is in jeopardy,” the broadcasting student said.

“It also helps us to develop national consciousness and strengthen cultural identity. Since our history plays a big part in our culture, commemorating National Heroes’ Day helps develop the values that are pivotal to fostering a good nation,” she added.

20-year-old college student Jamie Pineda echoed this statement, saying, “It is important to commemorate this event for us to remember the past, reflect and apply it sa generation natin ngayon.”

Gen Zs’ modern heroes

The definition of a hero has evolved over the years. Today, a hero is not just someone willing to sacrifice his or her life on the battlefield, but it can be anyone who makes a difference and a positive impact on other people’s lives.

For Dicar and Enriquez, their modern heroes are the frontliners who ensure the health, safety, and security of the Filipino people. These include healthcare workers, soldiers, overseas Filipino workers, teachers, service crew, and riders, among others.

“They are the modern heroes for me because they are willing to do anything and sacrifice everything in order to serve us in every situation that we face,” Discar said.

This is why these frontline workers, particularly those in the medical field, deserve better benefits and work environment, explained Enriquez.

Abad also considered Filipino workers as modern heroes for their contribution to growing the country’s economy.

“They are the ones contributing so much to our economy as they prove their diligence and love for their family through their everyday hard work,” she said.

Meanwhile, Maldo highlighted the contributions of Filipino farmers, fishermen, and indigenous people, whose resiliency is “undeniable” and “preserve the essence of being a Filipino.”

Pineda, on the other hand, did not mention a specific person because a modern hero for her is simply someone who makes a “positive impact.”

She emphasized, “May mga taong dadating sa buhay natin na nagbigay ng positive impact and we’ll think na, siya yung ‘hero ko.’ It could be anyone na may care sa mga tao sa paligid niya na nakatulong, maliit man or malaki.”

Tribute to unsung heroes

In his message for National Heroes’ Day, Marcos honored the unsung heroes “whose contributions are no less significant in building and pushing our nation forward.”

These include “farmers who till our land, the wage earners who propel our economy, the teachers who shape the minds of our youth, the healthcare workers who save lives, the civil servants who respond to the needs of the public, and the everyday citizens who carry out simple acts of kindness to others,” said the President.

“In honoring our heroes, we affirm as our own the values, virtues, and ideals they stood for,” he said.

Marcos then urged the Filipino people to be inspired by their ancestors and fellow Filipinos to achieve a “comfortable and dignified life.”