TO BE A HERO for a country, one of the aspirations that they ought to have is the willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greatness of the country, even if it means losing their lives.
Growing up, we were taught about the sacrifices of our national heroes through our history subject, and from this, we became well aware of the tragedies that the country had gone through and the heroes that got to endure to bring freedom to the country.
Through the sacrifices they made for the country, it is only important for them to be remembered. Thus, on every last Monday of August, heroes in the Philippines have an annual tribute for their lives and works to be remembered by the current and next generations of Filipinos.
The National Heroes Day, to be celebrated annually, was first approved on October 27, 1931, by the 9th Philippine Legislature.
Originally, the said event was set to be celebrated on the last Sunday of the month.
In 2005, under Proclamation No. 901, National Heroes Day was moved to be celebrated on Monday, making it a ‘Non-Working Day’ in the public sector and in all public and private schools at all levels.
Moreover, in 2007, former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9492, which would move the commemoration of National Heroes Day from Sunday to Monday.
If we were to ask our friends who the National Heroes were, they would probably mention the names of well-known heroes such as Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. But then again, there are more than just 2 heroes that need to be acknowledged for the sacrifices that they made for the country.
To know who the National Heroes of Gen-Zs, republicasia had reached out to Gen-Zs to share which Philippine National Hero had touched them the most.
For 20-year-old Majorine, the National Hero that she looked up the most is Marcelo H. Del Pillar due to his contribution to the propaganda movement through essays that spread awareness to Filipinos.
According to Marjorine, it made Marcelo De Pillar her favorite as his powerful writings exposed the injustice and oppression that Spaniards towards Filipinos.
For 18 year-old Johnny, the National Hero that touched him is none other than Heneral Luna due to it’s courage to fight the Americans.
“I can’t help but admire his courage. I know he comes across vulgar to many but he’s just one of those people that actually do something.”
He also notes that his courage and strong appearance is one of the notable qualities that makes him to be remembered, “I believe na if he’s still alive by now, people would probably listen to him because they’ll be intimidated.”
