Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia delivers his message in celebration of the National Heroes Day on Monday, August 28 at the Plaza Sugbo grounds. | Screengrab from Cebu City News and Information
CEBU CITY, Philippines — “The list of everyday or modern heroes goes a long, long way and is endless.”
This was the statement of Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who is also the and the Chairman of Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, during the city’s celebration of National Heroes Day on August 28, 2023 at the Plaza Sugbo grounds.
The event was also live streamed through Cebu City’s News and Information page on Facebook.
In his message, Garcia expressed his gratitude to all heroes of the modern times, especially the men and women in uniform.
“Historically, if we talk of National Heroes’ Day, it is celebrated with regard to the heroes of the revolution or the Philippine revolution who helped establish the foundation of our country’s independence. The likes of Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Apolinario Mabini,” Garcia said.
However, over the years he said that this had changed as it also focused and embraced honoring men and women who had sacrificed their lives.
“These of course are our men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate price for fighting for our country and for our fallen men and women in uniform, we salute them also today,” he said.
He also encouraged the youth “to look to our national heroes as a source of inspiration” where they could find “wonderful qualities, bravery, patriotism, selflessness, love for country, and nationalism.”
Garcia noted that the heroes were worth emulating, imitating, and following their examples.
Meanwhile, Councilor Dondon Hontiveros, the acting city vice mayor, said in a statement that the celebration was not only for the heroes of the past.
“But [we] also recognize the heroes among us. The brave health workers, the dedicated educators, the men in uniform, and countless others who continue to serve our nation with dedication and selflessness,” he said.
Hontiveros reminded the public to continue the values of freedom, democracy, and unity that the heroes fought for.
Garcia served as the acting mayor since Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was not present during the event because he had yet to be back from his official leave to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at Hollywood’s America Excellence Awards last August 20 held in Hollywood, California, USA.
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