President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored the importance of instilling civic consciousness among the youth, stressing that their active participation is vital to the country’s future.
“This is also an opportunity to awaken the youth’s awareness of their duty to the nation,” Marcos said in his speech during the National Heroes’ Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
He urged Filipinos to guide the younger generation so they may develop a more critical understanding of the challenges confronting society.
“If we fail to prepare the youth to defend our freedom, we betray not only the sacrifices of our heroes but also the future of our nation,” the President warned.
Marcos emphasized that every Filipino carries the responsibility to remain vigilant, report corruption and wrongdoing, and stand up for what is right.
He also noted that the observance of National Heroes’ Day celebrates the enduring Filipino values of honesty, service, and solidarity—traits embodied by farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, healthcare workers, laborers, and vendors.
The President was joined at the ceremony by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine National Police Chief Director Gen. Nicolas Torre III, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Jose Jr., Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan, Philippine Army Commanding General Antonio G. Nafarrete, and members of the diplomatic corps. | PND
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
