By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called on Filipinos to share the responsibility of protecting the country’s territory, sovereignty, and national interests as he honored modern-day heroes on National Heroes Day.
In his speech at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Marcos said that defending the country goes beyond the role of soldiers and other uniformed personnel, urging citizens to understand Philippine history and rights, and to take part in safeguarding national interests.
The President said the Philippines would continue to assert its rights peacefully, in accordance with international law and the country’s principles.
“Ipaglalaban natin ang ating mga karapatan sa paraang mapayapa, naaayon sa batas, at naaayon sa ating mga prinsipyo (We will fight for our rights in a manner that is peaceful, lawful, and consistent with our principles),” he said.
Marcos noted that 2026 marks a decade since the 2016 Arbitral Award affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He said the government would educate young Filipinos about the origins and importance of the country’s maritime rights, while using various platforms to promote truth, counter disinformation, and encourage responsible discourse.
The President also underscored the role of Filipino fisherfolk in asserting the country’s maritime presence.
“Our fisherfolk, too, deserve our unconditional support. Their continued presence in our waters strengthens our connection to our maritime territory,” he said.
Marcos cited members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Filipino fisherfolk as among those at the forefront of protecting the country’s rights, livelihoods, and national interests in the West Philippine Sea.
He said protecting national sovereignty also requires strong institutions and called for transparency, accountability, and a standard of public service worthy of Filipinos.
“Sapagkat ang tibay ng ating paninindigan bilang bansa ay nagsisimula sa lalim ng ating kaalaman at lakas ng ating pagkakabuklod-buklod bilang isang bayan (For the strength of our resolve as a nation begins with the depth of our knowledge and the strength of our unity as a people),” Marcos said.
The President also honored Filipinos who embody heroism in their daily lives, including overseas Filipino workers, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, teachers, healthcare workers, and parents who sacrifice for their families and communities.
“Ang Pilipinas ay karapat-dapat na ipaglaban. Ang bawat Pilipino ay karapat-dapat na paglingkuran. Ang ating soberanya ay karapat-dapat na ipagtanggol (The Philippines is worth fighting for. Every Filipino is worth serving. Our sovereignty is worth defending),” he said. (PNA)
