By: Emme Rose Santiagudo
THE Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) urged Ilonggos to become a hero in their respective professions as the nation celebrated the National Heroes Day on Monday.
Capt. Cenon Pancito III, chief of the 3ID Public Affairs Office, recognized the spirit of heroism that lies in the hearts of Filipinos.
“There is also a hero in all of us may it be soldiers, teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, and lahat ng Filipinos. Mayroon tayong bravery and heroism in all of us,” he said in an interview on Monday.
Pancito said one does not need to sacrifice his/her life to be a hero.
“To be a hero is not just to magbuwis ng buhay o makipagbakbakan sa digmaan but in our own jobs. To be a hero is to do our tasks of what we are supposed to do in contribution to our country whatever profession that we have,” he stressed.
He emphasized that being a hero can also mean being able to contribute in the country through one’s profession.
“For example, yung teachers, they do their best by teaching our children, making our nation better dahil magiging equipped sila ng mas magandang kaalaman, in the same way with other professions. Tayong lahat ay inaasahan ng inang bayan na magsukli ng ikauunlad at ikakabuti ng ating pamayanan,” he said.
Pancito said that the National Heroes’ Day is a day to reflect on the freedom and democracy experienced today.
“Kung tayo ay nakakapagmall at nakakapamasyal, we are able to experience the long weekend, this is because of the people who have gone ahead of us because they have sacrificed their lives, and today we have to remember the sacrifices that they had done just for the peace and security of the country ” he said.
To commemorate not only the nation’s heroes but also the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, all Philippine flags fly at half-staff in all the camps of Army on Monday, according to Pancito.
