- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod City and Negros Occidental officials pay tribute to “recognized and unsung individuals” in Monday’s National Heroes Day commemoration.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez “recognized the medical frontliners, who endlessly safeguard our borders against the pandemic and other diseases; our teachers who spearhead the re-opening of face-to-face classes; our men in uniform whose visibility maintained peace and order; our farmers, laborers, and other professionals and sectors of the society who contribute to the economic cycle through their respective crafts”.
He stressed that heroism is not just manifested through bloodshed or war. It is also not isolated to those who wore capes or carried armor. “Heroes are all those persons, dead or alive, who offered their utmost service for the betterment of our community”.
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez paid tribute to the modern-day heroes of the Third District. “We give special recognition to our Metro 3rd farmers, who have been vital to our District’s food security, economic resilience, and pandemic recovery.
“We salute all our modern-day heroes for their service and sacrifice, and continue to honor our national heroes who fought for our independence and democracy!”
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said heroes are produced by time and circumstances. “Heroes are made the moment they respond to the call of the times and make the necessary, and oftentimes, courageous sacrifices for the common good.”
He cited the frontliners from healthcare, emergency response, police, military, security, and delivery services; the street sweepers, garbage collectors, drivers, line-men, laborers, and farmers. “You were the ones who bravely and unselfishly embraced the task to make the lives of your fellowmen less difficult in this time of crisis.”
Lacson said their courage and self-sacrifice are the highest form of homage our present society can bestow to all those who fought for us in the past.
“With that, we give you our utmost respect and gratitude.” He said in his message and urged everyone “to honor this day by practicing a more conscientious, active, and responsible citizenship, for we are still in the course of a fight for our health, safety, recovery, and of course, freedom.”/CGC
