President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to take part in defending the country’s sovereignty and national interest as the nation commemorated National Heroes’ Day.
In his speech at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Marcos said defending the country’s territory is a responsibility shared by all Filipinos, including protecting the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos also noted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which recognized the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS.
The president said the Philippines will continue to assert its rights through peaceful and lawful means.
He also urged the public to learn about the country’s maritime rights and help combat disinformation.
Marcos highlighted the roles of Filipino fishermen, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in maintaining a presence at sea and protecting the country’s national interests.
The president’s remarks placed the defense of the West Philippine Sea within his broader message about modern-day heroism during the National Heroes’ Day observance.
Alongside those involved in protecting the country’s maritime interests, Marcos also recognized ordinary Filipinos who continue to make sacrifices for their families and communities.
He cited overseas Filipino workers, teachers, health care workers and first responders as among the faces of heroism in the present day.
The president’s message emphasized that heroism is not limited to historical figures, but also includes Filipinos who contribute to protecting the country and serving their families and communities.
