A stronger and more prosperous Philippines cannot be built by its leaders alone, but by every Filipino willing to act with compassion, conviction, and love of country, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said Monday.

In a video message on National Heroes Day, Dy urged Filipinos to honor the nation’s heroes by doing their part, however small, to build the country they fought for.

“Dahil ang isang mas maunlad at matatag na Pilipinas ay hindi lamang itinatayo ng mga lider. Itinatayo ito ng bawat Pilipinong may malasakit at paninindigan (Because a prosperous and stronger Philippines is not just built by its leaders. It is built by every compassionate Filipino who is willing to take a stand),” he said.

He urged Filipinos to honor the country’s heroes not only by remembering their sacrifices but by helping strengthen the nation they fought for.

“Ngayong National Heroes Day, alalahanin natin ang mga bayani ng ating nakaraan at higit sa lahat mahalin natin ang ating bayan at kapwa upang lalo pang pagtibayin ang Pilipinas na kanilang ipinaglaban (On National Heroes Day, remember our past heroes, but most of all, love our country and our fellow citizens to further strengthen the Philippines, which they fought for),” he said.

Dy said National Heroes Day should serve both as a remembrance of the past and a reminder of the responsibility of the present generation.

“Ang ating mga bayani ay nag-iwan sa atin ng isang mahalagang pamana: ang paniniwalang may mga bagay na higit na mahalaga kaysa sa sarili – ang bayan, ang kapwa, at ang kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon (Our heroes left us with an important legacy: the belief that there are things more important than self – our country, our fellowmen and the future if the next generations),” he said.

“Ngayon, tayo naman ang may pananagutan na ipagpatuloy ang pamana na iyon (Now, it’s our responsibility to continue that legacy).”

Amid rapid changes in society and around the world, Dy said Filipinos should hold fast to enduring Filipino values that have long defined the nation and its heroes – integrity in words and actions, respect for others, compassion for those in need, courage to stand for what is right, and love for country.

He also emphasized that heroism is not reserved for famous figures or extraordinary acts, but can be practiced by every Filipino through everyday acts of goodness and service. (PNA)