With the southwest monsoon or habagat continuing to bring rains and flooding risks to parts of the country, Go paid tribute not only to the heroes who fought for the nation, but also to rescuers, health workers, barangay personnel, volunteers, neighbors, and ordinary citizens who help others despite facing difficulties of their own.
National Heroes Day is observed every last Monday of August under Republic Act No. 9492. This year’s commemoration falls on August 31.
“You do not have to die for your country to be one. Any act of kindness, in the goodness of your heart, that your fellow being will thank you for, is already an act of heroism,” Go previously said during a National Heroes Day gathering.
He stressed that such acts become meaningful during calamities, when families may suddenly lose their homes, livelihoods, or access to basic necessities.
“Hindi naman kailangan na gumawa tayo ng isang napakalaking bagay para makatulong. Minsan, simpleng pag-abot ng pagkain, pag-alalay sa kapitbahay, o pagtanong kung may kailangan sila ay malaking bagay na sa taong dumadaan sa pagsubok,” he said.
The message comes as habagat remains active over parts of the Philippines. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on August 30 that the southwest monsoon was affecting Luzon and the Visayas, with continuing risks of flooding and landslides in several areas. GeneralReference
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Earlier this month, enhanced habagat rains also caused flooding, evacuations, power interruptions, and other disruptions in Metro Manila and several provinces, prompting relief and donation drives from government agencies, private groups, and volunteers.
“Sa panahon ng baha at kalamidad, nakikita natin kung paano nagtutulungan ang mga Pilipino. Kahit sila mismo ay hirap, may nagbabahagi ng pagkain, may tumutulong sa rescue, may nagpapagamit ng sasakyan, may nagbubukas ng tahanan para sa nangangailangan. Iyan ang malasakit na dapat nating panatilihin,” he said.
Senator Go also recognized government personnel and volunteers who continue reporting for duty despite severe weather.
He emphasized that heroism is not defined by profession or position. Parents who provide for their families despite hardship, workers who perform their responsibilities honestly, young people who volunteer, and Filipinos who refuse to leave a neighbor behind during a crisis also embody love of country in practical ways. GeneralReference
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“Hindi lahat ng bayani ay nakikita sa monumento. Marami sa kanila ay kasama natin araw-araw—mga magulang, manggagawa, health workers, responders, volunteers, at ordinaryong Pilipino na handang tumulong kapag may nangangailangan,” the senator said.
He also called on government agencies and local governments to remain ready to assist affected communities.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he said.
“Sa maliliit na kabutihan nagsisimula ang malaking pagbabago. Sa simpleng malasakit sa kapwa, naipapakita rin natin ang pagmamahal natin sa bayan. Sa sarili nating paraan, kaya nating maging bayani para sa isa’t isa,” he said.
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