NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY: TO THE HEROES WHOSE STORIES STAY FORGOTTEN 

Heroes for us, are legends, whose names have been thoroughly ingrained in our history. We speak their names in adoration and tell their stories with pride. But not all heroes get the glory and fame that Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silang do.  Some heroes simply vanish, forgotten by the very same Filipinos they devoted their lives to. 

Written by: Maria Althea Tirzah Ferrer

Layout by: Francheska Shieniah Mercado

August 28, 2023 | 2:30 P.M.

When we hear the term “Philippine National Heroes”, we think of the warriors who have fought in great wars, the brave leaders who have advocated for the rights of the Filipino people, the caring citizens who have devoted their lives to helping people in times of crises and suffering. No Filipino has grown up without hearing or knowing the names of the people above. It’s amazing that after so many years, their legacy still lives on because of us. But, while we’re busy gawking over the victories of Emilio Aguinaldo, and the genius of Apolinario Mabini, we have completely set aside the lesser known heroes who may not have done just as much for us as the other heroes did, but still managed to help our country become a better place for its citizens. Which is why we have the holiday called “National Heroes Day”.

National Heroes Day is a public holiday in our country that is celebrated every last Monday of August; this year the holiday falls on August 28th. This holiday was established many many years ago—dating back to the time of the American Colonial Period. Though nowadays, many merely celebrate this day because it ultimately means a long weekend. However, the right way to celebrate this holiday is by commemorating the heroes who have suffered for the country’s freedom. Wreaths are left for heroes, both popular and unsung, and the stories of their sacrifices are told once more. This way, people are introduced to the thousands of people who were brave enough to make a million sacrifices to ensure that we are living as comfortably as we are right now. It’s not an easy thing, being a hero, which is why it’s important that we acknowledge every heroic act done for us.

There have been plenty, as emphasized by our long history of oppression. We can’t find every single hero in Philippine history, unfortunately, but let's focus on these few amazing people who have been overlooked for years despite the significant parts they have played in the battle for our freedom. Let’s start with Faustino Guillermo; a Katipunero who fought alongside Andres Bonifacio, but did not receive the same level of appreciation and recognition as the famous hero. During the American Colonization Period, Guilermo fought with all his might, never backing down once. Despite being arrested several times, the Americans just could not stop Guillermo from recruiting more people to his cause. He took the oath of allegiance to the United States and promptly turned around and began recruiting men for the resistance against the American forces. He was regularly involved in skirmishes with the Philippine Scouts and the Philippine Constabulary. In the end, after many ambushes and battles and schemes, he was captured by the Constabulary in June of 1903. His life ended at the age of 44 years old, when he was hanged at the gallows of Pasig, Rizal in 1904. Although his resistance against the Americans only lasted for four years, his devotion and unwavering dedication in fighting for the Philippines’ freedom—against the Americans and the Spaniards—makes him worthy of being recognized as a Filipino Hero.

Kumander Liwayway, the war heroine known for marching into battle wearing her signature red hot lipstick. Before she was a commander, she was a beauty queen, and she did not see any reason why she shouldn't include her makeup routine in her pre-battle preparation. She believed that she should not have to hide this part of herself in battle, especially since she was fighting for her very right to express herself and live the life she wanted. When the Japanese invaded and murdered her father, a provincial mayor, she joined the Hukbalahap or Huk—a guerilla movement—and quickly rose up the ranks and became commander. She was ruthless. During the Battle of Kalamansi, when every other squadron had retreated by the orders of their commanders, Liwayway and her troop stayed and fought viciously, almost winning the battle against the Japanese soldiers all by themselves. Even after she stepped down as commander to take care of her child, she still kept on supporting the Huks in any way she could. Yes, she may not have done as much as the other heroes, but she still fought for our country and made sure that everyone knew just how important women were during the hard times of our country. To top it all off, she looked gloriously good doing it.

While these two aren’t held in the same regard as the likes of Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Josefa Llanes Escoda, they were still known, even by a few. But what if those whose stories have been lost in history? Those whose names we don't even know. What of them? Who is out there celebrating the Nameless Hero of Bangkusay, who was said to have been the true hero of the Battle of Bangkusay for leading more than 2000 Moro to fight the Spaniards in Luzon? Surely no one is celebrating him, not when Rajah Sulayman was credited as the hero for decades. And how about the Cebuano fisherfolk during World War II? They managed to deliver documents containing the “Z Plan” to Gen. Douglas MacArthur which he used to free the Philippines from the clutches of Japan. Think of the countless others who have done so much for the country, whose names and stories will be or have been forgotten over time. Imagine doing so much for the country, the people you love, and not even getting flowers on National Heroes Day, a place in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”, or even a Wikipedia page! 

This generation is extremely lucky for we were born into the freedom that our heroes have purchased and sacrificed themselves for us. We have the freedom to live and breathe everyday, knowing we do not have to pick up a weapon and march into battle. It’s only right that with this freedom we have, we use it to honor those who have never experienced theirs. Our history is full of people fighting for our lives as much as they were fighting for theirs, let’s not waste our time honoring the same 10 or so people yearly. Let’s open a history book, and look for the names and the stories of heroes who did not shine as bright as Jose Rizal did. It would be a shame to let more National Heroes Day celebrations pass without thanking and honoring other heroes who loved the Philippines just as much as the more well-known heroes did. Yes, we cannot find all those who have contributed to our freedom, but we can try hard enough to find and unveil more pages in the great history of our country.