Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat!
On 15 September, Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Memorandum Circular No. 25 directing all Philippine government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and public schools at all levels, to display or exhibit photographs, paintings or other forms of visual representations of Philippine heroes, in lieu of the photographs, paintings or other forms of visual representations of elected or appointed government officials.
The Constitution of the Philippines itself gives priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress and promote total human liberation and development.
For Filipinos living in a foreign country, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our own national pride, love of country and respect for Philippine heroes by emphasising the importance of Philippine national and local history in our daily life, with the objective of raising social consciousness and patriotism. The Circular is a timely reminder of our unique identity as Filipinos.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines provides the following list of recognised Philippine heroes for reference and guidance:
- Jose Rizal
- Andres Bonifacio
- Emilio Aguinaldo
- Apolinario Mabini
- Marcelo H. del Pilar
- Juan Luna
- Melchora Aquino
- Gabriela Silang
- Lapu-Lapu
- Father Jose Burgos
- Father Mariano Gomes
- Father Jacinto Zamora
- Emilio Jacinto
- Jose Abad Santos
