Vice President Leni Robredo challenged Filipinos to be brave enough to love even those beyond their immediate circles as the nation marked National Heroes’ Day on Monday, August 31.

“We honor not one or a few names, but the countless others who were, or continue to be, animated by the same imperatives that drive us in times of crisis: Love those beyond your immediate circle; expand these circles to go beyond family or friends; care for the community, care for the country,” the Vice President said in a statement.

“Do this, despite fear and uncertainty. Fight, if necessary. Do not shrink from struggle or sacrifice. Be kind and be brave,” she added.

Robredo then honored the frontliners fighting the coronavirus pandemic, saying the spirit of the Filipino heroes who battled our foreign invaders decades ago lives in all of them. (READ: IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Frontliners on their fears, hopes during the pandemic)

“As we face COVID-19 and its terrible effects, the spirit of our heroes lives within each of us, especially those in the frontlines of pandemic response: medical professionals, community leaders, government workers, and those from the uniformed services, volunteers, and the common Filipino ready and willing to expand the reach of their compassion,” Robredo said.

“May the courage of our heroes continue to inspire us, as we once again face difficult times. A relevant and reflective National Heroes Day to everyone,” she added. 

Robredo’s office has been tapping into kind-hearted Filipinos and volunteers in raising funds to extend various forms of assistance to frontliners across the country. (READ: ‘Not time to keep score’: Robredo focuses on frontliners, not politics)

As of August 27, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has raised P61.87 million, most of which was used to distribute locally made personal protective equipment sets to health workers.

They also gave out food and care packages, and medical supplies to frontliners, while hospitals and testing laboratories received COVID-19 tests kits from the OVP.

The OVP also provided free dormitories and shuttle services for health workers in Metro Manila and Cebu. – Rappler.com