Aquino arrives at Libingan ng mga Bayani for National Heroes' Day rites

President Benigno Aquino III arrived early at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City to lead the rites for National Heroes' Day on Monday.

Aquino was welcomed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported.

Aquino will offer a wreath to honor the nation's heroes, the report said.

In Manila, meanwhile, Mayor Alfredo Lim marked the occasion by offering a wreath at the Musoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery.

A post on his Twitter account said: "Ang paggunita sa National Heroes Day dito sa Musoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, Manila North Cemetery."

This year’s theme is “Pilipinong tapat, magiting, at makabayan: Ikaw ang Bayani sa Tuwid na daan (Honest, courageous and nationalistic Filipinos are the heroes of the straight path).”

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said National Heroes' Day allows Filipinos to remember the patriotism of the country's heroes "whose selflessness makes them fitting role models worthy of esteem, reverence and gratitude."

"Through their ideals, we are able to follow the straight path towards true freedom and sustainable progress," the NHCP said.- VVP, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com