PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the Filipino youth to get more involved in nation-building, stressing that integrating them into the national consciousness and raising their awareness of civic duty shapes a better future for the country.

“This is an opportunity to awaken the awareness of the youth about their duty to the nation. Let’s guide them to be more critical of the problems in our society,” Marcos said in Filipino as he led the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

“If we fail to prepare our youth to defend our freedom, we are betraying not only the sacrifice of our heroes but also the future of our country,” he said.

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Every Filipino has a duty to be observant and fight the ills of society, such as corruption and other misdeeds, the President said.

He likewise paid tribute to the countless “unsung heroes” who tirelessly and selflessly carry the nation on their shoulders.

According to him, Filipinos are inherently honest and dedicated to be of service to others — characteristics seen in farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, health care workers, laborers, vendors, and other “ordinary” citizens.

Marcos to youth: Help in nation-building

“We also recognize the Filipinos who faithfully serve, care for, and love their country. They serve as a reminder to all of us that heroism still runs deep in the veins of each of us,” Marcos said.

“Their daily service, despite facing many challenges, is proof that the spirit of heroism is still alive,” he said.

The President was joined at the Taguig rites by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine National Police chief Director Gen. Nicolas Torre III, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Regalado Jose Jr., Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan, Philippine Army Commanding General Antonio Nafarrete, and members of the diplomatic corps.