National Heroes' Day in the ‘woke’ generation
THIS Monday, the Philippines will once again commemorate National Heroes' Day in honor of the brave men and women who fought for our country's independence. The question is, does this holiday still hold meaning for the youth of today? Or is it just another day away from school?
Millennials have earned the reputation of being too technologicallydependent and choosing to be on their mobile phones for hours on end rather than creating real- life connections.
However, it could not be disregarded that the same technology has given millennials a platform to be more politically and socially- engaged. With sources just a click away and social media sites wide open, millennials are afforded of quick information and stage to voice out their opinions.
In fact, political awareness has given birth to the social media slang “woke.” Tapping into this trend,
went around the univer-
ask for their thought about the upcoming National Heroes' Day celebration.
Worthy of celebration
First up were the students from the University of Santo Tomas ( UST), who consider National Heroes' Day as a time to give respect and honor to the revered Filipinos.
UST Journalism Society President Franchesca Viernes in particular, said, “National Heroes' Day should be celebrated and given more attention by Filipinos because if it weren’t for our national heroes, the freedom and peace the country is experiencing now would’ve not been possible.”
As such, Viernes shared that together with her organization members, they took it upon themselves to remind their generation of the importance of the day by posting relevant content through their social media accounts.
Meanwhile, Katrina Rodeadilla sees National Heroes' Day not only as a commemoration for the likes of Andres Bonifacio and Gabriela Silang but a celebration for modern- day heroes “who fight for justice amid repression and marginalization during these trying times.”
Given the chance, UST Red Cross president Yurielle Micah Atienza would even love to create an event for the aforementioned modern day heroes such as our soldiers, teachers, and parents.
Moving to the University of the East ( UE), heard the same sentiments from the students, believing that the National Heroes' Day as a day to give importance to the heroes’ contributions in the Philippines.
As UE student Macklaen Dan Cruz shared, “It is my responsibility to give importance about it. I love how they showed their patriotism— it fuels every person of this generation today.”
Cruz added that year after year, whenever this holiday arrives, she would reach out to her friends online and try to discuss history.
Fellow student Marie Roxas, meanwhile, said she will do something relevant to the holiday, particularly attending a gathering for the commemoration of the holiday. Finally, Ana Catarina Valdez added that she will be offering prayers for the fallen heroes of the country.
Fully aware
While it could easily be seen as another reprieve from school and schoolwork,
met millennial students from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde ( CSB) who are fully aware of the context of the National Heroes' Day.
Some students from CSB take this opportunity to spend time with their family.
David Tongol said “I think the best way of paying respect is through our actions and how we as free men make use of our time.”
He added that he usually spends this day to visit his grandparents with his family as a way to show appreciation for the freedom he enjoys today.
Meanwhile, during this holiday, Maria Shaina Cole Lyceum of the Philippines University said she takes the opportunity to go to Fort Santiago or roam around Intramuros the historic site reminds her of the country’s national heroes.
“I want to remember them and their courageousness, visiting Intramuros is my way of making that day extra special,” Cole added.
Finally, Patricia Samin admitted that she takes this holiday as an opportunity to educate herself and read up articles and facts about national heroes. After taking as much information as she could, Samin now encourages students her age to honor the freedom handed out to her generation.
“In the process of learning about their stories, I realized that us millenials do not necessarily have to die the way they did to be called heroes. Nevertheless, let’s honor them by means by helping out as many people as we can and doing our own acts of heroism,” Samin ended.