The Gates to Heroism: Defining a

Filipino Hero
Posted on September 5, 2012
THE GATES TO HEROISM: DEFINING A FILIPINO HERO
by Diana A. Galang

     It is common for Filipinos to look for someone to idolize –saints, politicians, artists, models,
etc., somebody they will glorify and imitate. Since the time of the declaration of Philippine
independence, 109 years ago, many were acknowledged as Filipino heroes, more so today, that every
individual who become so popular or the main character in any particular event is given the title
“hero”. The essence of the word “hero” is past declining, today one need not to die or do such gallant
act to be given the noble title or that some just won a boxing match. Time has really evolved and so
does our standard in defining a Filipino hero. Will our forefathers who gave their lives for freedom
feel insulted for this? Are these the Filipinos we’ll look up to for guidance through the times, aren’t
our children losing the true meaning of heroism by our doings? All these things we should ask
ourselves before giving the title “hero” to anyone.

      But what does being a hero mean? Dr. Esteban de Ocampo, a known historian, stated in his
book about Rizal that a hero means a prominent or central personage taking an admirable part in any
remarkable action or event; a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in
suffering; and a man honored after death by public worship because of exceptional service to
mankind. The true heroes of Philippine history deserve to be called so for they didn’t have any idea
that one day they will be measured up, they just acted upon their principles. The concept of honoring
heroes came only to the Philippines in 1900, when the Philippine Commission (Pardo de Tavera,
Legarda, Luzurriaga (Filipino members) and headed by William Howard Taft) approved Act No. 137
combining the districts of Morong and Manila to be named as “Province of Rizal,” in honor of the
most illustrious Filipino. Actually, this Act was disputed by many but the basis of the Commission
was so strong that it has surpassed the public’s questions.

     Since then, heroes were celebrated here and there, citing their names in every politician’s
speeches, declaring holidays, naming streets, constructing monuments, etc. in their honor. Until one
day, realizing that so many names were acknowledged as heroes, need to evaluate the situation was
proposed. During Marcos’ presidency, he tasked the National Heroes Commission to come up with
the criteria for national hero. On March 28, 1993, thru the President’s Executive Order No. 75, the
National Heroes Committee was created, commissioned to study, evaluate and recommend historical
figures to be declared as national heroes. The Committee composed of worthy members, with a series
of discussions came up with the new criteria.

   The criteria is composed of 10 standards: First is the extent of a person’s sacrifices for the
welfare of the country. Second, the motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (was
his ideal purely for the welfare of the country and without any taint of self-interested motives, most of
all the method of attainment should be morally valid). The third is the moral character of the person
concerned (the person should not have any immorality issue that affected his ideal). The fourth is the
influence of the person concerned on his age and or the succeeding age. Fifth is that heroes are those
who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom (they must
have desired the country’s freedom in any situation especially when there’s a threat of invasion in any
form). Sixth is that heroes are those who define and contribute to a system of life of freedom and order
for a nation (one who helps in the orderliness and betterment of the country).  Seventh is, heroes are
those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation. Eight, a hero is part of the people’s
expression (the citizen must have recognized and acknowledged the person as a hero). Ninth, a hero
thinks of the future, especially the future generations, his concern for the future generations must be
seen in his decisions and ideals). Lastly, the choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an
episode or events in history, but of the entire process that made this particular person a hero.

     Filipino’s expectations of public figures are different now than it was more than a
hundred years ago, maybe because of the realization that no one is perfect. This is the reason why
today so many were acknowledged as heroes and many were voted in important governing positions
with flaws and questionable characters. Lucky are those who aspire one day to be called a hero that
the criteria was already set to pattern their decisions with. I hope that the criteria for national heroes
will not only be checked against the historical figures but also with the politicians to whom we will
entrust the power to govern our country.

Reinventing the Filipino Hero

REINVENTING THE FILIPINO HERO

        People grow up with their favorite childhood heroes motivating them in their everyday lives.
Children often dream of becoming Clark Kent, whose alter ego, Superman, uses superhuman abilities
in saving mankind from evil forces. Hence, we are always confronted with the question of heroism as
we are always in search for a role model, someone who will set an example for the whole citizenries
to follow. Looking back to what Rousseau said, “men are born free, but everywhere they are in
chains”, freedom is an inherent right but there are many people in other parts of the world who are
deprived of this right. This may not be their own will and that it could have  been imposed upon them.
Thus, anyone who seeks for the attainment of an ideal society by breaking away from the shackles of
oppression for the interest of the general public is worthy to be called hero.
 
      The ideal image of a hero in the Philippines was epitomized by no less than our foremost national
hero, Jose Rizal, when he died for the cause of our country’s freedom. Above all, he struggled to
pursue his goals amidst the face of oppositions. However, Rizal was not the first Philippine hero as
there were Lapu-Lapu, the Gomburza, Diego Silang and others who are equally considered heroes.
We have noble men during the Philippine-American war such as Gen. Antonio Luna, Macario
Sakay, Juan Cailles, Gregorio del Pilar and World War II guerillas who fought against the Japanese
forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Heroes are not only those who raised arms to
defeat the foreign occupational forces as there are individuals who use peaceful means to fight for
liberty, men like Marcelo H. del Pilar and Apolinario Mabini  and others who served as the moving
spirit behind the revolution. We must not forget men like labor leaders and socialists such as Isabelo
delos Reyes, Pedro Abad Santos and Jose Nava who stood out and stirred the peasants to clamor for
improvement in their working conditions. In a strict sense, these men are to be regarded as heroes for
their selfless advocacy in uplifting the welfares of the poor workers.
  
      Webster’s New Encyclopedic Dictionary 1993 Revised Edition gives the following definitions of
the word hero: a) a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent and endowed with great
strength or ability b) an illustrious warrior c) a person admired for achievements and qualities d) one
that shows great courage e) the chief male figure in a literary work or in an event or period. This
definition takes the shape of a literary figure, a character which is larger than life such as epic heroes
like Beowulf, Lam-Ang, Hercules and many others.
 
     In reality, heroes are not born, they are chosen by the society among men deserving esteem
and emulation. There must be public acclamation and pronouncement of their contributions to the
society. Otherwise, they will be similar to others who unselfishly helped for the betterment of others
and yet they are unrecognized.
  
      As years passed by, the concept of hero was revolutionized due to the different challenges of
our times.  More and more Filipinos are being regarded as heroes despite not having sacrificed their
lives for the country.  Today, we have OFW’s  working as nurses, seaman, doctors, care-givers,
teachers, lawyers, and domestic-helpers whom we branded now as modern heroes or “bagong
bayani”, for taking active part in nation building through their remittances which save our country
from economic breakdown.
 
      There are several times that “hero” is often misused and abused. Hero is becoming a
misnomer for its incorrect usage.  Not everyone has what it takes to be a true hero, but there are
persons who are not really heroes at all being labeled as heroes such as the opportunist politicians,
who pretend to be pro-poor in front of the cameras to solicit support in the election. 
 
      Last August 25, 2011, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines awarded Janela
Lelis, a young lass from Bicol, who saved the Philippine flag at the height of storm Juaning that
ravaged Bicol province last month. A photo of Janela carrying the flag was posted on social
networking sites and this caught the attention of the public and media.
       Lelis is a role model worthy of emulation for not letting obstacles such as physical danger
stand on her way. She has demonstrated bravery, which is the fundamental trait of a hero. Our society
is in need of a hero who shall be the source of inspiration for people who desire change.