In a society where heroes are sometimes portrayed as caped crusaders with superhuman abilities, it’s easy to ignore the quiet acts of heroism around us. The truth is that heroism is defined by small, consistent acts of courage, integrity and service, rather than just extraordinary skills or grand gestures. In honor of National Heroes Day, we explore what it means to be a hero in the modern world and how each of us can personally live in the spirit of “dakila” – greatness.
From the revolutionary leaders who fought for freedom to the common people who still fight for social justice, our country has a long tradition of honoring its heroes. Yet, in the 21st century, the meaning of heroism has changed. It is about living in a way that honors and empowers others, not just dying for one’s country. Organizations like Dakila or the Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, which is dedicated to promoting modern heroism through creative activities and social change, reflect this change.
Originally founded by artists, activists, and cultural workers, Dakila aims to inspire every Filipino to work for social change, thereby creating a nation of heroes. Their work spans many forms of creative expression, from film and visual arts to digital activism and awareness campaigns. The Active Vista Human Rights Festival, a forum that uses film and art to promote democracy and human rights, is one of their most well-known projects. With events like these, Dakila reminds us that heroism is not just a relic of the past, but also a living, breathing force that can impact our modern society.
In recent years, Dakila has been at the forefront of campaigns against disinformation, authoritarianism, and state-sponsored violence – issues that really speak to a nation with a troubled political past. Working with Dakila here in Iloilo to plan film events and seminars on issues like martial law has shown me and some of my like-minded Ilonggo colleagues how powerful narratives are in preserving historical lessons. These initiatives with them and similar progressive organizations are critical when historical revisionism seeks to erase the sacrifices of our predecessors.
In Dakila’s view, modern heroes are people who do not shy away from speaking truth to power, even if it means inconvenience. This is in line with an online survey in which users defined modern heroes as people who are willing to serve their country and brave enough to speak out against injustice. Whether it is the activist who challenges the status quo, an overseas Filipino worker who strives to lift his family out of structural poverty, or the nurse who tirelessly cares for patients, these people reflect the same spirit of bravery and sacrifice that we honor on National Heroes Day.
Today, however, heroism is about more than individual acts of bravery. It is also about group work. According to Dakila’s philosophy, anyone can be a hero, and by bringing like-minded people together, we can create a powerful movement for change. This approach is especially relevant in our backyard, where conventional politics sometimes hinder development and perpetuate inequality. We can combat the clientelism that has plagued our country for decades by promoting an alternative type of leadership based on social justice and modern heroism.
Stories of ordinary Filipinos serving the common good in their own unique ways clearly demonstrate this collective heroism. One example is the Scubasureros, a diving group in Cebu that organizes monthly cleanups to rid the ocean of plastic waste. Supported by the government and local communities, their initiatives not only improve the environment but also increase local fish populations. While they may not make headlines, such projects reflect modern-day heroism.
As Dakila and many of us know, heroism is about reacting relentlessly to obstacles. It’s about making difficult decisions that put the common good ahead of personal gain. Sometimes that courage is as simple as speaking out loudly for what’s right, even when it’s not popular; grand gestures aren’t always necessary. Speaking out against injustice is itself a brave act in a world where silence can be complicit.
Working closely with Dakila and its leaders – including my friend from the 1990s youth movement, Ms. Leni Velasco – I have seen how this group has motivated a new generation of Filipinos to recognize their own capacity for heroism. Through imaginative campaigning and advocacy, Dakila has shown that heroism is not just about looking back at the past, but also about looking to the future and actively shaping it.
It’s difficult to get more people to join this kind of movement these days. More resourceful and committed people are desperately needed as our nation once again grapples with issues of democracy, human rights, and social justice. They can help intervene. There are countless ways to support the cause of modern heroism, from activism to the arts to education.
As we celebrate National Heroes Day, we should remember that the heroes of the past did not act alone. They were part of a larger movement, a collective effort to build a better future for all Filipinos. We have the chance today to carry on that legacy by becoming heroes ourselves. While it is not always easy, as history has shown us, the road to greatness is one of courage, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to justice.
So let us accept the challenge. Let us organize, motivate and act consciously. Let us create a movement in our communities, schools, offices, sectors and groups that supports modern heroism, social justice and all forms of goodness that benefit people. In doing so, we pay tribute not only to the many unsung heroes of today and tomorrow, but also to the thousands of heroes of the past.
The virtue of heroism can be a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a more just and equal society in a world that sometimes feels divided and uncertain. On this path, all we need is the courage to stand up, speak out and act – no capes and crowns are needed. Heroes are, after all, made, not born. And any of us could be one.
