‘Honor our heroes by continuing their fight against injustice and the cancer of corruption’ – Baguio City Mayor Magalong

Baguio City, Philippines – As the country on Monday celebrated this year’s Heroes’ Day, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong recalled the sacrifices of past patriots and urged the public to honor them by continuing their fight against injustice and the cancer of corruption.

Magalong has been known for being a staunch critic of corruption. He was earlier named as among the Convenors of Mayors for Good Governance for 2025 - 2028, alongside Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City, Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, and Mayor Sitti Hataman of Isabela City, Basilan.

During the recent commemoration, Magalong paid tribute to historical and contemporary heroes for their courage and renewed his call for integrity in public service.

For him, the spirit of heroism is not confined to the battlefield, but lives in citizens who dedicate themselves to sacrifice and service. Such spirit, he said, lives in every farmer who cultivates hope, every teacher who molds minds, every health worker who brings healing, and every laborer who builds the dreams of tomorrow.

“It thrives in the honest public servant who refuses to be swayed by corruption, and in every Filipino who chooses truth over compromise,” he added.

‘The kind of heroism our times demand’

Magalong went on to spotlight that our heroes’ sacrifice and fight should not be in vain.

“Our heroes fought for a free and just nation. We honor them not just through remembrance, but also through action, by continuing their fight against injustice and the cancer of corruption that weakens our society from within,” he said.

The Mayor further reiterated the need to strengthen the value of integrity in government.

“We must remain steadfast in building a culture of integrity where transparency in non-negotiable and public service remains a sacred trust. This is the kind of heroism our times demand,” the mayor declared.