On November 30, let us also pay tribute to those who bravely hold the torch of truth
What is heroism? And who are the heroes?
There is an English meaning that we do well to remember: heroes are ordinary people who dare to do ‘extraordinary things’.
There are the heroes in times of danger, the soldiers and police who fought in Marawi and the 44 Special Action Force that gave their lives in the operation in Mamasapano.
We also call athletes athletes who have undergone intense training and brought home honors to the country such as those who participated in the SEA Games.
There are also “unsung heroes,” the overseas Filipino workers. They are called "new heroes" because their remittances are the main buoy in the economy. OFWs generated 9.8% of the country's GDP in 2016.
And let us not forget our teachers, one of the lowest paid of the public servants. They shape our intellect as well as our values - what we consider meaningful in life.
There are government employees who remain patient and are not tainted despite left and right corruption. Despite the low wages and progressive turtle promotion, they are passionate about serving the people.
We salute those who oppose all forms, simple or rude, of violence against women (VAW).
We honor those who take care of the oppressed and oppressed, such as victims of incest, human trafficking, and the abused OFWs.
But there is another kind of heroism and service to the people that emerges in the new challenge of the times.
Now that truth is often hit and dropped, truth tellers can be considered heroes - those who do not fold, those who are unshakable in their stand for right and truth.
They are fighting for what Filipino society once glorified but now seems to have fallen in price: appreciation of human rights, freedom of speech, and free press.
There is summa cum laude from Marawi who stands for peace.
The town scholar who stood up against extra-judicial killings or EJK.
High school students of St Scholasitica's College criticized the burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The school’s alumni who supported its youth protesting and are ready to fight cyber-bullies in court.
All those who oppose what the international community calls "patriotic trolling."
Do not be confused with the use of the term "patriotic" because this is the kind of trolling that is anchored in the twisted meaning of patriotism. Its subordinates say that violent language, obscene behavior, and the spread of hatred are acceptable because it is for the president of the town.
On Thursday, the day of Andres Bonifacio - the hero of the masses, the hero of the workers - let us also pay tribute to the brave who hold the torch of truth.
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They want to break the silence caused by intimidation and tyranny in the online space, they are also truly serving the people.
Those who want to take back the internet from those who have ambushed the rational and calm debate, they are the latest heroes.
And like them, on Bonifacio Day, let us dedicate ourselves to being heroes in even the smallest corner of the internet. Let us keep it light and free.
