ABS-CBN once again honored everyday Filipino heroes in its annual flag-raising ceremony themed “Mga Kwento ng Kabayanihan” aired this morning (June 12).

ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio said in her speech that 2013 was a tough year for the country, but that it should be remembered with heartwarming stories of virtue, courage, and valor of the Filipinos.

She also said that ABS-CBN’s commitment to bring quality content on TV, film, radio, and print will always be inspired by these honorable traits.

“We won’t get tired of being an instrument to help our fellow countrymen in times of need. And this is ABS-CBN’s contribution to fostering the tradition of heroism,” she added.

“The Voice of the Philippines” first runner-up Klarisse de Guzman led the singing of the Philippine national anthem.

“The Voice” artists Morissette Amon and Radha performed the song “Saludo” to honor Filipino heroism, while Gary Valenciano sang The Filipino Channel’s 20th anniversary theme song titled “Galing Ng Pilipino” to recognize the excellence of overseas Filipino workers worldwide.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) managing director Gina Lopez acknowledged the warm support of the donors, volunteers, and its partners that led to the success of its projects.

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, ALKFI has already helped more than 163,000 children and 830,000 families, announced Lopez.

“By continuously helping them, we are fortifying the real strength of our nation,” she said.

She added that ALKFI has distributed educational materials to 9,500 schools and trained more than 3,700 teachers. It has also completed the reforestation of La Mesa Watershed, engaged students from about 280 schools to visit La Mesa Eco Park every year, conducted ecotourism projects in 70 municipalities across the country through the Green Initiative project, and rehabilitated 16 esteros in Metro Manila.

Its disaster emergency and rehabilitation arm Sagip Kapamilya, meanwhile, aided more than 12 million Filipinos in the country’s calamity-stricken areas including typhoon Yolanda-hit cities.

The event, hosted by Ariel Ureta and Bernadette Sembrano, marked ABS-CBN’s annual tradition of commemorating Philippine Independence Day.