President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor today highlights the Filipino people’s “indomitable spirit” in the face of challenges and adversity.
In his message, President Marcos pointed out that the country has faced numerous challenges that “tested our faith yet showed the world the indomitable spirit of every Filipino.”
“Defined by our feats rather than our trials, we have emerged as a nation that stands tall and proud, guided by the principles of justice, truth and democracy,” the President said on a day that marks the day American and Filipino troops surrendered to the invading Imperial Japanese Army after fighting them off for three months during World War II.
“We have staunchly proven time and again that we are never the same after each adversity for we always rise to meet every challenge head-on with grit, grace and determination,” Mr. Marcos said.
To honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in pursuit of democracy and freedom, the President said that “we may also re-examine our values and honor their lives by speaking up against discrimination, extending help to those in need, and working towards a better future.”
“May we also learn to make wise and sound decisions so that we may address our country’s pressing problems with compassion and concern for others,” President Marcos added.
The President also said that the nation commemorates the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers who fought long and hard for its freedom.
“Let us also bear in mind that our actions today determine the future of our country, including the succeeding generations,” he said.
“Together, let us strive towards developing a more humane, fair, and progressive society that allows our citizenry to relish their liberty and achieve their individual and collective aspirations.”
House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez honored the fallen heroes of Bataan, saying the historic day is a reminder that Filipinos will always fight on, move forward, and prevail with unity.
“Today, as we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan nationwide, we honor and recognize the gallantry of our fallen heroes, who willingly laid down their lives so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom today. As we look back into the dark day that we now call the ‘Fall of Bataan,’ we must never forget the sacrifices of Filipino resistance fighters who stood up against the might of foreign invaders in World War II, which gave the rest of our nation the inspiration and strength to fight on,” Romualdez said.
“We suffered, we fought, and we prevailed,” Romualdez said.
The House leader said the country’s latest bout with the global health crisis known as the COVID-19 pandemic is proof of Filipinos’ fortitude.
“Let this day remind us that we are strong as a nation, that faced even with seemingly insurmountable odds we will always prevail as long as we are united, and as long as we continue to draw our strength from the virtues of our heroes. We do not give up, we press forward, and we overcome,” Romualdez said.
Araw ng Kagitingan is a regular holiday celebrated every April 9 by virtue of Executive Order No. 203, s. 1987 to remember the fall of Bataan to Japanese troops on April 9, 1942.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 90 that set April 10 as non-working holiday to allow the people “to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend” while maintaining the historical significance of the day.
April 9 also commemorates the Bataan Death March, where exhausted Filipino and American prisoners of war (POW) were forced by their Japanese captors to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the scorching sun with no food and water for days.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) on Sunday urged all Filipinos to observe “Araw ng Kagitingan” with a “grateful heart and a pressing yearning to honor our forefathers for all that they have sacrificed for us.”
“Though Bataan fell on April 9, our veterans persisted, and for 93 days of unending barrage, they displayed an unconquerable spirit. That their bodies were tired and bloody, they fought the invading enemies with their heads unbowed,” PVAO administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu said in a statement.
As the nation commemorates this fateful day, he urged all Filipinos to continue to carry the legacy of “our forefathers and continue the courage they have upheld in their fight for freedom and liberty.”
In a separate statement, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman enjoined Filipinos to continue to recognize and salute the heroic defenders of the country.
“Today and always, we owe them our profound gratitude and highest respect,” she said.
She also enjoined Filipinos to remember that the first Day of Valor was a day when Filipinos stood ground and fought until the end.
“May we continue to honor the story of heroism and extreme sacrifice laid down 81 years ago by forging unity and solidarity with one another toward nation-building,” she said.
The United States joined the Philippines in celebrating the Day of Valor as it paid tribute to Filipinos and Americans for their heroism in World War II.
“This #Kagitingan2023, we join the Philippines in paying tribute to Filipinos and Americans who bravely fought for freedom and peace during World War II,” the US Embassy in the Philippines posted on its Twitter on Sunday, April 9.
“We continue to honor their legacy and remember their sacrifice,” the embassy added.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson also sent well wishes to the country on Easter Sunday, which coincided with the Day of Valor.