Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 9) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday called on Filipinos to speak up against discrimination and to help those in need as a way to honor Filipino heroes on the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan.
“As the legacy of our heroes and heroines came at a great and hefty cost, may we 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,” Marcos said in his message.
“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,” he added.
Marcos also acknowledged the indomitable spirit of Filipinos despite the challenges they face.
“From the battles fought in the trenches of World War Il to the struggles against insurgent forces, the Philippines has faced numerous challenges that tested our faith yet showed the world the indomitable spirit of every Filipino,” the President said.
“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,” he added. “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.”
Marcos also reminded Filipinos to bear in mind that their actions “will determine the future” of the Philippines, including the next generations.
The president urged Filipinos to strive towards developing a humane, fair, and progressive society that allows their countrymen to “relish in their liberty and achieve their individual and collective aspirations.”
For Vice President Sara Duterte, Filipinos should “embody a strong sense of bravery in rising above the unconquerable challenges of nationhood” to fight social ills that “corrupt the core of governance.”
She also encouraged Filipinos to march on toward inclusive and resilient progress.
“As we honor the heroic courage of our fallen heroes of Bataan, may we be inspired to demonstrate gallant acts of kindness and bayanihan among our kababayan from the most vulnerable sectors,” she added.
Duterte also hopes that the legacy of Filipino war veterans may inspire citizens in “our resolve of enriching our national heritage and strengthening our democratic institutions.”
“Let us walk together on the same path of bravery as we pursue socioeconomic advancement, uphold lasting reforms, and encourage one another in promoting the deep love of country that is founded on our shared quest for a brighter tomorrow for every Filipino,” she added.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the holiday testifies to the Filipino’s fighting spirit “that comes to the fore as we face adversity after adversity.”
“This day reminds us of a priceless legacy: that the same courage and bravery our heroes displayed in the crucible of war — in the Fall of Bataan — run in our blood, through our veins,” he said.
“Our latest bout with the global health crisis known as the COVID-19 pandemic is proof of this Filipino fortitude. We suffered, we fought, and we prevailed,” he added.
The Day of Valor is celebrated in honor of Filipinos who fought the Japanese soldiers during World War II. It also commemorates the fall of Bataan to Japanese troops on April 9, 1942.
While the Day of Valor is yearly celebrated on April 9, Malacañang has declared that April 10, 2023, Monday, is a regular holiday in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan to give Filipinos a longer weekend aside from the Holy Week break from April 6 to 9.
