(CNN Philippines) — President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday (April 9) paid tribute to the collective valor of those who fought in the Battle of Bataan in 1942.
In his speech at the 73rd commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mount Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, Aquino honored the bravery of the veterans who fought for freedom and a better future for Filipinos.
He also pointed out that the country’s enemy in World War II have have now come to the Philippines’ aid in times of typhoons and calamities. He cited the immediate response of Japan, along with longtime ally the United States, after Typhoon Yolanda hit the Visayas in 2013.
“Isipin ninyo: Ang dating kalaban, ngayon, katuwang na natin sa pagkamit ng kapayapaang makatarungan sa lahat,” said Aquino.
[Translation: “Imagine: Those who were once our enemies are today our partners in realizing a just peace for all.”]
Related: Bataan 1942: Shortage before the fall
Aquino challenged other countries and its leaders to further strengthen solidarity as it brings widespread benefit.
“Mayroon man tayong mga pagkakaiba, iisang mundo pa rin ang ating ginagalawan. Ang lehitimong problema ng isa, problema nating lahat.”
[Translation: “Despite our differences, we live in and share a single world. The legitimate concern of one is a concern of all.”]
He also said that progress could be achieved through mere individual action and conflict could only lead to more suffering.
Aquino likened this to the situation in Mindanao.
“Ang aral pong ito ang lalong nagtutulak sa atin upang itaguyod ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan sa Mindanao, at isulong ang Bangsamoro Basic Law.”
[Translation: “This is the same lesson that leads us to champion lasting peace in Mindanao, and to call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”]
Related: Expert: ‘Possibility of war’ if Bangsamoro is derailed
Aquino asked Filipinos to reflect upon the lessons of the history so we may never repeat its failures.
Celebrating the veterans
The commemoration of the Day of Valor is accompanied by the celebration of the Philippine Veteran’s Week held from April 5 to 11.
Aquino told veterans that through good governance, improved and expanded benefits have been given.
He said that the government has been cleaning up and correcting the list of veterans who receive benefits through the Pensioner’s Revalidation Program.
Through the now-digitized records of our veterans, Aquino assures them that only legitimate veterans will receive full benefits, and no unqualified individual receives a share.
“The money set aside for you now goes directly to you,” Aquino said.
On April 9, 1942, officials in command of Bataan — where Filipino and American forces maintained the main resistance in the war against Japanese invaders — formally surrendered after intense fighting.
