MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to “stand by our cherished freedoms and principles” amid the “foul forces” that are threatening the country.
In his 82nd Day of Valor message yesterday, the Chief Executive said that just like when Bataan fell to Japanese troops during World War II, the country is facing threats right now.
“Foul forces continue to threaten us outside and within, endangering the hard-fought gains we made for our country. There are times when our struggles seem too complex or too daunting,” President Marcos said.
“Still, it is precisely during these moments that we must stand by our cherished freedoms and principles, perform our tasks with utmost dedication and diligence, and fight fiercely for a better life and a brighter future,” he added.
President Marcos also urged Filipinos to emulate the “bravery, integrity, and resilience” shown by those who fought the Japanese troops in Bataan.
“Let us emulate the bravery, integrity, and resilience of the heroes and heroines of Bataan so that, like them, we may emerge triumphant in the trials of our time,” Marcos said.
He added: “With the great sacrifices of our progenitors foremost in our minds, let us be inspired to follow their legacy by working together to unitedly realize the Bagong Pilipinas that we aspire for our people.”
The Day of Valor commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of Filipinos during World War II and recalls the 1942 Fall of Bataan when Filipino and American forces surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army after resisting for months with limited weapons, ammunition, and supplies./PN
