MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to celebrate the legacy of national heroes by embodying compassion, kindness, and selflessness.
In his Araw ng Kagitingan message, the Chief Executive honored the bravery of both Filipino and American troops who fought courageously in World War II, with a particular emphasis on the Fall of Bataan in 1942.
“Their remarkable story continues to inspire us all as we carry on their work of protecting our nation and building a country worthy of their sacrifice,” President Marcos said.
He added: “This year’s commemoration shows that our country is a cradle of heroes and heroines — a home of noble men and women who, regardless of risk or cost, willingly gave a part of themselves and even their lives for the sake of their beloved nation.”
“Valor is not solely about strength and resolve in the face of adversity but also about small acts of compassion, generosity, and kindness that create meaningful ripples of positive change in our communities,” Marcos further said.
The Chief Executive further called on the Filipinos to continue following the example of past heroes by advancing causes that uplift their fellow countrymen.
“Through acts of genuine service and self-offering to the nation, we can prove that we are not only made of the same noble stock as our noteworthy ancestors but also the rightful heirs of their heroic legacy and the faithful successors of their struggle to build a strong, secure, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio urged the nation to honor Filipinos who fought during World War II by building a nation that will no longer suffer the hardships of the past.
“Ngayong tayo ay nahaharap sa iba’t ibang hamon na sumusubok sa ating pagkakaisa at pagsulong, nawa’y ang kanilang kabayanihan ay magsilbing inspirasyon sa bawat Pilipino,” Duterte-Carpio said in a statement sent to Panay News.
“Sa Bataan ay naipanalo ng mga Pilipino ang pag-asa at ang taglay nitong kapangyarihan para magpatuloy tayo sa pagsulong sa kabila ng mga hamon ng panahon. Ipagdiwang natin ang kanilang alaala sa pamamagitan ng pagtatag ng isang bansang kailanma’y hindi na muling daranas ng gayong pagdurusa,” she added.
The Day of Valor commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of Filipinos during World War II and recalls the 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
