MANILA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemoration earlier today at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) on Mount Samat in Pilar, Bataan, honoring the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II.
Marcos, alongside national and local officials, surviving veterans, and their families, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the historic site. According to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO),
“The President also delivered a speech reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of the Filipino veterans.”
This year’s commemoration carried the theme: “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Heroism of Veterans: The Foundation of the Development of the New Philippines).
Nationwide Tributes
The commemoration, which began on April 5, included various events such as the Freedom March from Bataan to Capas, a medical mission in Laguna, the Bataan Death March memorial in New Mexico, and a special film screening and student competitions.
A joint tribute was held at the Capas National Shrine, and the commemorative week will conclude with a sunset ceremony on April 11 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, featuring a Eucharistic mass and veterans’ family testimonials. The “Faces of Valor” exhibit will run at the University of Santo Tomas from April 21 to 30.
Security Measures
To ensure safety, Central Luzon police and the AFP had implemented full security at Mount Samat, with PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo is confirming full deployment and crowd control measures in anticipation of the President’s attendance.
Calls for Modern Heroism
Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to draw inspiration from the courage shown during the Battle of Bataan:
“Sa Bataan, nagtagumpay ang mga Pilipino sa pag-asa at lakas nitong magpatuloy sa kabila ng hirap.”
“Ipagdiwang natin ang kanilang alaala sa pamamagitan ng pagbubuo ng isang bansang hindi na kailanman muling dadaan sa ganitong pagdurusa.”
Senate President Francis Escudero also paid tribute:
“Inaalala natin ang buhay ng mga Pilipinong nagbuwis ng kanilang sarili para sa kalayaan at dangal ng ating bayan.”
He urged Filipinos to become modern-day heroes through unity and compassion.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
- Carlo Juancho Funtanillahttps://tutubi.ph/author/carlojpf/
