This year’s commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan is not much different from events of previous years.
Because of the holiday, there is the usual break from the regular workday routine, notably the absence of metro traffic.
There is the usual remembrance of the many who gave up their lives in the pursuit of freedom. They displayed not just bravery, which in itself is an admirable quality, but valor, which speaks of something nobler, more heroic.
Finally there are the usual platitudes from government officials on how valor is best manifested in the modern context.
The answer varies, depending on who is talking. One can interpret valor as fearlessness, feeling bold enough to do anything one wishes, or one believes is right, and bowing to no authority.
It’s a good trait to see in a leader, but dangerous in someone who is out to seek personal glory instead of being of real service to the people.
Another interpretation could be weathering what could be perceived as persecution, knowing that other forces are out to destroy them. It can be argued there is valor in standing strong amid attacks.
We are sure, however, that the kind of valor being contemplated here does not include a mentality that one should be bigger, more powerful or more threatening than the other, and that it is a competition on who possesses more valor than the other.
Unfortunately, we see today a kind of governance where individuals gun for greatness at the expense of others, and allegiances are tested by loyalty to persons instead of principles.
How much better society would be if these leader focused on working together instead of taking each other down. Perhaps yet another type of valor, one that will apply to the people, is to keep on hoping that despite what we’re seeing now, such constructive, positive leadership is still possible.