Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday called on Filipinos to honor the courage of war heroes and veterans through their own efforts to improve the quality of life of all Filipinos.
On April 9, 1942, more than 78,000 Filipino and American troops surrendered to the Japanese invaders and were forced to march from Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga, with almost 10, 000 Filipino soldiers perishing in the process.
“Filipinos never failed to respond to the call of duty when their country needed them. And this is a time when the country needs all its citizens, not to fight in trenches, but to make the Philippines better for Filipinos,” Pimentel said.
“It’s time to aim our sights higher. We are no longer locked in a struggle for survival, but a struggle for better lives,” he added.
In 1961, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act No. 3022, proclaiming April 9, the date of the surrender of Filipino-American forces in Bataan, as Bataan Day and a holiday.
In 1987, the holiday was renamed Araw ng Kagitingan.
Pimentel said that the threat faced before of foreign invasion has transformed into threats against the empowerment of Filipinos posed by unequal development of regions, the rising gap between the rich and the poor, and widespread corruption.
“We must continue to be valiant in defending our country from all forms of threats; not just from foreign invasions, but also from threats found within our own nation,” Pimentel said.
For his part, Senator Richard J. Gordon pointed out that the country are not just commemorating the courage and bravery of the defenders of Bataan and Corregidor but it is also a reminder Filipinos can achieve as a nation if we are united and with our love of country in mind.
“Today, we are not just giving honor to the brave men and women who courageously fought against the Japanese invaders. We should also be reminded of the very moral fiber of the men and women who fought against the invading Japanese,” said Gordon.
“We also honor the intangible virtues drawn upon in times of struggle. The willingness, the courage, the valor of thousands of ordinary Filipinos—with or without formal training but took up arms anyway; soldiers who had not surrendered or had escaped; and civilians who provided logistical, intelligence, and moral support—to find ways to continue the struggle against the occupation forces,” he added.
Gordon pointed out that today the country is also facing different threats and divisive issues that every Filipinos are called upon to make a stand against.
“Araw ng Kagitingan reminds us of the valor of our heroes but we should not forget that valor is not exhibited only in times of actual war. Araw ng Kagitingan should also be an opportunity for Filipinos to remember moments of our past, of strength and courage against overwhelming odds, and to call upon that strength once more in the face of the threats against our country today. We should take inspiration from their unity and love of country and continue their fight. Hence this year’s theme, ‘Kagitingan at Pagmamahal sa Pilipinas Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago’ is very apt,” he said.
The Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor is celebrated every April 9 as a national memorial day for the brave souls who fought in Bataan on April 9, 1942 during the WWII. The holiday also pays respect and tribute to the thousands of soldiers and Filipino prisoners of war who died on the tragic Death March which started from Bataan and ended in Tarlac.
Senator Sonny Angara, meanwhile, said that “we joined the rest of the nation in remembering and saluting the bravery and heroism of the Filipino men and women who fought gallantly and courageously for our democracy.”
“As we commemorate the Day of Valor and the Philippine Veterans’ Week, let us not forget their sacrifices and heroism so that we may enjoy the freedom and liberty that we have right now,” he added.
“Let us continue to find inspiration in their patriotism and live out their greatness in spreading love, kindness, compassion and hope,” he said.
The senator noted that the sacrifices of our forefathers will not be in vain “if we continue what they have started. Now is our turn to carry on the task and be heroes like them even in our own little ways.:”