MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to draw strength from the heroism of veterans of Bataan while facing the global health crisis due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In his Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) message Thursday, the President hailed all frontliners who expose themselves to risk amid the pandemic.
“Today, as our generation is tested by a global health crisis, we see the rise of present-day heroes — hardworking medical professionals and health workers, military, police and law enforcement personnel, firefighters, security guards, and front liners in the foodservice, transport, waste disposal, and other essential industries — who despite great personal risk, continue to work so that we may all survive,” Duterte said.
“As we face this unprecedented public health emergency that threatens the very survival of our society, let us all draw strength from the heroism of the veterans of Bataan and the unnamed heroes in the fight against COVID-19,” he added.
The President then urged the public to always remain resilient while facing this health crisis.
“May their example gives us courage and strength to endure this pandemic and rise as a stronger and more resilient nation. May we have a solemn commemoration,” he said.
Duterte also hailed troops whom he said “made their last stand in Bataan in defense of our democratic way of life.”
“Indeed, we owe to the heroes of our past the liberties that we enjoy today, and their patriotism continues to fuel our enduring pursuit of genuine self-determination,” he said.