MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday paid tribute to the country’s “selfless and dedicated” COVID-19 pandemic frontliners as the Philippines commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
In his message, Duterte said the Day of Valor is a reminder of the “unyielding determination of the Filipino to prevail over all forms of adversity.”
“As we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated frontliners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” Duterte said.
READ: President Duterte honors COVID-19 pandemic frontliners in his Araw ng Kagitingan message | @KAguilarINQ pic.twitter.com/pT3iW3C7ss
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) April 9, 2021
The President also honored the country’s fallen soldiers “whose sacrifice became the bedrock of our resolve to uphold our most cherished liberties.”
“May this awareness resonate among us as we strive to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” Duterte said.
April 9 marks The Philippines’s 79th Day of Valor, honoring Filipino and American soldiers who fought in Bataan during World War II.