FILE PHOTO: Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in 2018. From Arjoy Ceniza
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday marked the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) as an occasion where Filipinos are called on to honor fallen heroes, and embody bravery in “rising above the unconquerable challenges of nationhood.”
In her Day of Valor message to the public, Duterte recalled the Battle of Bataan and its “indelible mark” of Filipino patriotism, courage and resilience even amid adversity.
“Today’s Day of Valor is a firm reminder of the indomitable Filipino spirit that is able to selflessly endure the most grueling situations for the sake of liberty and in the name of our cherished freedoms,” said Duterte.
“We are called on this occasion to embody a strong sense of bravery in rising above the unconquerable challenges of nationhood as we tirelessly commit to our enduring fight against the social ills that corrupt the core of governance and march on toward our hope of inclusive and resilient progress,” she added.
She then expressed hope that the country will be inspired to demonstrate kindness and bayanihan, especially with the most vulnerable sectors, as the country honors the fallen heroes of Bataan.
“May their legacy continue to inspire us in our resolve of enriching our national heritage and strengthening our democratic institutions as we work together in overcoming the most pressing issues of society today,” she added.
Duterte then called the public to “walk together on the same path of bravery” in pursuit of socioeconomic advancement, lasting reforms, and promoting deep love for the country.
Romualdez: Day of Valor a testament to Filipino courage
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez shared similar sentiments in his own Day of Valor message, expressing the importance of honoring the fallen heroes of Bataan as we enjoy freedom.
“As we look back into the dark day that we now call the ‘Fall of Bataan,’ we must never forget the sacrifices of Filipino resistance fighters who stood up against the might of foreign invaders in World War II, which gave the rest of our nation the inspiration and strength to fight on,” said Romualdez.
“This day is a testament to Filipino courage and bravery, a fighting spirit that comes to the fore as we face adversity after adversity,” he added.
The Day of Valor, said Romualdez, continued to remind the public of the fallen heroes’ bravery, that their courage and bravery run in each Filipino’s veins.
“Our latest bout with the global health crisis known as the COVID-19 pandemic is proof of this Filipino fortitude. We suffered, we fought, and we prevailed,” said Romualdez.
“Let this day remind us that we are strong as a nation, that faced even with seemingly insurmountable odds we will always prevail as long as we are united, and as long as we continue to draw our strength from the virtues of our heroes. We do not give up, we press forward, and we overcome,” he added.
Officially, the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan is on April 9, but since it falls on Easter Sunday this year, the government moved the commemoration to Monday, April 10.
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