Vice President Sara Duterte delivered a powerful message of remembrance and resolve on Wednesday, calling on the Filipino people to honor the country’s World War II heroes by forging a future free from suffering.
In a statement commemorating the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), Duterte reflected on the sacrifices of Filipinos who fought during the Battle of Bataan in 1942. She emphasized that the courage shown in the face of oppression should inspire the present generation to build a stronger, more unified Philippines.
Battle of Bataan remembered as symbol of strength
Duterte described the heroism at Bataan as a powerful symbol of Filipino endurance. She said that amid the cruelty and oppression of war, Filipinos never surrendered hope. That hope, she explained, allowed the country to move forward despite overwhelming odds.
Now, she said, Filipinos are facing new challenges that test their unity and ability to progress. In these times, she urged the public to draw strength from the courage of those who came before them. The Vice President said commemorating their memory means striving to build a nation that will no longer suffer the horrors of war and hardship.
She also highlighted that the Araw ng Kagitingan serves not only as a tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom but also as a reminder of the values they fought for—unity, hope, and determination.
Duterte calls for unity in facing today’s struggles
Duterte encouraged every Filipino to honor the past by contributing to the nation’s development. She said the sacrifices of wartime heroes should not be forgotten, and instead, they should guide current efforts to ensure peace, progress, and resilience.
In her message, she urged Filipinos to stand together, saying that through collective strength, the country can overcome adversity and avoid repeating the tragedies of history.
The Araw ng Kagitingan is observed every April 9 to mark the Fall of Bataan in 1942. The event commemorates the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who endured extreme suffering during the Bataan Death March and the Japanese occupation. It remains one of the darkest yet most heroic chapters in Philippine history.
As the country remembered those sacrifices, Duterte reminded the public that true valor is found not only in wartime heroism but also in the quiet commitment to build a better nation.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.