Malacañang has turned the spotlight on the country's frontliners for this year's Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, for continuously providing the services their fellow Filipinos need amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar made the statement as the country celebrates the 80th Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9.

In his statement, Andanar hoped that Filipinos would be inspired by the "valor, heroism, and patriotism of our soldiers who fought during the 1942 Battle of Bataan" for the freedom and liberties the public enjoys today.

"Let us contribute towards achieving genuine self-determination for our nation," he said.

In addition, the acting Palace spokesman honored the frontliners who continued to work amid the pandemic.

"As we adapt to the new normal brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to praise the selflessness, hard work, and commitment of our present-day heroes," Andanar said.

"Our medical and health care professionals, farmers, government workers and officials, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and frontliners from the food service, transportation, and other essential sectors, have all continuously provided needed services and assistance to their fellow Filipinos despite the great personal risk to them because of the virus," he added.

Andanar hoped that Filipinos would be inspired by the sacrifices of the country's heroes-- both the veterans and modern-day heroes.

"May the sacrifices of our patriotic veterans and our modern-day heroes continue to ignite within us the desire to contribute towards nation-building for our continuous recovery from the impacts generated by the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.