The Department of National Defense (DND) called on the public, especially the younger generation, to commemorate the Philippine Veterans Week beginning Wednesday, April 5, in honor of the gallantry of all Filipino freedom fighters.

The week-long event will last until April 12, which will be highlighted by the celebration of the 81^st Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 10.

Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., DND officer in charge, said it is but timely that the youth look up to the elder ones with respect and learn a lesson or two from them. 

“Let us take this opportunity to pay tribute to our nation’s patriots and freedom fighters, honor our present-day defenders, and prepare the youth for the two-fold task of securing our nation and ensuring its bright future,” Galvez said.

The theme for this year’s Veterans Week is “Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Pundasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.”

This year’s observance aims to remember the veterans whose courage and sacrifices became the very foundation of the country’s freedom, according to the DND’s Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

“Their stories of heroism and of working together for a singular purpose will also be highlighted to remind every Filipino of the value of solidarity and unity in nation-building,” the PVAO said.

The DND, through its PVAO, prepared a series of activities for the week-long commemoration of the Veterans Week.

On April 5, a “Sunrise Ceremony” or flag-raising will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City at 6 a.m. which will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. A parade and review in honor of the veterans will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Hunters ROTC Guerilla Field, Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. 

Meanwhile, the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan will be moved from April 9 (Sunday) to April 10 (Monday) in accordance with Proclamation No. 90, s. 2022 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The commemoration will start at 8:00 a.m. at Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan where the Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor proudly stands.

The “Tribute to all Filipino Heroes,” which is traditionally held at the historic Corregidor Island, will be observed along with the “Paggunita sa Capas” on April 11 at the Capas National Shrine in Capas, Tarlac. 

The tribute is done in honor of all Filipino heroes, patriots, martyrs and defenders who fought and died for the country’s freedom and liberty – from the time of Lapu-Lapu to the Philippine Revolution against Spain, Filipino-American War, and World War II. It also honors Filipino defenders who fought in the Korean War, Vietnam War, veterans of military campaigns, members of humanitarian contingents to other countries, and modern-day veterans who render honorable military service in defending the country in times of war or peace and in faithfully upholding their duty to preserve our sovereignty and national security.

The Philippine Veterans Week will be capped off with a “Sunset Ceremony” on April 12, 5:00 pm at LNMB. There, the Veterans Community will gather amidst the setting sun to share stories about the veterans and recite a Pledge of Patriotism.  

Further, supporting activities will also be held in different parts of the country to further promote the legacies of the Filipino veterans and heroes. 

Among the activities include the Ride for Valor, a motorcycle/big bike riders’ tour event traversing the route of the Bataan Death March on April 9. 

The Philippine Veterans Bank’s Traveling Exhibit, “War of our Fathers,” will also be open from April 3 to April 18 at The Bunker in Balanga City, Bataan. An awarding ceremony of the US Congressional Gold Medal will be held on April 12 in Capas, Tarlac to recognize the Filipino World War II Veterans residing in Central Luzon (Region 3). 

The Department of Education, in partnership with PVAO, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) and the VFP-Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. will also conduct several national competitions for students nationwide including a poster making contest, an essay writing contest, a songwriting contest, and an oratorical contest to encourage youth participation and develop deeper awareness about the Philippines’ history.  

The DND-PVAO said that all the events for the national observance of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan and 2023 Philippine Veterans Week are open to the public but minimum health protocols shall continue to be observed for the safety of all the attendees. 

Those who will not be able to attend the activities are encouraged to support these events online, it added.