House Speaker Martin Romualdez says Filipinos proved their fortitude with the way they faced the global health crisis known as the Covid-19 pandemic. (Ali Vicoy/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, highlighted this as part of his message for Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Sunday, April 9. “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,” Romualdez said. Covid-19 emerged in the country in early 2020. What followed were nearly two years worth of stringent lockdowns that devastated the local economy, leaving the livelihoods of thousands in shambles. But the Filipino persevered. “This day is a testament to Filipino courage and bravery, a fighting spirit that comes to the fore as we face adversity after adversity," the House leader said of Araw ng Kagitingan. "This day reminds us of a priceless legacy: that the same courage and bravery our heroes displayed in the crucible of war--in the Fall of Bataan-- run in our blood, through our veins," he said. Araw ng Kagitingan is a regular holiday celebrated every April 9 by virtue of Executive Order No. 203, s. 1987 to remember the fall of Bataan to Japanese troops on April 9, 1942. “Today, as we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan nationwide, we honor and recognize the gallantry of our fallen heroes, who willingly laid down their lives so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom today," said Romualdez. "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,” the Speaker added.