In time for the commemoration of the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Tuesday, April 9, the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) encouraged Filipinos to remain united in the face of adversity.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. paid tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering courage of heroes who valiantly fought for the freedom and liberties that the Filipinos enjoy today, particularly the World War II veterans.
Teodoro expressed hope that the valor exemplified by the veterans would inspire the nation to be united in addressing the challenges of the modern times.
Meanwhile, Brawner remembered with profound gratitude the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers who gallantly defended the nation's honor in the face of adversity in past wars and armed conflicts.
He said their selflessness and commitment to duty “serve as an enduring inspiration to all Filipinos, reminding us of the true meaning of valor and patriotism.”
“As we commemorate this historic day, let us not only reflect on the sacrifices of the past but also reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, peace, and freedom for which our forefathers fought so valiantly. Let us honor their legacy by standing united in the face of challenges and working tirelessly towards a brighter future for our beloved country,” he said.
“May the spirit of courage and heroism that defines Araw ng Kagitingan continue to guide and inspire us as we strive to build a nation worthy of the sacrifices of our brave heroes,” he added.
Araw ng Kagitingan is commemorated on April 9 of every year by virtue of Executive Order No. 203, s. 1987. This year's comemmoration has the theme: “Pagpaparangal sa Kagitingan ng mga Beterano: Saligan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.”
On April 9, 1942, officials in command of Bataan — where Filipino and American forces maintained the main resistance against the Japanese during the World War II — formally surrendered.
The iconic line “Bataan has fallen” reverberated throughout the country through the Voice of Freedom radio broadcast made by Third Lieutenant Normando Ildefonso Reyes while reading a message prepared by Captain Salvador P. Lopez. He informed the Philippines and the world from Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor that the siege and defense of Bataan has ended after 93 days, or just four months after the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) retreated to Bataan.
Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 466, s. 1989 designated April 5 to 11 of every year as Philippine Veterans Week in order to “promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and deeds of the Filipino war veteran as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth of the land.”
The week-long observance is an occasion to honor not only the Filipino war veterans who died or served the country but also to remember those who rendered honorable military service in defending the country in times of war or peace.
US Congressional medal for 16 war vets
As part of the commemoration activities for Araw ng Kagitingan and the 2024 Philippine Veterans Week, 16 Filipino World War II veterans were conferred with the United States Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony held at the Bunker, Balanga City, Bataan on April 8.
The US Congressional Gold Medal is the highest recognition bestowed by the US Congress to individuals or groups who have significantly contributed in American history, culture and sciences. The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) spearheads the awarding of the bronze replica of the US Congressional Gold Medal to individual awardees in the Philippines since 2018.
The US Congressional Medal was conferred to seven living awardees namely Privates Benjamin C. Malibiran, 94, Clarita S. Cabrera, 96, Cipriano V. Florendo, 98, Rodolfo A. Javier, 99, Roldolfo A. Javier, 99, Purificacion T. Cortex, 99, Onofre B. Bugay, 101, and Aurelia V. Zabala, 102.
Meanwhile, nine post-humous awardees were also recognized and they were Colonel Alfredo N. Acedera, Sergeants Francisco A. Borela and Angel B. Murillo; Corporal Carlos L. Pizzaro, Privates Martin B. Francisco, Bernardino V. Gannapao, Jaime V. Rodolfo, and Francisco P. Valdez; and Master Sergeant Manuel A. Cezar.
Defense chief Teodoro, who was represented by PVAO Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, underscored the significance of the medal which symbolizes the enduring recognition of the United States and the Philippines for the veterans' unwavering love for their country and their spirit of service.
“Our World War II heroes fought for and won the freedom that we enjoy today. That is a debt we can never repay. However, with our ceremony, we hope that we can let our veterans know that their contributions to our country will continue to benefit the generations to come,” Teodoro said in his message delivered by Mapagu.
The ceremony was the 30th US CGM awarding in the Philippines. A total of 961 Filipino WWII veterans have been given the award since 2018.
The commemorative events for the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration kicked off with the traditional Sunrise Ceremony last April 5 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and the Review in Honor of the Veterans at the Hunters ROTC Guerilla Field, Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.
President Marcos led the commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on April 9, which also served as the highlight of the veterans' week observance.
On April 10, the public is invited to join the Joint Tribute to all Filipino Heroes – Paggunita sa Capas at 9 a.m. at the Capas National Shrine in Capas, Tarlac.
To conclude the Philippine Veterans Week, families of veterans will gather at the Libingan ng mga Bayani for the Sunset Ceremony on April 11 at 5 p.m. The ceremony will include a Eucharistic Mass and a solemn program where guests can share personal reflections on how the veterans in their families have impacted their lives.