Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, is observed today to recall the fall of Bataan to Japanese troops in 1942 during World War II. On April 9, 1942, the surrender of Filipino and American troops also marked the start of the Death March, a 106-kilometer trek to Capas, Tarlac. According to historical accounts, only 54,000 of some 76,000 prisoners of war – 66,000 Filipinos and 10,000 Americans – survived the march; many more died while in captivity.
Dambana ng Kagitingan, a national shrine located at the summit of Mount Samat, in Pilar, Bataan, is the focal point of the annual commemoration. The President of the Philippines, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces, delivers a keynote speech honoring the sacrifices of the valiant soldiers who risked and offered their lives in the battlefield to assert the triumph of libertarian ideals over tyranny and suppression. He is likely to reiterate a call to action, for unified efforts among the citizenry behind Bagong Pilipinas, “an all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation.”
This is a day for honoring valor, defined as “great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.” Courage implies the ability to overcome fear and timidity. To be courageous is to dare, and to aspire to achieve deeds that surpass or improve upon what has been achieved previously.
Visit the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac today. Witness how these have become highly urbanized population centers. Bataan and Pampanga have overcome the catastrophic impact of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991. Pampanga and Tarlac provinces cover Clark Field, the erstwhile American air force base that has become a bustling industrial and tourism estate, aside from hosting a major international airport and serving as an emergent hub of government operations.
The proposed Cavite-Bataan bridge crossing through Manila Bay is now undergoing a feasibility study. The Philippine National Railways has completed a spur line to Clark that will be linked to the Manila-Calamba commuter route, and eventually, to the main railroad line leading up to the Bicol region. Progress has also been revved up in Zambales,
Under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the rotational deployment of American forces is permitted following the concept of interoperability with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The annual observance of Araw ng Kagitingan has also been regularly graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Japan. This is emblematic of the role played by Japan as the leading provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines from 2015 to 2022. In 2006, Japan established the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) “to contribute to the peace process and development in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.”
Following the Araw ng Kagitingan celebration, the White House will be the venue of a top level trilateral summit among the United States, the Philippines, and Japan in which President Joe Biden, President Marcos and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will discuss maritime cooperation in the South China Sea.
Evidently, the wounds of war have healed and substantial peace dividends are being reaped.