Senators on Tuesday, April 9 expressed their tribute to all the men and women who bravely defended the country’s national sovereignty in the past, and including modern day heroes. 

“As a proud member of the Philippine Army Reserve Force, I would like to pay tribute to the members of our Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and police, who are bravely fighting for our freedom and sovereignty, from threats either inside or outside outside the country,” Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said in statement. 

“To all Filipinos, let's work together towards the peace and prosperity of the entire country. Happy Day of Valor, and long live the Philippines!” the Senate leader said.

“As we commemorate the Day of Valor, let us wholeheartedly pay tribute to the incomparable courage shown by the brave Filipinos who fought in Bataan eighty-two years ago,” Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda also said in a statement.

“A democratic and free country that we have today is the result of the blood, sweat, and unquestionable sacrifice they offered to defend our people from the invaders, keep the Philippines for Filipinos, and build a just and peaceful society,” Legarda further said.

Legarda also urged Filipinos to remember the sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who have aspirations similar to the patriotic spirit of the heroes who fought in Bataan. Aside from OFWs, she also urged the nation to honor modern day heroes including the policemen, educators, health officers, farmers and fellow citizens who continue to provide unconditional help and love to other people.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva echoed Legarda’s call urging Filipinos to also honor the sacrifices of OFWs but all workers as well as the nation commemorates the Day of Valor.

“Let us keep alive in our hearts and minds the suffering and sacrifices suffered by Filipinos at the hands of foreigners during the Second World War for the sake of the democracy we enjoy,” said Villanueva in Filipino.

“This day is also a reminder of the importance of the unity of Filipinos to overcome the challenges facing the country, especially the continued aggression of China and their blatant suppression of the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea,” added the majority leader.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, likewise, saluted all personnel “who defend our national sovereignty and all who protect the West Philippine Sea.”

“Their daily acts of courage, in the face of a giant threat, honor the lives of those before us who suffered and sacrificed in the name of our sovereignty. The everyday courage — of the Filipino fisherfolk venturing out to sea, of the Coast Guard patrolling our waters, of our Navy standing guard on an ailing yet resolute ship — stirs our hearts and strengthens our resolve to fight for what is ours, for what is right, for what is true,” Hontiveros said.

“I call on my fellow Filipinos, especially my fellow public servants, to unequivocally stand with all those who bear the brunt of China’s tyranny. At a time when water cannons routinely attack and injure our uniformed personnel, there must be no room for ambiguity,” she added. 

Aside from the Day of Valor, Sen. Grace Poe also urged Filipinos to commemorate the gallantry of the country’s veterans in the observance of the Philippine Veterans Week. 

“The unparalleled valor and gallantry displayed by our war veterans against expansionist ambitions have kept the Philippine flag flying supreme over our land and waters. We owe it to our veterans and their families  to ensure that they receive the care and support they need,” Poe said. 

Poe noted that the Senate has been pushing for the passage of a law last year increasing the pension of veterans with disability due to sickness, disease, wounds or injuries sustained in the line of duty.

“We are committed to push for more legislation that will advance their welfare. May the heroism and courage of our veterans live on in every Filipino, especially those at the forefront of defending our territory and sovereignty against present threats,” she stressed.

Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also joined in the commemoration: “On this 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan, we pay homage to the sacrifices and bravery of our guardians of peace and freedom – our war veterans and our dedicated uniformed personnel.”

“Today, this day is even more significant as we face a new challenge to defend our sovereignty against oppressive foreigners. Today, let's give more recognition and appreciation to the monuments of our freedom, the guardians of our peace and symbols of our courage,” Estrada said in Filipino.

“The sacrifices of our nation's unsung heroes form the bedrock on which we stand. We honor their unwavering loyalty to the flag. Let us renew our commitment to supporting those who serve us, providing them with the necessary resources, training, and care to enable them to carry out their noble mission. Let us also recognize the families of these brave individuals, who stand by their side as silent heroes, and ensure their well-being as well,” he said. 

For his part, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go dedicated the Day of Valor to honoring the unwavering spirit and sacrifices of the country’s healthcare workers, emphasizing their crucial role as frontline workers in the nation’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said he will continue to advocate for the immediate release of their Health Emergency Allowance (HEA).