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Teodoro tells Filipinos: Rise to the challenge of nation-building amid 'uncertain times'
Teodoro tells Filipinos: Rise to the challenge of nation-building amid 'uncertain times'
In commemoration of the 83rd anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday, April 9, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. challenged Filipinos to step up and contribute to nation-building amid “uncertain times”.
In a statement, Teodoro extended sincere gratitude and respect to Filipino war veterans, soldiers, and ordinary citizens “who continue to show courage and patriotism.”
The defense chief urged the public to remember the bravery of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for the country.
He said their heroism would be forever etched in the nation's history, serving as a “powerful reminder of what it means to be truly Filipino.”
“Yet beyond remembrance, this day calls upon each of us to rise to the challenge of nation-building — to contribute to the continued progress, peace, and security of our beloved country,” Teodoro noted.
“In these uncertain times, may we draw strength from their legacy and stand united in purpose and resolve,” he added.
The Araw ng Kagitingan commemorates the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 in honor of World War II heroes who fought for the liberation of the Philippines.
President Marcos led the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Dambana ng Kagitingan at Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. This year’s commemoration carried the theme “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas.”
The DND, through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), has also been spearheading the observance of the Philippine Veterans Week from April 5 to 11 marked by a series of activities.
A “Joint Tribute to All Filipino Heroes and Paggunita sa Capas” will be conducted at the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac on April 10. This refers to a day of remembrance for freedom fighters who experienced the horrendous Death March and became prisoners-of-war (POW) at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac – one of the Japanese concentration camps that turned into an internment ground for about 20,000 Filipino and 1,600 American soldiers who died due to sickness, deprivation, and enemy brutality during the war.
This will be followed by a “Sunset Ceremony” on April 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which will include a Eucharistic Celebration and a reflection program. The ceremony is traditionally conducted to honor the memories of the veterans. Gathered just like a big family, selected descendants of World War II veterans would share their personal stories and testimonials about the service and heroism of their veteran ancestors and how these inspired the values of their family until the present.
Apart from the main events, other activities slated for the Philippine Veterans Week include the “Faces of Valor Historical Exhibit” which will be on display at the University of Santo Tomas from April 21 to 30, and free LRT and MRT rides for all veterans throughout the Veterans Week.
Earlier, the DND held a “Sunrise Ceremony” at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and a wreath-laying ceremony and a review in honor of the veterans at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City to mark the beginning of the commemoration of the Philippine Veterans Week.