Day of Valor: Unity Needed Versus Challenges

As the nation celebrated the Day of Valor on Thursday, April 9, President Marcos called on Filipinos to demonstrate patriotism, unity and compassion as they face pre-sent-day challenges.

In remarks delivered at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Bataan, Marcos said today’s challenges such as the enduring geopolitical tension in the Middle East may not mirror those past, but they test the nation in much the same way.

He noted that while Filipinos are far from the conflict centers, they are not untouched by its consequences, citing the rising fuel prices that weigh heavily on families and those “who already have the least.”

“In times of great trials, like what is happening now, we need to go back to an important trait of each Filipino – pakikipagkapwa (shared identity). We need to recognize that each one has the same needs, the same dreams and the same struggles,” he said.

In a written statement, Marcos urged Filipinos to put valor into practice by making the correct decisions, helping others and standing for what is right.

“The true strength of the nation is not just measured by the successes of our commemorations, but by how we stand and fight as one country,” he said.

Marcos said the heroism of those who fought in Bataan and Corregidor during the Second World War is not just part of history but a reminder that valor remains in every Filipino who works for the benefit of their families and the nation.

He also recognized the key role played by war veterans in history, describing them as “living witnesses to history,” “embodiments of strength” and “enduring symbols of what it means to serve something greater than yourself.”

“Across our archipelago, resistance took many forms. Guerrillas fought in the mountains. Civilians risked their lives to shelter and sustain those who were in hiding. Even those without arms found ways to serve the cause of freedom,” the Chief Executive said.

“This is the essence of our strength as a people—not merely the ability to fight, but the will to endure; not only to survive hardship, but to rise above it with dignity intact.”

Marcos assured the veterans they would receive the care and support they deserve, saying his administration is working closely with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office to establish hospitals in the Visayas and in Mindanao and make health care more accessible to them.

“No tribute can ever equal the debt that we owe you. But let this gathering stand as a promise: that your service will never be forgotten, your stories will always be told, and your legacy will drive us forward,” he said.

Speaker Faustino Dy III urged the Filipinos on Thursday to draw inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of the country’s heroes as the nation commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan, emphasizing that true bravery continues to be reflected in everyday acts of service and nation-building.

The Speaker said the observance is a reminder of the valor shown by Filipino soldiers who fought for freedom and the continuing responsibility of today’s generation to uphold and strengthen the nation.

He stressed that the liberties enjoyed by Filipinos today were earned through sacrifice and must be protected through collective effort and commitment to the country.

“True courage is not only shown during the war. it can also be seen every day from each Filipino’s diligence to serve, help his fellow citizen and create better future for our country,” Dy said.

Dy expressed hope that the example of the country’s heroes would continue to inspire unity, patriotism, and public service across generations.

Gov’t failed Filipino soldiers

Meanwhile, in her speech as she led the 84th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan in Davao City, Vice President Sara Duterte said that the state of the nation reveals how the administration failed Filipino soldiers.

“In the absence of a coherent and truly independent foreign policy framework, our soldiers are often left navigating conflicts shaped by external pressures rather than national interests,” Duterte said

She added that erosion of strategic direction weakens not only the country’s defense, but also the morale of the Filipino people.

She said that soldiers are once again placed at the frontlines of a conflict that cannot be solved by military force and bearing the burden of a struggle that demands political will and social reform.

“Equally concerning for us Mindanaoans is the faltering of the Bangsamoro peace process. Justice, trust, and sustained commitments are absent,” Duterte added.

According to Duterte, when agreements are not fully implemented, when communities feel abandoned, and the fragile foundations of peace break apart, “it shall be our soldiers and the Moro youth who will pay the price.”

“We must demand accountability from our leaders. We must insist on policies that uphold our sovereignty, protect our Constitution and genuinely serve the Filipino people. We must ensure that our soldiers are not just celebrated in ceremonies, but supported in reality, with clear direction and a government that stands firmly behind them,” Duterte said.

Duterte said that the government should honor soldiers and law enforcers who died not only with words, “but with the courage to correct what is wrong, to speak the painful truth, and to rebuild a nation worthy of sacrifice.”

She added that any attempt by foreign institutions to interfere with the country’s justice system is a direct challenge to the freedom fought for by heroes in Bataan.

“True bravery is found in our steadfast determination to protect our sovereignty,” Duterte said.

US-Phl alliance

The United States-Philippines alliance remains a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, working side-by-side to uphold a free and open region where international law is respected, an official of the US embassy in Manila said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Day of Valor commemoration at Mt. Samat National Shrine in Bataan, Chargé d’ Affaires Robert Ewing said the Day of Valor is a reminder that courage, sacrifice, and unity are timeless.

“The legacy of Bataan challenges us not only to remember – but to act: to preserve the peace that was so dearly won and to ensure that future generations may thrive,” Ewing said.

The Philippines and the US mark this year the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

“What began as a wartime bond has evolved into a modern, comprehensive, and ironclad alliance – one that spans defense, economic cooperation, and innovation,” he said. – With Bella Cariaso, Evelyn Macairan, Pia Lee-Brago, Jose Rodel Clapano