On Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte paid tribute to all Filipinos at the forefront of the COVID-19 response as the Philippines commemorates Valour Day.
Day of Valor, celebrated every 9th of April, marks the annual commemoration of the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, and the bravery shown by the Filipino and American soldiers against invading Japanese forces during World War 2.
It also commemorates the Bataan Death March, in which exhausted Filipino and American prisoners of war were forced by their Japanese captors to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the scorching sun with no food and water for days.
In his taped video message for the 79th National Day of Valor, Duterte said that this occassion will serve as a reminder for the Filipino’s determination to prevail over adversity.
Duterte added that the unrelenting commitment of the country’s frontliners “reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan.”
“As we continue to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated frontliners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” he said.
“The valor of our forebears, which was exhibited during the defense of Bataan almost eight decades ago, has left an indelible mark in our history and shaped our indomitable spirit to rise after every fall,” Duterte continued.
“Today, we honor our fallen soldiers whose sacrifice became the bedrock of our resolve to uphold our most cherished liberties. May this awareness resonate among us as we strive to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” he added.
Frontliners include health workers, government workers, media practitioners, and those who are involved in delivering basic necessities such as food and medical supplies.
