President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has called on Filipinos to emulate the heroes and heroines of the Battle of Bataan to triumph over present challenges.
In his message for the 82nd anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan, Marcos urged Filipinos to embody the bravery, integrity, and resilience of the heroes and heroines who fought and defended Bataan against Japan during World War II.
“[O]n our commemoration of the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan, let us emulate the bravery, integrity, and resilience of the heroes and heroines of Bataan so that, like them, we may emerge triumphant in the trials of our time,” Marcos stated.
He said present challenges "are in no way less grave" as the "foul forces" from outside and within continue to threaten the nation.
The chief executive hopes that the great sacrifices of ancestors would inspire everyone to "follow their legacy."
Marcos led the Araw ng Kagitingan rites at Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pillar, Bataan.
He was joined by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, U.S. Embassy in Manila Robert Ewing, Bataan governor Jose Enrique Garcia, and other local officials.
