As the country commemorates the 84th Day of Valor (Araw Ng Kagitingan).
On Thursday, April 9, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. went to Bataan to honor the heroes of World War II (WWII) who fought for the country’s freedom.
During which, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of war veterans and strengthening initiatives that recognize their invaluable contributions to nation-building.
Among the government initiatives he mentioned have been formed in close coordination with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to establish veterans hospitals in Visayas and Mindanao to improve healthcare access; ensuring that soldiers who suffer total permanent disability in the line of duty receive separation benefit; and providing accessible and efficient healthcare services for veterans through the Veterans Access to Lifetime Optimized Healthcare, or VALOR Clinic.
Over to wellness programs, 2,634 veterans and their dependents received care through Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Programs and veterans’ wards in select government hospitals.
There is also a monthly average of 146,896 pensioners, while the government also supports veterans’ families, with 973 scholars receiving educational assistance. In addition, under the Republic Act No. 11958, disability pension rates have also been increases.
“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,” the President said.
SACRIFICES OF VETERANS DESERVE A REMINDER
In his address at the same event, Marcos also said, “The heroes of Bataan gave their all so that we, and the generations that follow, may inherit a nation that is free, sovereign, and worthy of their sacrifice,” adding that the gathering aims tk reaffirm the values they lived a died for.
The President also emphasized that the nation continues to embody the same resilience, as resistance continued across the country through guerrilla warfare and the quiet heroism of civilians who risked their lives to support the fight for freedom after the Bataan Death March in 1942.
“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,” he said. “The story of Bataan is a cornerstone of our national identity and a guiding light for the generations that follow.”
TODAY’S CHALLENGES ‘TEST US MUCH IN THE SAME WAY’
He also highlighted that honoring the past is kore than remembrance, but also a call to be responsible in the present.
“Today’s challenges may not mirror those of yesterday, but they test us in much the same way. Among these is the enduring geopolitical tension that we are observing in the Middle East,” he said.
He continued, “While we may stand far from the centers of conflict, we are not untouched by its consequences. Fuel prices weigh heavily on Filipino families, those who already have the least having been subjected the most to this scourge.”
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to mitigating the impact of the war in the Gulf region and safeguarding the welfare of Filipinos.
“In moments like these, the government will do everything that is possible to cushion the impact and safeguard the welfare of our people,” with PBBM adding that governance alone is not enough as “nation-building has always been a shared responsibility” grounded in integrity, courage, and patriotism.
In the midst of these challenging times, he said, the people must remmeber that everyone has needs and aspirations.“Dapat nating kilalanin na ang bawat isa ay may parehong pangangailangan, may parehong pangarap, at may parehong pinagdaraanan.”
“Sa ganitong paraan, mapapalalim natin ang ating tiwala sa pamahalaan, ang ating malasakit sa kapwa, at ang ating pagmamahal sa ating bayan. Dahil kapag iniisip natin ang kapakanan ng iba, mas nagiging malinaw kung bakit kailangan tayong magtulungan at magkaisa,” President Marcos added.
He furthered that through understanding and compassion, struggles of fellow countrymen will help ease the burden.
His message aligns with the theme for Araw ng Kagitingan this year, which is “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi.”
Following the event, President Marcos also a had a brief meet and greet with 19 Barangay Captains of Pilar, Bataan, with the Office of the President (OP) each giving them PHP200,000 under the Socio-Civic Project Fund that will support the educational assistance for incoming 4th year college students and other barangay development initiatives such as solar lighting, CCTV, generator set, tents, monobloc chairs, and sound systems.
Earlier that day, he also unveiled a Czech Marker for World War II to honor the Czech nationals who were in Bataan to stand wit it during the world war.
“Their story reminds us that the fight for freedom knows no borders—and that solidarity, even in the darkest of times, is a force that binds humanity together,” the President said.
