Araw ng Kagitingan reminds us to fight and move on — House Speaker
AS the country celebrates the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday honored the fallen heroes of the “Fall of Bataan,” saying the historic day is a reminder that Filipinos will always fight on, move forward and prevail with unity.
“Today, as we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan nationwide, we honor and recognize the gallantry of our fallen heroes, who willingly laid down their lives so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom today. As we look back into the dark day that we now call the ‘Fall of Bataan,’ we must never forget the sacrifices of Filipino resistance fighters who stood up against the might of foreign invaders in World War II, which gave the rest of our nation the inspiration and strength to fight on,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“We suffered, we fought, and we prevailed,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The House leader said the country’s latest bout with the global health crisis known as the COVID-19 pandemic is proof of Filipinos’ fortitude.
“Let this day remind us that we are strong as a nation, that faced even with seemingly insurmountable odds we will always prevail as long as we are united, and as long as we continue to draw our strength from the virtues of our heroes. We do not give up, we press forward, and we overcome,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“This day is a testament to Filipino courage and bravery, a fighting spirit that comes to the fore as we face adversity after adversity. This day reminds us of a priceless legacy: that the same courage and bravery our heroes displayed in the crucible of war–in the Fall of Bataan– run in our blood, through our veins. Isang mapagpalayang Araw ng Kagitingan sa inyong lahat!” he added.
Araw ng Kagitingan is a regular holiday celebrated every April 9 by virtue of Executive Order No. 203, s. 1987 to remember the fall of Bataan to Japanese troops on April 9, 1942.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 90 that set April 10 as non-working holiday to allow the people “to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend” while maintaining the historical significance of the day.
