09/04/2025
๐ฆ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ช๐ฆ | ๐๐ซ๐๐ฐ ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐: Honoring 83 Years of Courage
Today, April 9, 2025, we commemorate the 83rd year of the Day of ValorโAraw ng Kagitinganโa national holiday that honors the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. On this day in 1942, thousands of soldiers surrendered to Japanese forces after months of fighting in Bataan. What followed was the Bataan Death March, a brutal 100-kilometer walk under the scorching heat, where over 10,000 soldiers died from exhaustion, hunger, and violence.
But Araw ng Kagitingan is not just about remembering pain. It is about honoring those who stood their ground despite fear, and those who gave everything they had for the freedom we enjoy today. This year, we reflect not only on the names of heroes written in history books, but also on the quiet sacrifices of people whose stories remain untoldโnurses who tended to the wounded, civilians who hid soldiers in their homes, and elders who passed down these stories so we would never forget.
In true Filipino spirit, we remember with hearts full of gratitude. We are reminded to use our education, faith, and compassion to serve others and continue the legacy of those who came before us. Courage today is not only found on the battlefield. It lives in service, in truth-telling, in standing up for justice even when it is hard.
As we raise our flags and bow our heads for a moment of silence, let this be more than a day of remembrance. Let it be a call to actionโfor every Filipino to live with valor in our own way, for our country, for others, and for God.
ยฉ๏ธ: SINAG โ The official Student Publication of General Santos Academy Inc.
Written and Layout by: Ji Castillon