09/04/2022
“And because history does not stop at our past, or even at our present, Araw ng Kagitingan reminds us that our valor cannot stop solely in the face of defending our shores against foreign invasion (CNN Philippines Life Staff, 2018).”
On April 9, 1942, 80 years ago, Filipino and American forces who immensely resisted the Japanese troops officially surrendered after 93 days of siege and defense in Bataan. Third Lieutenant Normando Ildefonso Reyes read the message created by Captain Salvador P. Lopez through the Voice of Freedom broadcast and said that “Bataan has fallen.”
This fall led to approximately 80,000 surrenderees having to go through the horrendous Bataan Death March where they were forced to walk 100 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga, and with more than 20,000 estimated deaths.
To commemorate and honor their selfless and courageous actions, under Executive Order No. 203, s. 1987, April 9 is proclaimed as the “Araw ng Kagitingan”. Furthermore, April 5 to 11 is considered as the Philippine Veterans Act under the Proclamation No. 466, s. 1989. This is to “promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals, and deeds of the Filipino war veteran as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth of the land (Official Gazette, 2016).”
May today be an opportunity for us to remember the people who died serving our country and the people who rendered their sincere services to defend and promote our peace.
References:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/783142/why-is-the-fall-of-bataan-commemorated-as-araw-ng-kagitingan/story/
https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/philippines/the-day-of-valor
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2018/04/06/Araw-ng-Kagitingan.html
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/heres-everything-that-happened-on-araw-ng-kagitingan
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/araw-ng-kagitingan/
