President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo release their message in celebration of Day of Valor or Bataan Day on April 9.
“As we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated frontliners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” the President said on Friday.
“The valor of our forebears, which was exhibited during the defense of Bataan almost eight decades ago, has left an indelible mark in our history and shaped our indomitable spirit to rise after every fall,” he added.
Duterte said that the Day of Valor should enable Filipinos to cherish the hard fought liberties against colonizers.
“May this awareness resonate among us as we strive to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” he said.
“A meaningful and solemn remembrance to all,” he added.
Duterte, Robredo release message on Day of Valor
Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday called on the Filipinos to unite and help each other in fighting the pandemic.
“Tulad ng Bataan noon, nababalot tayo ng kadiliman ngayon dahil sa pandemya. Marami na sa atin ang nagsakripisyo, ang nagdusa, ang nawalan,” Robredo said in her Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) message.
“Pero paalala rin ang araw na ito: Walang Pilipinong kailangang maging magiting mag-isa. Sama-sama tayo. Tulong-tulong tayo.”
(Like what happened in Bataan, we are now in dark times because of the pandemic. Many of us have sacrificed a lot, are suffering, or have lost something or someone. But what this day reminds us is: we are all in this together. Let’s help each other.)
“Sa araw na ito, ginugunita natin ang kagitingan ng mga Pilipinong sundalong lumaban hanggang sa huli at inialay ang kanilang buhay sa ngalan ng ating bayan at kalayaan,” Robredo said.
(On this day, we commemorate the bravery of Filipino soldiers who fought until the end and sacrificed their lives for our country and freedom.)