Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat. Photograb from invest.bataan.gov.ph
PILAR, Bataan – President Duterte paid tribute to both the heroes of the past and the present during today’s 79th anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan.
“Today, let us honor and offer our deepest respect to the heroes of both the past and the present aspiring to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” the chief executive said in his virtual meassage.
The heroes of the past, the president referred to, are the World War II veterans who unselfishly shed blood in defense of democracy while the heroes of the present are the frontliners in the war against the coronavirus disease.
“This day is a firm reminder to all of us to the unyielding determination of the Filipino to prevail overall forms of adversity. The valor of our ancestors exhibited during their gallant defense of Bataan almost eight decades ago has left an indelible mark on our history and forge indomitable spirit to rise above every fall,” Duterte said.
“As we overcome the current pandemic, we take a moment to honor our selfless and dedicated health workers and the essential front liners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism and fortitude of the brave warriors of Bataan,” he added.
Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia for his part spelled out the sacrifices committed by Filipino and American war veterans who were forced to lay down their arms after almost three months of heroic fighting of the Japanese invaders.
“Bagamat ito’y paggunita ng isang pagsuko, ang araw na ito ay isa ring bakas ng Bataan sa kamalayan ng mundo bilang sagisag ng sakripisyo at katapangan. Ang magigiting nating sundalo ang nagbigay inspirasyon sa sambayanang Pilipino na manatiling matatag sa harap ng karahasan ng mga mananakop.” the governor said.
He said that at the present, the world again faces a new war, that of the pandemic Covid–19. He said he could not discount the assistance and cooperation lent by all sectors, especially the frontliners who gave their lives to save others.
“Muli nating hugutan ng aral ang mga karanasan ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino noong World War II at alalahanin natin na pagkaraan ng Fall of Bataan noong 1942, mahigit dalawang taon pang pagtitiis, sakripisyo at pakikibaka ang lumipas bago nagwakas ang digmaan sa Pilipinas, sa Asya at sa buong mundo,” Garcia said.
He said that through this context, we will understand the theme behind today’s observance of Araw ng Kagitingan – “Kagitingan Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Pagtatagumpayan.”
“Hindi natin kailangan magpaputok ng baril o kanyon o pisikal na makipagtunggali sa mga armadong kalaban ngayon. Kailangan lamang natin na maging matatag, determinado at magkaisa sa ating pagkilos upang puksain ang Covid-19, Ang ating mga sandatang pangkalusugan ay simpleng-simple ngunit napatunayang napaka–epektibo,” Garcia noted.
“Sundan ang yapak ng mga beterano at patuloy na ipagtanggol ang ating mga tahanan, pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng disiplina at malasakit at manalig tayo na sama-sama makakamit natin ang tagumpay laban sa pandemya patungo sa kinabukasang punong-puno ng pag-asa,” the governor enthused.
The country celebrates today the 79th anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan that marked the “Fall of Bataan” on April 9, 1942.
It is the second year that no physical observance was conducted. This year, it was through a virtual celebration.
Rites in Mt. Samat in Pilar town usually attended by the chief executive and ambassadors of Japan and the United States were cancelled and instead, they delivered virtual messages.
Wreath offering at the shrine were not performed by President Duterte, Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko and U.S. Charge de’ Affaires John Law but by provincial officials.
Gov. Albert Garcia, 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, 2nd District Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia III and Pilar Mayor Carlos Pizarro, Jr. took their place in the wreath-laying which were recorded earlier.
