As the nation commemorated the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan, the spirit of courage lived on — not only in the ceremonies held but also in the quiet moments of reflection shared by those who gathered to honor the country’s heroes.
At the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, veterans and youth sat side by side, serving as a living bridge between the past and the future.
Their presence highlighted that the meaning of valor extends far beyond the battlefield.
A President’s call to continue the fight
In his speech, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the unparalleled sacrifices made by the heroes honored on Araw ng Kagitingan.
These individuals, who gave their lives in defense of the nation, left an indelible mark on the country’s history.
“Wala nang hihigit pa sa sakripisyong ipinamalas ng mga bayaning ginugunita natin ngayon. Inialay nila ang sariling buhay para sa kapayapaan at kalayaan ng bayan” (There is no greater sacrifice than that of the heroes we honor today, who gave their lives for the peace and freedom of our nation),” the President declared.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of Filipino, American, and allied soldiers who fought and shed blood to secure the peace and stability that the nation enjoys today.
His message emphasized that while the physical battles of the past have ended, the fight for peace and freedom continues in different forms today.
Veterans on remembering and reminding
Veterans, their faces lined with time and experience, carried their stories with them, etched into every deliberate step they took as they made their way to the shrine.
Their presence served as a clear reminder that valor is not confined to the pages of history books but lives on in those who remain.
Robinson Agliam, a 69-year-old retired Philippine Army veteran with 15 years of service, reflected on the loyalty and camaraderie that saw him through countless battles.
Having also served 26 years in the Philippine National Police, Agliam shared that he survived not through individual strength, but because his fellow soldiers never left him behind.
“That’s the kind of loyalty I hope young people never forget. I also hope they will fight for our country when needed,” he said.
Vincent Basam, a 63-year-old veteran from Moncada, Tarlac, who served 27 years in the Philippine Army, emphasized that each battle he fought was motivated by one goal — to secure a peaceful future, not just for his generation, but for generations to come.
“We fought for a dream of freedom. Today’s young people must protect that dream — not with guns, but with integrity and love for the country,” he said.
For these veterans, the fight for freedom is not a distant memory; it is a living, breathing legacy that must continue to inspire future generations.
The youth finding new meaning in valor
Among the crowd, students were deeply moved by the presence of the aging heroes. The younger generation recognized that the lessons of valor extend beyond the battlefield, evolving into a call for responsibility and integrity in today’s world.
Raffy Adalim, a 16-year-old Boy Scout from Taguig City, expressed his admiration for the veterans and his desire to follow in their footsteps by joining the Philippine Army.
Inspired by relatives who have served, he acknowledged the sacrifices made during events like the Bataan Death March and shared how they shaped the present day.
“I appreciate more the importance of the sacrifices of our veterans, and someday I want to be like them — fighting for our country,” Adalim said.
Mellody Castil, a 16-year-old student from Mariveles National High School and a Girl Scout, reflected on what valor looks like today. While acknowledging that the youth may not face wars in the traditional sense, she emphasized the importance of fighting against contemporary battles such as poverty, misinformation, and injustice.
“We may not face wars, but we face other battles. The veterans show us that bravery isn’t about fighting with weapons anymore. It’s about fighting for what is right,” Castil said.
She urged her peers to appreciate the freedoms they have today and continue honoring the veterans who fought for the country.
The 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan was more than just a commemoration of past events; it was a call to action.
For both veterans and youth, the spirit of valor is not confined to a single day or a single generation. It is a legacy that must be carried forward, through actions big and small, by the generations that follow.
The lessons of bravery and sacrifice live on, not just in the stories of those who fought but in the hearts of those who will one day carry their torch. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
