President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on Wednesday, led the 83rd commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.

Marcos was joined by United States Embassy in Manila Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ewing and Japanese Ambassador Enzo Kazuya.

Other members of the Diplomatic Corps were also in attendance, as well as other government officials such as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr.

In his speech, Marcos paid tribute to all the heroes during the fall of Bataan who fought for their own countries during World War II.

“We celebrate the lessons that have been learned through this very terrible hardship and very terrible experience,” he said.

He underscored that the solution to war is not more war but peace.

“Peace cannot be a thing by one person, by one country alone. And that we have to bring together all the parties that are involved. These are the lessons that we hope to have learned,” he said.

“The other lesson we learned is that not only is valor, not only is bravery, not only courage and sacrifice is demonstrated by those who fought in war, they continue to be demonstrated by all the little heroic deeds that our people continued to do when faced with crisis,” he added.

In his Valor’s Day message, Marcos celebrated the valiant heroes who “showed acts of unwavering courage and patriotism during the Second World War.”

“Their remarkable story continues to inspire us all as we carry on their work of protecting our nation and building a country worthy of their sacrifice," he said.

He also emphasized the bravery and courage of Filipinos who fought for the freedom of the Philippines.

“This year's commemoration shows that our country is a cradle of heroes and heroines — a home of noble men and women who, regardless of risk or cost, willingly gave a part of themselves and even their lives for the sake of their beloved nation,” Marcos said.

“In honoring our forebears, may we recognize that valor is not solely about strength and resolve in the face of adversity but also about small acts of compassion, generosity, and kindness that creates meaningful ripples of positive change in our communities,” he added.

Marcos also urged Filipinos to follow the examples of our heroes by advancing causes that improve the lives of our fellow countrymen.

“Through acts of genuine service and self-offering to the nation, we can prove that we are not only made of the same noble stock as our noteworthy ancestors but also the rightful heirs of their heroic legacy and the faithful successors of their struggle,” he said.

The Battle of Bataan occurred between 7 January to 9 April 1942 with forces from the United States and the Commonwealth of the Philippines fighting the Imperial Japanese Army during their invasion of the country. 

The Japanese occupation began after the American naval base in Pearl Harbor was attacked.