Heroes and ports

Hello again, my dear readers! This is part two of our short and sweet discussion last week during the Day of Valor.

Before diving in deep, let us first update you on the current situation in our ports. We are expecting a surge of 3.5 percent in the total volume of travelers for Holy Week. The school vacation in tandem with Holy Week means more passengers going to the provinces, right?

Thus, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) strengthened its preparations to serve you better. Passenger priority is the marching order given by PPA general manager Jay Santiago as Holy Week ratchets up the number of travelers.

Now, as mentioned in the last column, this is the continuation of exploring our ports from their glorious past during the war and their economic importance and vital use nowadays, especially during vacation time like this Holy Week when passenger numbers swell.

In diving deeper, we honor the heroism of the Filipino troops as well as the civilians who fought the invaders during the last World War. We, the present generation, must show resilience and must prepare for the future.

Last week, we observed “Araw ng Kagitingan,” or Day of Valor, especially in Bataan with no less than PBBM and commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of the Filipino troops and civilians.

And like the veterans of World War II (WWII), equally important is the role of the troops in Luzon, including Bataan, today composed of the 7th Infantry Division under Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, the 702nd Infantry Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Cesar Molina, and the 69th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Sonny Dungca.

Civilians played a critical role in the war, serving as scouts, providing food and medicine, and helping the soldiers escape. The collaboration between military and civilians showed the deeply ingrained spirit of bayanihan — the Filipino tradition of helping one another in times of crisis.

The heroism transcended the battlefield. It was the courage to fight for freedom, a deep love for country, and the will to protect future generations that continue to inspire modern Filipinos today, right? A big yes, Millennials, GenZ and Gen Alpha!

Today, that Filipino spirit remains as resilient as ever. While the battles fought in WWII were physical, the wars faced by today’s soldiers and civilians are multifaceted — cyber threats, terrorism, territorial disputes and natural disasters all challenge the nation. Filipinos should continue to be highly adaptable, understanding that defense is not only about boots on the ground but about readiness for modern forms of conflict.

Beyond the military, Filipino resilience should continue to be evident in our everyday life. Despite the challenges brought by socio-economic pressures, natural calamities and geopolitical tensions, Filipinos must show their spirit of optimism, resourcefulness and unity.

The courage displayed in the past should serve as a stark reminder to inspire Filipinos to face adversity head-on but smartly, ensuring that the country remains strong in all aspects, particularly defense, national security and the economy.

The country’s defense must not only focus on military capability but on economic resilience.

Future defenders will need to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure, including ports, transportation networks, and the maritime domain. The Philippines’ geographic location — surrounded by vast seas — makes it particularly vulnerable to maritime threats. Hence the country’s defense strategy must include a robust focus on maritime security.

On an economic standpoint, WWII and now the war in Ukraine serve as an example of the strategic importance of the Philippine Ports Authority and the country’s maritime industry. The Philippines, being an archipelago (with 7,641 islands to be exact, no more high tide and low tide count), relies heavily on its ports for the movement of goods. The ports are not only gateways to the nation’s prosperity but are also essential for national security.

Ergo, to have a formidable national defense, we must have a strong economic defense anchored mostly on the ports, and the maritime and shipping industries.

The Philippine Ports Authority plays a central role in managing and developing the country’s ports, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and facilitating international trade. In times of conflict, the ports become vital defense assets.

The military and civilian sectors must collaborate to ensure that these infrastructure are protected, maintained, and enhanced. A well-functioning port system is not just important for economic stability but also for the rapid mobilization of defense resources, as seen in past and current conflicts worldwide.

Moreover, the Philippine maritime industry — comprising shipping companies, port authorities, and logistical networks — forms the backbone of trade, connecting the country to the global market. A strong maritime sector is critical, not just for economic growth, but for ensuring that the Philippines is a formidable force in terms of maritime defense.

The strategic development of maritime assets, such as the expansion of naval capabilities, investments in port security systems and the protection of international trade routes, will empower future Filipino defenders to safeguard both the nation’s sovereignty and our economic interests.

We need to do this as one nation. Yes, it’s true, as we are all in the same boat...