By Azer Parrocha/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr., on the Araw ng Kagitingan, urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the bravery of Filipino soldiers in pursuing the collective goal of achieving peace.
Galvez also paid tribute to Filipino soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942.
“Let us remember the gallantry of these heroes who even in the face of death, demonstrated to our nation and the whole world their immeasurable love for our motherland,” Galvez said in a statement.
“We should draw inspiration from our fallen brothers who have displayed extraordinary courage during those trying times,” he added.
Although several decades have passed, Galvez said the lessons of the war still resonate among all Filipinos, particularly in the collective efforts to achieve nationwide peace.
“I encourage everyone to do their part in strengthening the bond of unity and cooperation among us, particularly in pushing forward the Philippine peace process,” Galvez said.
“I believe that it is only through our concerted efforts and deep love for country that we can make our dreams for our nation a reality,” he added.
Galvez said these aspirations are best reflected in the successful implementation of peace agreements with Moro rebels in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, he also cited government initiatives to address the communist insurgency problem through the national government’s whole-of-nation approach.
“Times may have changed but the indomitable spirit of our heroes continues to live within our hearts and minds,” Galvez said.
“May they continue to serve as an inspiration to us all as we face the challenges of nation-building,” he added.
By virtue of Executive Order 203, s. 1987, April 9 of every year is Araw ng Kagitingan. The struggle of Filipino and American soldiers who fought against the well-armed Japanese soldiers in Bataan were commemorated on this day.
Around 60,000 Filipino and American troops were imprisoned by Japanese soldiers and were made to walk for 112 kilometers, from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac, under the scorching heat of sun without food and water for days in what is now known as the “Death March”.
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