President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged stronger support and care for Filipino veterans on Thursday as he led the 84th commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Mount Samat National Shrine, honoring the courage and sacrifices of those who fought in Bataan during World War II.
Marcos led the wreath-laying ceremony, joined by US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ewing and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, as the nation remembered the heroism of Filipino and allied forces.
“In honoring our heroes who made all of these possible, we must ensure that they receive the care and support that they deserve,” Marcos said.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve veterans’ welfare, including plans to establish veterans hospitals in the Visayas and Mindanao, and the rollout of the Veterans Access to Lifetime Optimized Healthcare (VALOR) clinics.
“In moments like this, the government will do everything that is possible to cushion the impact and safeguard the welfare of our people,” he added.
In his speech, the President reflected on the significance of Bataan in Philippine history.
“Eighty-four years ago, Filipino and allied forces, outnumbered and outgunned, stood their ground. For months, they held the line with steady resolve and dauntless bravery, delaying the advance of an invading force at immense personal cost. And when the defenses finally fell, they faced one of the darkest chapters in our history, the Bataan Death March. Yet even in defeat, the spirit of the Filipinos did not break.”
He also acknowledged the resilience of civilians and guerrilla fighters during the war, noting that “resistance took many forms…This is the essence of our strength as a people—not merely the ability to fight, but the will to endure, not only to survive hardship, but to rise above it with dignity intact. The story of Bataan is a cornerstone of our national identity and a guiding light for the generations that follow.”
The President met with post-war veterans and their families during the commemoration, emphasizing that honoring the country’s war heroes must translate into tangible programs that improve their welfare.
He also touched on current global events, including the war in Iran, noting the economic impact of rising fuel prices on ordinary Filipinos.
