Photo courtesy: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte cited concerns about the country’s direction in foreign policy, the renewed insurgency, and the status of the Bangsamoro peace process in Mindanao in commemoration of the 84th Valor Day on Thursday, April 9.
Duterte delivered the message during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Monument in Davao City, attended by veterans, government agencies, civic groups, and uniformed men under the theme “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi.”
The Vice President said the state of the nation has failed the Filipino soldier. She said the lack of a clear, independent foreign policy creates uncertainty about whose interests the armed forces are protecting.
While Duterte underscored the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers who fought for peace and freedom, he said the present national conditions show shortcomings in supporting them.
“This commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan is very important because we need to remember, and our children need to know, the sacrifices of our soldiers so that we can live peacefully in our country,” Duterte said, despite the nation’s current situation.
She said the lack of a clear, principled direction weakens national defense and affects morale. She also raised concerns about the gradual return of insurgency, citing skirmishes in some areas and recruitment of youth by the New People’s Army.
Duterte further pointed to what she described as the faltering Bangsamoro peace process, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front growing restless over delays in implementing agreements and the slow pace of development in their communities.
As the nation commemorates Valor Day, Duterte said, it honors the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the Filipino soldiers in the fall of Bataan in 1942, who, weakened by hunger and disease, had to surrender to Japanese forces.
“We remember those who stood their ground in the face of overwhelming odds, who chose duty over comfort, and who offered their lives so that future generations could inherit a nation worth living and fighting for,” Duterte said.
Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, highlighted the day’s historical importance, remembering the bravery of Filipino and Allied forces in World War II and the ongoing resistance, especially in Mindanao.
“Today, we commemorate the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve of those who fought in Bataan and Corregidor—outnumbered, weakened, yet unyielding. They chose to stand and fight,” Luzon said.
Luzon said the legacy of wartime heroes remained deeply personal to him as a Filipino soldier and leader of the 10th Infantry Agila Division. He recalled the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, but emphasized that resistance did not end there.
“While Bataan fell, the fight did not end. The spirit of resistance did not perish on those shores. It endured, it adapted, it moved, it lived on across our archipelago, most especially here in Mindanao,” he added.
Luzon said guerrilla fighters in Davao showed the same courage and determination, keeping the fight for freedom alive despite hardships. He added that, though the struggle continues, it proves that the Filipino spirit endures even in the face of losses.
“Here in Davao, that same spirit did not end with a war. It endured through generations, guiding our people to overcome new challenges, face emerging threats, and secure lasting peace,” the army official said.
Davao City Police Office director Colonel Peter Bauzon Madria said its participation reflects its commitment to honor the legacy of Filipino heroes and uphold the values of courage, unity, and patriotism in service to the community and the nation.
Madria said the observance of the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan served as a reminder of every Filipino’s responsibility to safeguard the nation’s hard-earned liberty passed by the previous heroes for present and future generations. (By Ivy Tejano)
