PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead the commemoration today of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), which recognizes and honors the sacrifices of veterans and soldiers who fought and protected the country, especially during the Second World War.
Philippine Veterans Office (PVAO) Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator Domingo Carbonell Jr., in an interview with the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, said the Day of Valor celebration is the highlight of the Veterans’ Week celebration.
“The highlight of the week, the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan, will be commemorated on April 9, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the Mount Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead the activities, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Dambana ng Kagitingan to honor Filipino and American veterans of World War II,” he said.
Carbonell said the President is also expected to reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare of Filipino veterans during the event.
Marcos is expected to be joined by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and the ambassadors of the United States and Japan, among others.
Carbonell said the commemoration of Veterans’ Week started with the Sunrise and Wreath Laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Libingan ng mga Bayani last April 5 and the parade and review in honor of veteran soldiers, also last April 5, at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
The weeklong celebration will be concluded with the “Tribute to all Filipino Heroes & Paggunita sa Capas” ceremony at the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac on April 10 and the Sunset Ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 11.
PVAO said another event to celebrate the veterans includes the “Faces of Valor Historical Exhibit” at the University of Santo Tomas, which will be open to the public from April 21 – 30.
Free rides are also available to veterans at the Light and Metro Rail Transits (LRT/MRT) throughout the Philippine Veterans Week.
Carbonell said the observance of Veterans Week is significant as it recognizes the works and sacrifices of veterans.
“Mapapanatili natin iyong mga pinaghirapan, sakripisyo, kagitingan ng mga beterano natin ay ipakita natin na sinusunod natin ang mga inutos sa atin ng ating matataas at magbigay respeto tayo sa mga beterano natin (We can preserve the hard work, sacrifice, and bravery of our veterans by showing that we follow the orders given to us by our superiors and by showing respect for our veterans),” he said.
HOLIDAY PAY
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded private sector employers of the existing pay rules in effect for today’s observance of “Araw ng Kagitingan.”
In its Labor Advisory No. 04-2025, the DOLE said existing pay rules for private sector workers must be observed.
For work done during the regular holiday, the department said the employer shall pay a total of 200 percent of the employee’s wage for that day for the first eight hours, and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate for overtime work.
For work done during a regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the DOLE said the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the basic wage of 200 percent and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate for overtime work.
If an employee does not work, the employer shall pay 100 percent of the employee’s wage for that day, provided the employee reports for work or is on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the regular holiday. – With Gerard Naval
