PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday ordered all concerned government agencies to expedite the processing and distribution of benefits to the families of soldiers, police and other members of the uniformed services killed in action or during the fulfillment of their mandate.
During the commemoration of the “Araw ng Kagitingan” in Camp Aguinaldo, the President interacted with the families of 62 fallen members of the Armed Forces, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA).
Marcos said that as the national government prepared for the Day of Valor celebration, he learned that the release of benefits for the families of fallen heroes was very tedious and involved a long period due to the voluminous documents involved.
He said he ordered the expediting of processes, adding that he had always committed to taking care not just of the soldiers, police and other members of the uniformed service that serve the country, but their families as well.
“Kaya’t iyan po ang ating ginagawa po ngayong araw. Tinitiyak po natin na lahat po ng mga – lahat ng pamilya na nawalan ng mahal sa buhay ay mabigyan ng kanilang benepisyo sa pinakamadaling panahon at sisimulan po natin ngayong araw (That is what we are doing today. We are ensuring that all – all the families of those who perished will be provided the benefits at the soonest time possible and that should start now),” he said.
The government also awarded certificates from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and financial assistance to the families.
A total of P500,000 was given to each family sourced from the Special Financial Assistance under the Socio-Civic Project Funds of the Office of the President (OP).
Marcos, after the interaction with the 62 families, ordered the release of an additional P100,000 from OP.
Before the event, the President led the commemoration of the 83rd anniversary rites of Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan where he emphasized that “peace cannot be attained by one person, by one country alone” but all the parties involved must come together to achieve, promote and protect it.
“We are a little bit disappointed to see that the world, parts of the world, and many countries in the world have yet to learn that lesson. And we hope that peace will be brought to us soon,” Marcos said.
He added that the lessons learned and sacrifices of the veterans from World War II showed that the solution to a conflict or war is “not more war, and that the solution to war is only peace.”
He also said that it is not just through valor, bravery, courage and sacrifice, such as those demonstrated by those who fought in battles, that one can become a hero, but also through small heroic deeds of the people, especially during a crisis.
In a separate Araw ng Kagitingan message, the President recognized that valor is not solely about strength and resolve in the face of adversity but also about “small acts of compassion, generosity, and kindness that create meaningful ripples of positive change in our communities.”
Marcos encouraged Filipinos, especially the youth, to keep in mind the lessons from the past and emulate the examples not just of those who fought in Bataan but of all the veterans of World War II who fought bravely for their countries.
“As we face our challenges, may we follow their example by advancing causes that improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.
He said that through acts of genuine service and self-sacrifice to the nation, Filipinos can prove they are the rightful heirs of their ancestors’ heroic legacy and the faithful successors of their struggle to build a strong, secure, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.
UNDERGROUND MUSEUM
While in Mt. Samat, the President visited the newly curated Mt. Samat National Shrine Underground Museum, which was first inaugurated in 1970 by his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The museum underwent a P19 million renovation project, which included structural upgrades and redesigned exhibits.
The museum offers an immersive account of the Battle of Bataan and highlights the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of Filipino and American soldiers who fought side by side against the Japanese during World War II.
The museum displayed maps followed by the Filipino and the American soldiers during the “Death March” from Bataan to Tarlac, replicas of the guns and uniforms used during the war and several photographs.
Marcos, during the visit to Mt. Samat, also led the wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen soldiers with Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and US Deputy Chief Mission Robert Ewing.
Vice President Sara Duterte said the heroism of those who fought in World War II should inspire Filipinos “now that our unity and progress are faced with various challenges.”
“Nawa’y ang kanilang kabayanihan ay magsilbing inspirasyon sa bawat Pilipino (May their heroism serve as an inspiration to every Filipino),” she said in a statement.
“Sa Bataan ay naipanalo ng mga Pilipino ang pag-asa at ang taglay nitong kapangyarihan para magpatuloy tayo sa pagsulong sa kabila ng mga hamon ng panahon. Ipagdiwang natin ang kanilang alaala sa pamamagitan ng pagtatag ng isang bansang kailanma’y hindi na muling daranas ng gayong pagdurusa (In Bataan, Filipinos achieved hope and the power it holds to continue moving forward despite the challenges of the times. Let us commemorate their memory by building a nation that will never again experience such kind of suffering),” the Vice President added.
Speaker Martin Romualdez also honored the nation’s war heroes and urged Filipinos to “reflect not only on the battle of Bataan but also on the silent sacrifices and human cost that came with it.”
“Eighty-three years ago in Bataan, thousands of Filipinos stood their ground. They were tired. They were hungry. They were outnumbered. But they kept on fighting—not because they knew they’d win, but because they couldn’t give up their dignity as Filipinos,” he said. “Today, we remember more than just a battle. We remember the young lives lost too soon. The families who waited for loved ones who never came home. The quiet acts of courage that never made the headlines. Their bravery wasn’t loud—but it was firm, unshakable, and true.”
Romualdez, who represents Leyte, the place of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s historic landing, said the Day of Valor “is a time to reflect on what courage really means. It’s not always about medals or ceremonies. Most of the time, it looks like ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
“To our veterans and their families, thank you. What you gave up can never be repaid—but we honor you by building a country you can be proud of,” he said.
PAYING TRIBUTE
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. paid tribute to veterans, soldiers and Filipinos as the country commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan.
“I extend my sincere gratitude and respect to our veterans, soldiers, and every Filipino who continues to show courage and patriotism,” Teodoro said.
“As we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan, we remember the bravery of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our country,” added Teodoro.
Teodoro said their heroism, which he said is etched in Philippine history, is a “powerful reminder of what it means to be truly Filipino.”
“Yet beyond remembrance, this day calls upon each of us to rise to the challenge of nation-building — to contribute to the continued progress, peace, and security of our beloved country,” said Teodoro.
“In these uncertain times, may we draw strength from their legacy and stand united in purpose and resolve,” he added.
Teodoro reiterated the defense department’s commitment to honoring the “legacy of our veterans and protecting the future of our country.” – With Wendell Vigilia and Victor Reyes
