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MARCOS CALLS FOR COMPASSION, UNITY, LOVE OF COUNTRY

admin April 10, 2026

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on Filipinos to embody courage in every decision, act of service, and principled stance that they uphold, emphasizing that the true strength of the nation is measured not only by its victories but by how its people rise and stand together as one.

In his Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) message on Thursday, President Marcos reminded the nation that while the challenges the country faces today continue to evolve, compassion, unity, and patriotism must always prevail.

“Maaaring iba na ang mga hamon natin ngayon, ngunit hindi nagbabago ang kailangan upang manaig: malasakit, pagkakaisa, at pagmamahal sa bansa,” President Marcos said.

“Kaya inaanyayahan ko ang bawat isa na isabuhay ang kagitingan sa bawat tamang desisyon, sa bawat pagtulong sa kapwa, at sa bawat paninindigan sa tama. Sapagkat ang tunay na lakas ng isang nasyon ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa mga tagumpay na ating ipinagdiriwang, kundi sa kung paano tayo tumatayo at lumalaban bilang iisang bansa,” the President added.

The Chief Executive also underscored the courage and sacrifices of the heroes who fought for our country’s freedom, noting that their bravery continues to inspire Filipinos to rise and strive for their families’ welfare and the nation’s betterment.

“Ngayong araw, inaalala natin ang tapang at sakripisyo ng mga Pilipinong tumindig para sa ating kalayaan. Sa Bataan at Corregidor, pinatunayan nila na ang tunay na bayani ay hindi sumusuko sa kabila ng pagod, hirap, at pagdadalamhati,” President Marcos said.

“Ang kanilang kabayanihan ay hindi lamang bahagi ng ating kasaysayan. Ito ay buhay na paalala na ang diwa ng kagitingan ay nananatili sa bawat Pilipinong patuloy na nagsusumikap at bumabangon para sa kanilang pamilya at sa bayan,” the President added.

The President likewise urged Filipinos to uphold courage by always choosing to be upright to achieve a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino thrives.

The Day of Valor commemorates the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers who defended Bataan from Japanese Forces during the Second World War.