MANILA – As the country celebrates the Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, President Rodrigo Duterte paid tribute to frontliners fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In his speech, the President said the service of the frontline workers reflect the heroism displayed by Filipino soldiers in 1942.
“As we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated frontliners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” he said on Friday.
“The valor of our forebears, which was exhibited during the defense of Bataan almost eight decades ago, has left an indelible mark in our history and shaped our indomitable spirit to rise after every fall,” he added.
For Vice President Leni Robredo, the Day of Valor serves as reminder for Filipinos to continue standing in solidarity.
“Tulad ng Bataan noon, nababalot tayo ng kadiliman ngayon dahil sa pandemya. Marami na sa atin ang nagsakripisyo, ang nagdusa, ang nawalan,” Robredo said. “Walang Pilipinong kailangang maging magiting mag-isa.”
“Sama-sama tayo. Tulong-tulong tayo. At sa paggabay ng diwa ng mga bayani ng Bataan at Corregidor, tiwala ako: Madadaig natin ang mga hamon ng panahong ito. Makapagtataguyod tayo, tulad ng pinangarap nila noon, ng bansang mas malaya, mas makatarungan, at mas makatao,” she added./PN
