President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to lead the nation in commemorating the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday, April 9, at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Bataan.
The annual event will honor the heroism and sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers who fought in the Battle of Bataan during World War II.
This year’s commemoration carries the theme, “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Heroism of Veterans: Foundation of the Progress of the New Philippines), emphasizing the enduring significance of veterans' contributions to the country's future.
President Marcos is expected to deliver a keynote address paying tribute to their bravery and resilience.
Key figures anticipated to attend include Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Jose Jr. Foreign dignitaries, including U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, along with provincial and local government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, are also expected to participate in the solemn ceremony at Mount Samat, a historic site overlooking the battlegrounds of Bataan and a poignant symbol of wartime sacrifice and national pride.
The Department of National Defense (DND) has announced that the activities for the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) week are free and open to the public.
DND Assistant Secretary for Defense Communications Arsenio Andolong encouraged all Filipinos to participate in the events.
Beyond the Mount Samat commemoration, other significant events are planned, including a Joint Tribute to All Filipino Heroes & Paggunita sa Capas at the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac on April 10, followed by a Sunset Ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 11.
Additionally, the "Faces of Valor Historical Exhibit" will be open for viewing at the University of Santo Tomas from April 21 to 30. During Philippine Veterans Week, veterans will also be entitled to free rides on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
The Department of Labor and Employment has reminded employers of the proper wage payment for private sector employees working on Araw ng Kagitingan.
Employees reporting for work on April 9 are entitled to 200% of their daily salary for the first eight hours, with additional compensation for overtime and work performed on a rest day that coincides with the holiday.
Senate President Francis Escudero also sent a message to commemorate the event. “On this day, we look back and pay homage to the Filipinos who sacrificed their lives to fight for the freedom and honor of our nation. In commemorating Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), we remember the lessons of history—that freedom is not easily attained and is paid for with sweat, blood, and life,” Escudero said.
Araw ng Kagitingan is observed annually to commemorate the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, and to honor the memory of those who endured the Bataan Death March, underscoring the enduring lessons of history and the value of freedom.
