By Lane Afable, News Editor
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized that honoring the past is not just remembrance but also a call to responsibility – urging vigilance, unity, and action in the present.
Speaking during the 84th Anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan in Bataan, President Marcos said that while today’s challenges differ from the past, they continue to test the country’s resilience.
“Today’s challenges may not mirror those of yesterday, but they test us in much the same way. Among these is the enduring geopolitical tension that we are observing in the Middle East,” President Marcos said.
“While we may stand far from the centers of conflict,
we are not untouched by its consequences. Fuel prices weigh heavily on Filipino families, those who already have the least having been subjected the most to this scourge,” he added.
The President likewise reaffirmed his commitment to mitigating the impact of the war in the Gulf region and safeguarding the welfare of Filipinos.
“In moments like these, the government will do everything that is possible to cushion the impact and safeguard the welfare of our people,” the Chief Executive said, adding that governance alone is not enough as “nation-building has always been a shared responsibility” grounded in integrity, courage, and patriotism.
“Sa panahon ng matitinding pagsubok, tulad ng nangyayari ngayon, kailangan nating balikan ang isang mahalagang bahagi ng katangian ng bilang Pilipino—ang pakikipagkapwa. Dapat nating kilalanin na ang bawat isa ay may parehong pangangailangan, may parehong pangarap, at may parehong pinagdaraanan,” the President said.
“Sa ganitong paraan, mapapalalim natin ang ating tiwala sa pamahalaan, ang ating malasakit sa kapwa, at ang ating pagmamahal sa ating bayan. Dahil kapag iniisip natin ang kapakanan ng iba, mas nagiging malinaw kung bakit kailangan tayong magtulungan at magkaisa,” President Marcos added.
The President also said that through understanding and compassion, we can help ease the struggles of our fellow Filipinos during these trying times, while reminding the public that the nation’s progress also reflects on how we rise above life challenges.
The Chief Executive also called on Filipinos to work together in building a Bagong Pilipinas that is “steadfast in purpose, united in vision, and worthy of the heroism that today we celebrate.”
This year’s theme for Araw ng Kagitingan, “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi,” highlights that the strength of the past continues to shape and inspire future generations.
