BATAAN – Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea representing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, will lead the nation in the observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan rites at Mt. Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan on 9 April 2018 at 9:00 in the morning.  This year’s theme is “Kagitingan at Pagmamahal sa Pilipinas Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago,” (“Bravery and Love for the Philippines Toward Genuine Change”).

Executive Secretary Medialdea will be joined by Ambassador of Japan Koji Haneda and Charge d’ Affaires of the United States of America Michael S. Klecheski in the wreath-laying rites.

Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Rene R. Escalante will deliver the welcome remarks and  an overview of the historical event, respectively.

Executive Secretary Medialdea will award the winners of the National Creative Painting and Essay Writing Contests and the Oratorical Contest.  He will be assisted by Department of Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones, Department of National Defense-Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina, and VFP Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. President Estrella DL. Santos.

In addition, there will be a launching of the Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ) logo and the groundbreaking ceremony.

Messages will be delivered by Ambassador Haneda and Mr. Klecheski.  Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs Reynaldo B. Mapagu will introduce Executive Secretary Medialdea to deliver the keynote address.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums and publications, and preserve the nation’s historical heritage.