MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will lead the commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on its 83rd Anniversary on 9 April 2025 at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), Mt. Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan. He will be joined by His Excellency Endo Kazuya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in the Philippines, and Mr. Robert Y. Ewing, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in the Philippines.
The Araw ng Kagitingan commemorates the valor and courage of World War II Veterans in the defense of their homeland. 9 April coincides with the anniversary of the Fall of Bataan during the 1941-1942 Philippine Defense Campaign where Filipino and American Forces fought a valiant resistance action against Imperial Japanese Forces. This 2025, the Araw ng Kagitingan is imbued with the theme “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Heroism of Veterans: Pillar of Progress in the New Philippines) that recognizes the immense contributions of war veterans in ensuring a bountiful and just future for the Filipino people. The commemoration has also served as a moment of mutual respect and understanding between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan decades after the bloody conflict. A testament to the enduring memory and hope of a peaceful and prosperous future as friends, allies, and partners.
Apart from the aforementioned officials, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., Bataan Governor Jose Enrique S. Garcia III, Balanga Bishop Rufino C. Sescon, Jr., and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. will also grace the occasion.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research, and publications, and to preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.
Refer to:
NHCP Communications Team
T.M. Kalaw Ave., Ermita, Manila 1000
info@nhcp.gov.ph | nhcpcommunications@gmail.com
(+632) 5335-1217 | (+63960) 328-4200