Marcos calls on Filipinos to have courage in speaking up against discrimination
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Sunday called on Filipinos to reexamine their values and speak up against discrimination as the Philippines commemorated World War II heroes.
Filipinos should honor their heroes, including Filipino warriors who defended Bataan, Corregidor and Bessang Pass against Japanese soldiers during World War II, by “speaking up against discrimination, extending help to those in need, and working towards a better future,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement.
“May we also learn to make wise and sound decisions so that we may address our country’s pressing problems with compassion and concern for others,” he said.
The Philippines’ Araw ng Kagitingan, which translates to Day of Valor, is observed as a national holiday every April 9.
As it falls on a Sunday this year, the presidential palace moved the holiday to April 10 to give Filipinos a long weekend, which also follows the annual Thursday-Friday holidays in observance of Holy Week.
In his Easter Sunday message, Mr. Marcos asked Filipinos to reflect on the occasion’s message of “renewal.”
“May this day be an opportunity for us to pause and give thanks for the opportunity for renewal and recovery as we push through our quest for genuine unity and progress for all,” he said.
More than 85 million Filipinos identified themselves as Roman Catholic in a 2022 census. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza
