CAPAS, Tarlac (PIA) — Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation Chairperson Loren Legarda highlighted the importance of upholding a higher standard of heroism in modern times.
She emphasized that while acts of kindness and courage are often recognized today, these do not fully capture the depth of sacrifice shown by those who endured the harsh realities of war.
“Sa panahon ng digmaan, at krisis gaya ngayon, iba ang sukatan ng kabayanihan – mas mataas, mas mabigat, mas totoo (In times of war and crisis like today, the measure of heroism is different – higher, heavier, and more real),” Legarda said during this year’s Joint Tribute to All Filipino Heroes and Paggunita sa Capas.
The lawmaker explained that true heroism in times of conflict requires discipline, resilience, and selflessness.
“Sa digmaan, walang bayaning inuuna ang sarili. Handa siyang magmartsa sa harap ng kamatayan kapalit ang buhay at ang payapang kapiling ang pamilya (In war, no hero puts himself/herself first. He/she is willing to march toward death in exchange for life and a peaceful time with his/her family),” Legarda pressed.
She added that the bravery and valor of Filipino veterans are incomparable as this kind of heroism is difficult to confer because it is also hard to live by.
With this, Legarda underscored the importance of institutionalizing the proposed Philippine Veterans Month Act to further strengthen remembrance and support for the veterans.
“Ating isinulong ang Philippine Veterans Month Act upang ang pag-alala ay hindi lamang maging isang seremonya kundi maging tungkulin (We pushed for the Philippine Veterans Month Act so that remembrance will not only serve as a ceremony but a duty),” she disclosed.
The annual Tribute to All Filipino Heroes, traditionally held in Corregidor Island, honors Filipino heroes, patriots, martyrs, and defenders who fought for the country’s freedom—from the time of Lapu-Lapu to the Philippine Revolution, the Filipino-American War, and World War II.
Paggunita sa Capas, on the other hand, is a day of remembrance for those who endured the Bataan Death March and became prisoners of war at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
The site, once a Japanese concentration camp, became an internment ground for about 20,000 Filipino and 1,600 American soldiers, many of whom perished due to sickness, deprivation, and enemy brutality during the war.
These events; now jointly held every April 10 in Capas, Tarlac; is part of the annual observance of Philippine Veterans Week.
This year’s commemoration carries the theme “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi.”
