GOVERNMENT officials and lawmakers on Tuesday paid tribute to the men and women in uniform and urged Filipinos to emulate their bravery on a holiday that marked the fall of Bataan to Japanese invaders during World War II.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called on Filipinos to let the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) serve as an inspiration in overcoming the challenges that the country faced.

"As a proud member of the Philippine Army (PA) Reserve Force, I would like to pay tribute to our Armed Forces, Coast Guard and police personnel who courageously defend our freedom and sovereignty from internal and external threats," Zubiri said.

A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO A soldier of the Philippine Army salutes the grave of a fallen soldier and families remember their dead during the Day of Valor or 'Araw ng Kagitingan' inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

"To all Filipinos, let us work together toward peace and progress for our nation. Happy Day of Valor, and long live our beloved Philippines," Zubiri added.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva urged Filipinos to show unity in the face of "the ongoing aggression of China and the blatant suppression of the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea."

Villanueva encouraged the people to keep alive in their hearts and minds the hardships and sacrifices experienced by Filipinos at the hands of foreigners during World War II.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defense, paid homage "to the sacrifices and bravery of our guardians of peace and freedom — our war veterans and our dedicated uniformed personnel."

"Today is more meaningful because we face a new challenge to defend our sovereignty against oppressive foreigners. Now, we should give more recognition and value to the monuments of our freedom, the guardians of our peace and the symbols of our courage.

"The sacrifices of our nation's unsung heroes form the bedrock on which we stand. We honor their unwavering loyalty to the flag," Estrada said.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said it is crucial that Filipinos stand firm in asserting the country's claims in line with international law.

"On this Araw ng Kagitingan, we take a moment to reflect on the courage and bravery of our forebears who defended our freedom during the darkest chapters of our history," Romualdez said.

"Today, as we pay homage to their courage, we must also heed the invaluable lessons they impart. Defending Philippine sovereignty and territory is not merely a historical obligation; it is an ongoing responsibility that demands our unwavering commitment and vigilance," he said.

"In a world marked by geopolitical complexities and territorial disputes, it is crucial that we stand firm in protecting our nation's borders and asserting our legitimate claims in accordance with international law," he said.

Romualdez also urged Filipinos to acknowledge the battle against poverty and inequality.

"Our commitment to freedom... encompasses the liberation of our people from the shackles of poverty, hunger and deprivation. We must stand united in the fight against poverty, extending a helping hand to the less fortunate and empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their families," he said.

Vice President Sara Duterte said Filipino veterans should be emulated for their sacrifice that led to the freedom that Filipinos are currently enjoying.

In her message commemorating the 82nd year of Araw ng Kagitingan, Duterte said that Filipino veterans of World War II are examples of bravery and love of country.

"Their aim to protect the honor and the integrity of our country during the war is an inspiration that we need to follow and take care of. We must follow it by heart and continue to learn from our history," Duterte said.

She said that the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President will continue to teach the youth the importance of history and the heroes who died for their country.

"Let us celebrate Filipino veterans of World War II and give them the honor for standing up for our country in the name of freedom," she said.