Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan — Standing before the hallowed grounds of the Mt. Samat Shrine and the memory of Filipino heroes, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered a powerful message during the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) celebration on Wednesday morning:
“Only peace is the solution to war.”
In his speech commemorating the sacrifices of Filipino veterans during the infamous Bataan Death March, President Marcos emphasized the immense cost of war—not only in lives and property but also in the spirit of a nation. At a time when global tensions and conflicts remain, he urged the nation to prioritize peace as the only true path forward.
“Our history stands as proof of courage, but it also reminds us that every war comes at the cost of human life. So today, as we honor our heroes, we must reaffirm this truth: only peace can truly end war,” said Marcos.
A Call for Reflection and Unity
The Day of Valor is held annually to honor the bravery of Filipino and Allied soldiers who stood against foreign invaders during World War II. But more than a historical remembrance, President Marcos used the occasion as a platform to call for unity and a deeper appreciation for the importance of peace in our modern era.
He also highlighted the role of the younger generation in upholding peace—not just through defense but through open-mindedness, civic participation, and rejecting extremism and violence.
Peace as the Foundation of Progress
President Marcos said peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but an active state of cooperation, understanding, and progress. In a society built on peace, there is room for education, employment, and freedom—all vital components of national growth.
“Peace is the foundation of development. No nation can prosper if its people live in fear. That is why we make this commitment: to champion peace in every home, community, and nation,” he added.
Conclusion
President Marcos’ message on this year’s Araw ng Kagitingan serves as a timely reminder to this generation: never again should we allow history to repeat itself in violence and war. Instead, we must promote the spirit of peace as our strongest weapon—a weapon rooted in heroism, compassion, and unity.
As we remember the courage of those who came before us, may we also deepen our resolve to pursue peace—because in the end, “Only peace is the solution to war.”
