MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that the Philippines "must not back down from challenges that seek to threaten its peace, honor, and very existence."

Marcos made the statement during the 82nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, where he called on Filipinos to stand against oppression amid current challenges that threaten the country within its territory.

In his speech, Marcos mentioned the "clear and present threats to the country’s sovereign rights," which he said have caused physical harm to Filipinos.

"Ang mga ito ay hindi katanggap-tanggap. Hindi makatuwiran o makatarungan, lalo na sa panahong ito ng payapang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga bansa," he said.

(These are not acceptable. These are not reasonable or just, especially in this era of peaceful diplomacy between nations.)

While the President did not elaborate on these threats, his statement comes amid growing concern over China’s continued aggression against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the most recent of which led to the injuries of several Filipino naval personnel.

The Philippine leader said Filipinos should seek inspiration and learn from the heroism and sacrifice of the nation's war heroes by not allowing themselves to yield to these challenges.

Trilateral summit to boost PH defense modernization: envoy

"Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang mga kaganapan noong 1942 at ang tagumpay natin noong 1945 sa ating lahat. Gayundin sa ating kabataan at sa mga ating susunod na salinlahi," Marcos said.

(May the events of 1942 and our victory in 1945 serve as an inspiration to all of us, and also to our youth and our future generations)

"Tulad ng pinamalas ng ating mga dakilang ninuno, hindi tayo dapat magpasupil at magpaapi, lalo na sa loob ng ating sariling bakuran. Nawa’y mapagkunan natin ito ng pang-ibayong kamalayan, tapang, at lakas ng loob. Higit sa lahat, nawa’y patuloy nitong pagtibayin ang ating pagkakaisa at ang ating pagiging makabansa,” he said.

(As our great forefathers observed, we should not allow ourselves to be subjugated and oppressed, especially within our own backyard. May we be able to source it with an outer consciousness, courage, and strength of character. Above all, may it continue to strengthen our unity and our nationalism.)

The President directed the Department of National Defense, Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Finance to look at the existing separation benefits of soldiers who incurred total permanent disability in the line of duty. 

This is to see, he said, whether these benefits "are commensurate to [the] sacrifices they have made."

Marcos also ordered the defense department and the military "to assess and submit a report on the responsiveness of the current inventory of military supplies and equipment."

"These measures aim to show our unwavering support to our soldiers as they face new and growing challenges," he said. 

Also on Day of Valor, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said that history and appreciation of heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country would be taught to young learners.

"Sila ay natatanging halimbawa ng tapang at pagmamahal sa bayan. Ang kanilang hangarin na ipagtanggol ang dangal at integridad ng ating bansa sa panahon ng digmaan ay inspirasyon na dapat nating tularan at alagaan. Kaya't patuloy nating isapuso at tutukan ang mga aral ng ating kasaysayan," Duterte said in a video message.

"Ang Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo at Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ay naglalayong maituro at maipaunawa sa bawat batang Pilipino ang pagpapahalaga sa kasaysayan at sa mga bayaning nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay," she added.

(They are examples of bravery and love of country. Their desire to defend the honor and integrity of our country in times of war is an inspiration that we should emulate. The Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education aim to teach the Filipino youth appreciation for history and the heroes who sacrificed their lives.)

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. paid tribute to Filipino veterans who fought for the country’s freedom and independence.

“Buong-pusong nagpupugay ang Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa sa mga Beteranong Pilipino na nakipaglaban para sa kalayaan, kasarinlan at kapayapaan ng ating bayan,” Teodoro said.

“Magsilbi nawang inspirasyon ang kanilang kagitingan sa pagkakaisa ng sambayanan at sa pagtugon sa mga hamon ng panahon, tungo sa mapayapa, matatag, at maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. remembered the courage and sacrifices of our heroes “who valiantly fought for the freedom and liberties we enjoy today.”

“We remember with profound gratitude the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers who gallantly defended our nation's honor in the face of adversity in past wars and armed conflicts. Their selflessness and commitment to duty serve as an enduring inspiration to all Filipinos, reminding us of the true meaning of valor and patriotism,” Brawner said.

PROTEST VS CHINESE AGGRESSION

Meanwhile, fisherfolk group Pamalakaya and other allied organizations trooped to the Chinese Embassy in Makati on Tuesday to protest against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

In a brief program, protesters condemned the harassment of Filipino troops and fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

They also clarified their stance cautioning against joint maritime patrols.

"Sa araw na ito, nirerehistro natin mariing pagtutol sa walang batayang pag-occupy ng China sa West PH Sea," said Fernando Hicap, chairperson of Pamalakaya.

(This Day of Valor, we are once again condemning baseless Chinese occupation of the West Philippine Sea," said Fernando Hicap, chairperson of Pamalakaya.

"Ayaw natin ng giyera, hindi tayo maka-China, hindi tayo maka-US," he added. "Ayaw natin giyera, gusto natin kapayapaan." 

(We do not want war. We are not pro-China, we are not pro-US. We do not want war, we want peace.) 

Pamalakaya earlier cautioned the government against joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea with allies such as the US and Japan.

The groups peacefully ended their program, but announced a larger protest is set this April 11 at the US Embassy.

REMULLA HONORS GOV'T WORKERS

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed hope that Department of Justice personnel would be inspired by Philippine World War II heroes in his Araw ng Kagitingan message.

“Let this day inspire us to become heroes in our own little way, the 'modern day heroes' of the Department - steadfast to the Rule of Law,” further said the Secretary,” Remulla said in a statement.

Remulla said that the heroism shown by Filipinos during the war should be emulated by those in government service.

“Today, we commemorate the lives of unsung heroes who stood up against the Japanese forces during World War II. We are reminded of our forebears who fought for this country’s victory. You are likened to them.  Each of you is a hero on your own,” Remulla said.

Remulla also noted the sacrifices each DOJ personnel makes in the interest of public service, especially lawyers who chose government work instead of private practice.

“Our lawyers in the department may have even defied the lure of lucrative practice to prosecute people who continue to abuse our country and people,” Remulla said.