FILIPINOS have shown courage in protecting the nation against the colonizers.
Despite the limited weaponry, Filipinos continue to gamble their lives in protecting the country.
They showed this again during World War 2, when the country was occupied by the Japanese.
In 1942, the Bataan Death March occurred with the surrender of Filipino soldiers and allied Americans to the Japanese.
More or less 10,000 prisoners of war died in that march from Bataan to Tarlac.
But because of the courage of Filipino soldiers with allied Americans and some Filipino groups who have taken arms against the conquerors, the Japanese have been defeated by the united force.
Courage is the root of the independence of the Philippines and we owe it to the brave souls who fought for our liberty.
Last Monday, April 9, the “76th Araw ng Kagitingan” was celebrated throughout the country.
In Davao City, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio led the honoring of the great Filipino fighters at the “Dambana ng mga Bayani” (Veterans Memorial Monument) along Roxas Avenue.
The city government of Davao also recognized the remaining World War 2 and Commonwealth Army veterans by giving medals of liberty.
During the commemoration, a 21-gun salute and flowers were offered for the brave heroes.