Valor Day

This day commemorates the greatness of Filipinos who fought in World War II. In the Philippines, it is observed on the 9th of April. The day of Valor is designated as a public holiday. Every municipality in the Philippines holds a little parade to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan. Soldiers were compelled to travel 145 kilometers to Camp O'Donnell in San Fernando that day. It is known as the Bataan Death March due to the large number of people who died as a result of malnutrition and dehydration. Despite their helplessness and defeat, they held firm and returned to fight for the country. The purpose of Araw ng Kagitingan, or the Day of Valor, is to honor the Bataan heroes who held steadfast in the face of adversity.

Public historian Xiao Chua said that for ships to reach Manila, these would have to pass between Cavite and Bataan, where the island of Corregidor was located. He said the plan was to “frustrate” the efforts of the Japanese troops by making it hard for them to transport their supplies to Manila. As the war continued, Filipino and American soldiers defended Bataan in what was now considered one of the longest battles in Asia. According to historian Dr. Ricardo Jose, what was admirable about the soldiers in Bataan was that they were not professionals but reservists and ordinary people who trained for only six months. He said these farmers, students, office workers and “non-professional armies stood up against these veteran Japanese troops” from China who were experienced in combat. “It was something remarkable,” he said. Bataan became a symbol of hope, so it was a painful defeat for Filipinos when it fell on April 9. Through the Voice of Freedom radio broadcast, 3rd Lt. Normando Ildefonso Reyes announced Capt. Salvador Lopez’s message that Bataan had surrendered.Despite the defeat, the battle in Bataan became a historical moment not only for Filipinos, but also for the entire world. 

“We never celebrate the Fall of Bataan. We commemorate the Fall of Bataan. We remember,” said Jose.

He said the many lives lost in Bataan were a tradegy should never happen again 

Sources:,US Army Center for Military History: Fall of Bataan, US Army Center for Military History: General Macarthur's Reports, US Army Center for Military History: Numbers of Filipino/US Troops, The Malayan Campaign: Lessons for ONE SAF, Philippine Veteran Affairs Office: Mt Samat Shrine, Republic Act 3022, Executive Act No. 203, Proclamation No. 466, Maywood Bataan Day Organization, Araw ng Kagitingan: Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, Inforgraphics on the Battle of Bataan: Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines