On the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called for peace as the only lasting answer to war, emphasizing that peace must be shaped by all parties involved.
Speaking from the historic grounds of Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan—where thousands gathered to honor Filipino and American World War II heroes—Marcos reminded the nation of the painful lessons learned from the horrors of war.
“The solution to war is not more war. The solution to war is only peace—an honorable peace that is reached by everyone who has a stake in it,” Marcos said. “Peace isn’t something achieved by a single person or nation. It must be built together.”
He lamented that many countries around the world still haven’t learned this hard-earned lesson, but expressed hope for a future where peace can prevail globally.
Marcos also led the wreath-laying ceremony and officially opened the newly renovated Mt. Samat National Shrine Underground Museum, a P19-million project beneath the Colonnade first inaugurated by his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., in 1970. The museum highlights Bataan’s pivotal role in World War II and honors both Filipino and American soldiers, as well as local heroes.
The President urged Filipinos to follow the footsteps of those who fought for freedom by pursuing causes that uplift others and promote peace and unity.
April 9, declared a regular holiday, marks the Fall of Bataan in 1942—a day to remember the courage and sacrifice of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II.