MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called for renewed global commitment to peace during his speech commemorating the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), lamenting that some nations still fail to grasp the devastating impact of war.
Speaking at the solemn event, Marcos didn’t name any country directly but expressed disappointment that “many parts of the world have yet to learn the lessons” from past conflicts.
“We are a little bit disappointed to see that the world… has yet to learn that lesson,” he said. “We hope that peace will be brought to us soon.”
Marcos emphasized that the only lasting resolution to armed conflict is “an honorable peace”—a consensus built by all parties involved.
“We celebrate the lessons gained from this terrible hardship. The answer to war is not more war—it is peace,” he added.
Also present was Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, who highlighted the transformation of Japan from wartime aggressor to a modern peace advocate, now allied with the Philippines and the U.S.
Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ewing reaffirmed America’s defense commitment, revealing plans for expanded military cooperation with the Philippines. This includes the upcoming Exercise Balikatan and new special forces training in Batanes, along with drone surveillance operations over Philippine waters.
The Day of Valor commemorates the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, and honors the heroism of Filipino soldiers during World War II.