By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators have honored the war veterans for their sacrifices and bravery in defending the Philippine sovereignty on the Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan).
“Ngayon, higit na makabuluhan ang araw na ito dahil nahaharap tayo sa panibagong hamon na ipagtanggol ang ating soberanya laban sa mga mapang-aping mga dayuhan. Ngayon, mas higit natin bigyan ng pagkilala at pagpapahalaga ang mga bantayog ng ating kalayaan, ang mga tagapagpangalaga ng ating kapayapaan at simbolo ng ating katapangan,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said in a statement.
“The sacrifices of our nation’s unsung heroes form the bedrock on which we stand. We honor their unwavering loyalty to the flag,” he added.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, on the other hand, also recognized the bravery of those who protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“Their daily acts of courage, in the face of a giant threat, honor the lives of those before us who suffered and sacrificed in the name of our sovereignty,” she said.
“The everyday courage — of the Filipino fisherfolk venturing out to sea, of the Coast Guard patrolling our waters, of our Navy standing guard on an ailing yet resolute ship — stirs our hearts and strengthens our resolve to fight for what is ours, for what is right, for what is true,” the senator added.
Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the bravery and patriotism of those who fought and died for our nation.
(el Amigo/MNM)