Folks forget the spirit of April 9 holiday

CEBU, Philippines - Some people tend to forget the essence of historical dates being commemorated yearly such as the Day of Valor or the “Araw ng Kagitingan” that was celebrated for the 72nd year yesterday. 

Warletio Matulak, a retired Cebu City Hall employee, said he remembered the date of the holiday but overlooked the importance of it.

“April 9 man gyod ang Araw ng Kagitingan, pero nalimot lang gyod ko unsa ning adlawa,” Matulak said.

Haide Quirante, 38, said she failed to remember the whole facts regarding the observance but one thing she’s certain is that it’s about taking pride of the heroes who fought for the liberty of the country.

Adela Sigurin, 49, said she completely forgot the holiday because it was taught in his elementary life.

“Murag dugay naman kaayo to nga gitudlo namo oy, pag-elementary pa gud to. Wala na gani ko kahibaw kanus-a na,” Sigurin added.

Lhynn Antopina, 31, said she disregarded the holiday for she has a lot of things that need to be attended to than remembering holidays.

Donnry Pia, a security guard, who said hilariously that he thinks he was absent when his teacher presented facts regarding the Day of Valor.

Political Science and History Professor of the University of San Jose-Recoletos Richard Fernandez said disregarding and ignoring the holiday, such as Day of Valor, “is a sad reality.”

“If we are going to forget about heroism or the acts of valor of our national heroes, I think this would be tantamount to losing our national identity,” he said, adding that it would lose the pride of every Filipinos.

Fernandez said media and the academe play a vital role in educating and reminding the Filipinos, the spirit of nationalism, patriotism, and heroism.

“Ang Araw ng Kagitingan, this is to commemorate the heroic acts of our National Heroes sa Pilipinas. So, this is to give honor to their sacrifices and at the same time, to celebrate the greatness of the Filipino spirit,” he added.

On April 9, 1942 during the World War II, Luzon Force commander Major General Edward King Jr. of the US Army surrendered at least 76,000 Filipino and American soldiers to the Japanese which led to the dreadful Death March of Filipino and American soldiers who walked 90 miles from Bataan to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Due to hunger, thirst and tiredness, thousands of them died.

During the celebration, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reminded everyone to do their responsibilities as a Cebuano and as a Filipino.

“If you love Cebu City let’s do what we opt to do, to make this country deserving of our existence for what was the reason of our heroes of yesteryears fighting (for country’s freedom),” he said.

With the theme “Ang Beterano: Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan sa Tuwid na Daan”, City Hall officials led by Rama offered flowers to Cebu Veterans Memorial which is a monument that signifies the decent death of the heroes for country’s freedom.

“I hope that as we end today’s activity our memories and heroism of the Filipino soldiers who sacrificed lives to give us freedom and democracy will not end but will continue to give us inspiration especially in present times,” said Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella, a commissioner of Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.

Rama ordered CHAC to look into “great men” from the different endeavors to be recognized before they die.

Rama said, in a small way, a person who is being respected for his or her contribution would be recognized with his or her family joining the awarding ceremony.

“Mo ingon man gud ning mga apo gud nga ngano maning akong lolo buhi pa man ni daghan naman kaayo ni nahimo ngano wala man hatagi og award…you know you would be leaving a beautiful memory to whoever the one concern,” he said.

He said he already gave the list of some identified personalities to CHAC but he refused to reveal the names. — Jean Marvette A. Demecillo and Mechelle P. Florita/GMR (FREEMAN)