Why is the Fall of Bataan commemorated as Araw ng Kagitingan?

Although students and employees nationwide enjoy a holiday off on April 9, some people may not be aware that it is in commemoration of the Fall of Bataan.

Out of our many historical events, why was the Fall of Bataan, which happened April 9, 1942, chosen to be the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan?

According to historians, this was meant to recall the thousands of Filipinos who dedicated their lives to free the country during World War II.

World War II started in the Pacific region on Dec. 8, 1941, when the Japanese forces attacked US bases, including those in the Philippines.

In response, the War Plan Orange 3, or the plan to place all of the country’s defenses in Bataan, was implemented.

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 stood our ground. We held out until April” while “all the others,” including “Indonesia, Netherlands, East Indies,” fell earlier, said Jose.

“[We were the last ones to surrender] and we really held out much longer than anyone anticipated,” he said.

The more than 80,000 Filipino and American surrenderees became part of the tragic Death March, where the Japanese forced them to walk 100 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga.

When they reached their destination, they were made to ride small wagons that brought them to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

More than 20,000 people were estimated to have died during Death March.

Today, as Filipinos commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan, we do not merely remember the selfless acts of those who have come before us, but also honor the people who have given their lives for the freedom we have now.

“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 tragedy should never happen again.

“It (Bataan) was a light for the whole world to look at and then [when it fell], never ever let that be forgotten. The fact that it stayed that long was already a victory by itself,” said Jose.

“Kailangan talagang makita natin. We have to become more aware of what happened then kasi nagsisilbi ’yang very strong example of what they did then, ano ang kayang gawin ngayon.”

[We really need to see it. We have to become more aware of what happened then because it serves as a strong example of what they did then, and what we can do now.] – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News