#ArawNgKagitingan2021: Duterte, Robredo liken country's COVID-19 battle to World War II

To commemorate the country’s 78th Day of Valor today, April 9, President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo shined the light on the country’s ongoing battle against COVID-19.

In a statement, Duterte gave tribute to the frontliners, saying how their courage mirrors the soldiers who fought during the 1942 fall of Bataan during World War II against Japanese invaders.

“As we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated frontliners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” said Duterte.

“Today, we honor our fallen soldiers whose sacrifice became the bedrock of our resolve to uphold our most cherished liberties. May this awareness resonate among us as we strive to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” he added.

Meanwhile, VP Leni reiterated that just like during the war, many Filipinos have “sacrificed, suffered, and sustained losses.” She went on to remind the country that we ought to practice camaraderies during these times.

“Walang Pilipinong kailangang maging magiting mag-isa. Sama-sama tayo. Tulong-tulong tayo."

"Madadaig natin ang mga hamon ng panahong ito. Makakapagtaguyod tayo, tulad ng pinangarap nila noon, ng bansang mas malaya, mas makatarungan, at mas makatao."

With consecutive ECQs in place, the country now has a total of 828,366 positive COVID-19 cases and 167,279 active cases.