Araw ng Kagitingan commemorates the Fall of Bataan in 1942 and honors the Filipino and American soldiers who fought in WWII and endured the Bataan Death March. Established officially in 1961, it remains a day of remembrance for sacrifice, heroism and resilience.

When is Araw ng Kagitingan?

Araw ng Kagitingan is celebrated on April 9 every year.

The following is the list of Araw ng Kagitingan from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Araw ng Kagitingan?

During World War II, the Philippines (then a U.S. Commonwealth) was invaded by Japanese forces in December 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Filipino and American troops under the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) defended Bataan and Corregidor, fighting despite being outnumbered and undersupplied.

After months of resistance, the defenders of Bataan could no longer hold out.

On April 9, 1942, around 76,000 soldiers (12,000 Americans and 64,000 Filipinos) surrendered to the Japanese. This surrender led to the Bataan Death March, a forced 100-kilometer march from Bataan to prison camps in Capas, Tarlac. During the march, thousands died due to starvation, exhaustion, disease, and brutal treatment by Japanese captors.

The defenders of Bataan and Corregidor became enduring symbols of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. In 1942, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt praised the Filipino and American defenders for their courage, calling them heroes of democracy.

After the war, the Philippines sought to officially honor the sacrifices of WWII soldiers. In 1961, President Diosdado Macapagal declared April 9 as Bataan Day.

It was later renamed Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) to highlight the gallantry not just of those in Bataan but of all Filipino veterans who defended the country.