April 9 of each year is a regular holiday to commemorate the sacrifice and valor of approximately 76,000 Filipino and American soldiers in the Fall of Bataan.

Soldiers deemed prisoners of war were forced to walk 140 kilometers from Bataan to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac in what was referred to as the Death March.

In Iloilo City, a ceremony was held at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine morning on April 9, 2025.

Flowers were offered on the tomb of General Macario Peralta Jr., a commander in Panay during World War II.

“Mula sa inspirasyong ibinigay ng ating magigiting na beterano, patuloy tayong magkaisa sa pagharap sa hamon ng kasalukuyang panahon,” Retired Major Pablo Bearneza, a guest speaker, said.

The Wall of Memories at the shrine unveiled the inclusion of the names of two war veterans – Private Joaquin de Felipe and Captain Enrique Galan. They did not perish in the Second World War but contributed significantly in freedom-fighting during that period.

“We are very happy kasi si papa also will be celebrating his birthday on April 10. He will be very happy na makita ang pangalan nya doon sa taas,” Enrique Galan Jr., son of the war veteran, said.

"Sa darating na mga araw, nakikita ng mga apo natin, isang beterano na ipinaglaban ang ating bansa. Kaya ikinararangal ko at ipinagpapasalamat ang post, ang kanyang pangalan,” said Nelson de Felipe, son of Joaquin.

Further, a meaningful commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan was held at the Bacolod City Public Plaza.

City officials, war veterans, men in uniform, and students attended the ceremony that honored war heroes.

Furthermore, through Proclamation No. 727 the public is invited to take part in the celebration of Philippine Veterans Week from April 5, 2025 to April 11, 2025.