(PILAR, Bataan) President Aquino highlighted the importance of maintaining regional peace during the 74th commemoration of Araw Ng Kagitingan here noting that a conflict in one country affects global stability.
In his speech during the event, the President said World War II caused so much devastation and misery in the Philippines and other countries affected by it.
“Napakalaki nga po ng pinsalang hatid ng Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, na nangyari wala pang isang henerasyon ang nakakalipas matapos ang Unang Digmaang Pandaigdig,” he said in his speech.
“Sa mga nawasak na kabuhayan at imprastraktura, lalong-lalo na sa mga inangkin nitong maraming buhay, talaga pong pinadapa nito ang mga apektadong mga bansa.”
One of the lessons of World War II is that in times of war any country cannot stay neutral and in one way or another it can be dragged into the conflict, he noted.
Countries must immediately address small misunderstanding among nations because once quarrels go out of hand they can result to regional or global conflagration, the President said.
He cited Syria as an example, noting the huge influx of refugees resulting from the ongoing civil war in that country now affects most European countries.
“Pangunahin po nito ang problema nila sa mga refugees, at ang lumalaganap na terorismong nagwawasak sa buhay ng marami,” he said.
“Kaakibat nga po ng kawalan ng estabilidad sa Syria ang maaaring pagkalat ng sakit dahil na rin sa pagkakahinto ng serbisyong pangkalusugan.”
“Dulo po nito, kung hahayaan nating magpatuloy ang ganitong sitwasyon, puwedeng magkaroon ng outbreak at madamay tayong lahat.”
In war, everyone is a loser, he said adding those who died during World War II may have become professionals like teachers, lawyers and leaders who could have contributed to global development.
This year’s commemoration carries the theme: “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Kapayaan ay Pagkaisahan, Kamtin ang Mithiing Kaunlaran.”
The President was joined by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia. PND