INTRODUCTION
Mga minamahal kong mga kababayan: tunay ngang isang natatanging araw ngayon sa makulay na kasaysayan ng ating lahi. Ngayon ay ating ginugunita nang may sukdulang pagmamalaki ang ipinamalas na kabayanihan at kagitingan ng lahat ng ating mga beterano na sumailalim sa “Death March” may limamput-limang taon na ang nakalilipas.
A GRATEFUL NATION REMEMBERS
On this solemn day set aside by law for honoring the heroes of the infamous death march 55 years ago today, it is but fitting that we gather here in these hallowed grounds where the remains of those who perished lie.

“Heroes have the whole earth for their tomb,” proclaimed Pericles, the Greek statesman, in his famous funeral oration for the Athenian dead in the Peloponnesian War over 2,400 years ago. And this, of course, is true because the qualities that made them extraordinary are qualities all mankind honors and seeks to emulate.

But the hero is not merely a creation of his own time. Quite the contrary, he is the forceful projection of his nation’s destiny and will.

The defenders of Bataan and Corregidor have erected a marker on this site which was declared a national shrine in 1989. But it is only fitting that we develop and maintain the Capas National Shrine to be worthy of veneration by a grateful nation in accordance with Republic Act 8221, enacted into law on October 9, 1996.

To recall the valor and heroism of our forebears is not to waste ourselves in idle homage. It is to renew in ourselves the resolve to improve and rebuild that has characterized our people.

We celebrate this historic anniversary without distinguishing between the victors and the vanquished. In the spirit of reconciliation, friendship and international cooperation, we leave the past behind us as we move forward — with joined hands– to attain peace for all mankind.
RELEVANCE OF CAPAS CAMP
It behooves us, the living, and the coming generations of Filipinos, to remember what transpired in this camp. And in remembering, we ought to transform this solemn occasion into a celebration of the triumph of the Filipino spirit amidst the most adverse conditions and the most hostile environment. From the ashes of defeat emerged a greater triumph for democracy.

Capas gave new meaning to the liberties of man and showed the whole world how freedom is nurtured.

Our theme for 1997 on the eve of our centennial celebration, “The Year of the Filipino Spirit”, is a fitting tribute to the unflagging and indomitable spirit displayed by the Filipino and American soldiers, especially the survivors of this concentration camp who, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, overcame great odds and the crucible of war.

To the Filipino people, the Capas concentration camp seemed to be the lowest point of the second world war. But it also showed to the whole world that the Filipino people, like the legendary phoenix, can rise from the ashes of desperation and helplessness as symbolized by the prison camp, and soar to greater heights of success by working together for peace, progress and stability.
ENHANCING VETERANS’ WELFARE
I have assiduously worked for more benefits for our veterans, their widows and dependents even when I was still the Secretary of National Defense. I know that you are aware that these efforts were further intensified during my watch as your president.

In this regard, I approved a few days ago the release of p595 million for the full payment of the mandated increases for old age/surviving spouse pensions and other veterans’ benefits effective as of January 1, 1997 to cover the first semester requirements of 1997. There will be more releases for this purpose after July 1, 1997.

This means that the veterans who are 65 years or older, and their widows regardless of age, will now be given p2,500 and not just p2,250 as monthly pension. This means also that because they actually received p2,250 starting January, they will receive the differential of p250 each month from January to April 1997, or a total of p1,000 for those four months.

Let me assure you that your government is doing its best to advance the welfare of veterans. This is our pledge.

But no matter what we do, our efforts will never be enough. For there cannot be any price tag on the heroism and the epic struggle of our veterans, especially those who died in these hallowed grounds.

What we have proffered to our veterans and their dependents is a token of our appreciation for the good things that they have done for us.

It is not enough that we honor them and lavish them with praises today. It would be truly meaningful if we can also show by deeds and examples that we, too — in our time — love our country and that we are willing to work hard for the greater good of our country and people.

The trials and challenges are unending for a people who want to build a secure future for their posterity. Every generation of Filipinos must fight in its own time the battle for freedom and independence.

Today we face a new struggle. We are no longer faced with a foreign invader. But the foe is no less formidable. It is poverty.

The Ramos government has declared a total war against the many faces of poverty. The war will not be fought in the fields of combat, but in our places of work, in farms, in international fora, in research laboratories, in export processing zones, in factories, in classrooms and right in our own communities.

In this new challenge, we must all respond with the same selfless dedication, valor and daring manifested by those who fought for our freedom.
CLOSING
The lessons of the past should inspire every Filipino to work together and help provide the vision and energy to build the bedrock foundation of lasting peace, national stability and sustainable progress so that there will never be another “Death March”, nor a Capas concentration camp, for the Filipino people.

Mga minamahal kong mga kababayan: isabalikat natin at ipagpatuloy ang mga simulain ng ating mga bayani. Sila ang naghasik ng mga binhi ng ating maunlad at mapayapang bansa. Karapat-dapat lamang na pag-ibayuhin natin ang ating pagpupunyagi upang mabigyan natin ng mas makulay na bukas ang mga darating pang henerasyon ng ating magiting na lahi.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at mabuhay tayong lahat!

Maraming salamat at isang magandang tanghali sa inyong lahat.