TAGUIG CITY, April 23, 2026 — Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. emphasized that the story of Filipino and Korean bravery in the Battle of Yuldong remains insufficiently told, calling this gap a disservice to national history, during the 75th commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani today.

Secretary Teodoro stressed that despite the significance of the battle during the Korean War, public awareness of the exploits of Filipino troops remains limited, that even key figures such as Captain Conrado Yap and Lieutenant Jose Artiaga are not widely recognized among Filipinos. The Defense Chief added that traditional means of remembrance have not been enough to convey the full weight of their sacrifice.

“This is a big tragedy. The exploits of the 10th BCT (Battalion Combat Team) probably only very few of us know. And this is a disservice to the Republic of the Philippines,” Secretary Teodoro said.

To address this, he formally announced the intent to co-produce a film that will highlight the Battle of Yuldong and the heroism of Filipino and Korean soldiers, noting that the initiative aims to better communicate these stories to the public, especially to the younger generations.

“We will co-produce a movie, whether directed by a Korean or a Filipino, to commemorate the Battle of Yuldong and the lives of Captain Conrado Yap and Lieutenant Jose Artiaga,” Secretary Teodoro said. “That is the best way to teach the young generation the sacrifice of these two tragically underappreciated and underknown heroes of the Republic of the Philippines.”

He also called for a broader effort to correct gaps in historical understanding and strengthen national values rooted in courage and dignity, stating “We need to do something to correct this travesty in our Philippine national development and Philippine history.”

He further underscored the importance of drawing inspiration from the courage and example set by Captain Yap and Lieutenant Artiaga, challenging Filipinos to uphold the same sense of duty and commitment to the nation.

“This is but a first step that can be done to correct also the permeating value of certain members of our society that say, ‘huwag na tayong humarap o tumayo para sa ating dignidad bilang isang bansa, huwag na tayong tumayo dahil masyadong malaki ang umaapi sa atin, huwag na.’ Ito huwag na nilang tawagin na Pilipino ang sarili nila ‘pag ikumpara nila kay Captain Yap at Lieutenant Artiaga ang kanilang buhay. For me, I do not claim to be as brave and as valorous as them, but I certainly will not allow those who are destroying the dignity and the sacrifice that were made to give the freedoms that we enjoy now to remain under this kind of a narrative that they want to perpetuate. Kahiya-hiya ‘yon,” Secretary Teodoro said.

The Secretary affirmed both official and personal support for initiatives that will more effectively preserve and communicate the legacy of Yuldong.

“I not only give my own official support to this endeavor, but also my personal support… so that we give a little bit more impactful and a more modern permeation of the values of the two fallen heroes,” Secretary Teodoro concluded.