House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro led the 80th commemorative rites for the Leyte Gulf Landings on Sunday with the latter reaffirming the government’s commitment to protect national security, territorial integrity, and freedom.
“On behalf of the Department of National Defense (DND), let me reiterate our commitment to fulfilling our mandate under the leadership of President Marcos to protect our national security, territorial integrity, and the freedom that our veterans fought so hard for,” he said during a commencement ceremony in Palo, Leyte.
The commemoration also reenacted the historic landing and return of US General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines in October 1944.
Teodoro praised the current administration’s efforts to honor the sacrifices of war veterans by building resilience against foreign invaders as well as natural disasters and calamities.
“In honoring the sacrifices of veterans here, we continue the legacy of building national defense and resilience—not only against those who would want to occupy our territory or abuse our territorial integrity and sovereignty but also against natural disasters and calamities,” he stated.
The DND chief emphasized that this effort involves collaboration between the legislature and the executive branch, as well as cooperation with like-minded nations.
“I would like to convey my utmost support for all initiatives aimed at ensuring that the lessons and legacy of the Leyte Gulf Landing are preserved, shared, and lived on by current and future generations,” Teodoro added.
Meanwhile, in a message read by Teodoro, President Marcos reminded the younger generations today that the freedom Filipinos enjoy was hard-won by war veterans, who made significant sacrifices.
“Their battle is our battle. Let us carry forward the lessons of those who gave their own so that we can prosper in a society where hope and opportunity flourish for all,” he added.
Romualdez, a long-time representative of Leyte, also delivered his solidarity message. He said the event “is a testament to how far we have come in terms of promoting and protecting our respective national interests – no longer through the destructive contest of arms and violence, but through peaceful diplomatic efforts.”
“As we celebrate bravery, let us also celebrate the progress we have made in forging peace so that what happened then will not happen again,” said the Speaker.
The commemoration also unveiled the US Small Boat Association Plaque to civilian Australian Marines and included the rededication of the Australian Memorial.
“We commend the solidarity of the nations of Australia, Japan, and the US in our shared aspirations for a secure and peaceful region. The Leyte Landing was a turning point in World War II here in the Asian region,” Romualdez added.
Among those present at the event were Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, US Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, Leyte 2nd District Rep. Lolita Karen Javier, local officials led by Leyte Gov. Jericho Petilla, Vice Gov. Sandy Javier, and Philippine Veterans Bank executives headed by Renato Claravall.
