President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will always choose the path of peace as he led the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig on Saturday.
“Filipinos paid the highest price for democracy to be preserved and for democracy to flourish. Standing on this hallowed ground, we are reminded of our solemn duty to always do what is necessary to ensure that we bequeath a sovereign and proud country to future generations,” Mr. Marcos said.
“The Philippines, deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and among nations, has always chosen the path of peace, and I can assure all of you that we will continue to do so… Through diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation, we have successfully maintained a region that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous,” he added.
The event saw the participation of representatives from the United States government, Filipino dignitaries, and World War II veterans to honor those who passed away in one of Philippine history’s deadliest battles.
The Battle of Manila in February 1945 marked the end of Japanese occupation in the country but at the cost of thousands of Filipino lives.
It also left the capital in ruins with historic landmarks including churches, schools, and government buildings destroyed — leaving entire communities displaced.
“May the light of their sacrifice, their nationalism, their love of country forever scatter the shadows of war, tyranny, and oppression,” Mr. Marcos said.
The President said he is gratified by the Philippines’ “enduring alliance, partnership, and friendship” with the US as they share the same goal of achieving peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
“In peace and war, through natural disasters and pandemics, Philippine-US relations are firmly anchored on the values and principles that we cherish – peace, democracy, fairness, social progress and justice,” the President said.
“Whether we gather, as we do today, to remember the liberation of Manila some 80 ago, or during joint military exercises as our armed forces will in a few weeks’ time for Balikatan, there is no doubt that our relationship is robust, with our two countries continuing to work together to address common challenges.”
The Manila American Cemetery, the largest of its kind, is a solemn tribute to those who fought and died in WWII, serving as the final resting place of over 17,000 American service members and commemorates nearly 36,300 individuals missing in action.
Among those honored are Medal of Honor recipients, and Filipino scouts and families who served in battle.