Marcos: Turn World War II heroes’ sacrifices into action

PALO, Leyte — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to protect the country’s sovereignty and turn wartime heroes’ sacrifices into concrete improvements in people’s lives, as the country marked the 82nd anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings on Tuesday.“Freedom must be felt in our everyday lives through food security, stable employment, safe communities, and responsive governance,” Marcos said in a message delivered by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, who represented him during the commemorative rites at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug village here.The President’s message underscored Filipino’s continuing responsibility to uphold the freedom secured by those who fought during World War II, emphasizing that remembrance must be accompanied by action to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

READ: Day of Valor: Marcos says today’s crisis tests Filipinos same way as WW2The ceremony also honored the 10 remaining World War II veterans from Eastern Visayas, whose names were read aloud, while their portraits were prominently displayed at the memorial park to honor their sacrifices and their role in the country’s history.The veterans honored were Teofilo Advincula of Palo, Leyte; Glecerio Avila of Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Gregoria Badeo of Burauen, Leyte; Eleoteria Cabacungan of Tanauan, Leyte; Cornelia Dacuno of Lawaan, Eastern Samar; Josefa Pestejo of Palompon, Leyte; Paula Lim of Calbiga, Samar; Eugenia Maglinte of Southern Leyte; Teofilo Nuevo of Ormoc City, Leyte; and Loreto Yepes of Tanauan, Leyte.In delivering Marcos’ message, Abalos said the anniversary commemorates a defining moment in the country’s struggle for freedom, recalling how Filipinos had already been fighting for liberation even before Allied forces landed in Leyte in October 1944.He said honoring the veterans and other wartime heroes also meant ensuring that their sacrifices continued to benefit succeeding generations.“To the veterans whom we have had the privilege of meeting today, maraming salamat po,” Abalos said, thanking them for their courage and strength.

READ: Marcos: Gov’t to build veterans’ hospitals in Visayas, Mindanao“Your courage and strength embody the spirit of our nation. We will never forget your sacrifices and the invaluable role you played in shaping our country’s history,” he added.Abalos also urged the youth to learn from the country’s wartime experiences and carry forward the patriotism, courage, and selflessness demonstrated by their predecessors.He said the responsibility to safeguard freedom now rests with present generations, who must defend the country’s sovereignty and ensure that economic progress improves the lives of ordinary Filipinos.Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla said the commemoration remains relevant as armed conflicts and political tensions continue to affect different parts of the world.He expressed concern that some young people view October 20 mainly as a holiday rather than an occasion to remember the sacrifices that made their freedom possible.Petilla said the experiences of World War II should serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of armed conflict and the need to preserve peace.“Wars leave behind grief, destruction, broken families, and communities struggling to rebuild their lives,” he said in his message.He stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue, and a genuine willingness to understand one another.Petilla also urged Filipinos to remember the country’s heroes not only through ceremonies but through the choices they make in their daily lives.

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READ: Liberation, blessing or curse?Japanese Embassy Minister Ono Sho paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the war and expressed gratitude for the Filipino people’s role in fostering reconciliation between Japan and the Philippines.“The friendship between Japan and the Philippines owes much to the generosity and compassion of the Filipino people, whose embrace of reconciliation we hold close to our hearts with profound gratitude,” Ono said.He noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have transformed their painful wartime history into a lasting friendship founded on trust and mutual respect.Ono said Japan would continue supporting the Philippines’ development, including through infrastructure projects, economic cooperation, energy security, maritime security, and defense.He also cited continuing tensions in the South China Sea and other global challenges as reasons for countries to strengthen cooperation and uphold international principles.“In these uncertain times, history reminds us that peace is never simply given. It must be built, defended, and sustained through steadfast cooperation and a shared determination to uphold the principles that bind us together,” he said.Ono reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working with the Philippines and other partners to promote regional peace and stability.In a notable development during this year’s commemoration, no representative from the United States Embassy attended the ceremony, despite the central role played by American forces in the 1944 landings. No reason was given for their absence.The Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20, 1944, marked a pivotal stage in the Allied campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned to Philippine soil with Allied forces, fulfilling his famous promise, “I shall return.”The landings launched a major campaign that helped pave the way for the country’s liberation and became one of the defining events.

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READ: October 20, 1944: General Douglas MacArthur returns to the PhilippinesMore than eight decades later, the annual commemoration honors the Filipino and Allied troops, civilians, and communities that endured the hardships of war, while reminding younger generations of the importance of preserving freedom and preventing future conflicts./coa

PALO, Leyte — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to protect the country’s sovereignty and turn wartime heroes’ sacrifices into concrete improvements in people’s lives, as the country marked the 82nd anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings on Tuesday.“Freedom must be felt in our everyday lives through food security, stable employment, safe communities, and responsive governance,” Marcos said in a message delivered by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, who represented him during the commemorative rites at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug village here.The President’s message underscored Filipino’s continuing responsibility to uphold the freedom secured by those who fought during World War II, emphasizing that remembrance must be accompanied by action to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

The ceremony also honored the 10 remaining World War II veterans from Eastern Visayas, whose names were read aloud, while their portraits were prominently displayed at the memorial park in recognition of their sacrifices and their role in the country’s history.

PALO, Leyte — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to protect the country’s sovereignty and turn wartime heroes’ sacrifices into concrete improvements in people’s lives, as the country marked the 82nd anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings on Tuesday.“Freedom must be felt in our everyday lives through food security, stable employment, safe communities, and responsive governance,” Marcos said in a message delivered by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, who represented him during the commemorative rites at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug village here.The President’s message underscored Filipino’s continuing responsibility to uphold the freedom secured by those who fought during World War II, emphasizing that remembrance must be accompanied by action to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.READ: Day of Valor: Marcos says today’s crisis tests Filipinos same way as WW2The ceremony also honored the 10 remaining World War II veterans from Eastern Visayas, whose names were read aloud, while their portraits were prominently displayed at the memorial park in recognition of their sacrifices and their role in the country’s history.The veterans honored were Teofilo Advincula of Palo, Leyte; Glecerio Avila of Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Gregoria Badeo of Burauen, Leyte; Eleoteria Cabacungan of Tanauan, Leyte; Cornelia Dacuno of Lawaan, Eastern Samar; Josefa Pestejo of Palompon, Leyte; Paula Lim of Calbiga, Samar; Eugenia Maglinte of Southern Leyte; Teofilo Nuevo of Ormoc City, Leyte; and Loreto Yepes of Tanauan, Leyte.In delivering Marcos’ message, Abalos said the anniversary commemorates a defining moment in the country’s struggle for freedom, recalling how Filipinos had already been fighting for liberation even before Allied forces landed in Leyte in October 1944.He said honoring the veterans and other wartime heroes also meant ensuring that their sacrifices continued to benefit succeeding generations.“To the veterans whom we have had the privilege of meeting today, maraming salamat po,” Abalos said, thanking them for their courage and strength.“Your courage and strength embody the spirit of our nation. We will never forget your sacrifices and the invaluable role you played in shaping our country’s history,” he added.Abalos also urged the youth to learn from the country’s wartime experiences and carry forward the patriotism, courage, and selflessness demonstrated by their predecessors.He said the responsibility to safeguard freedom now rests with present generations, who must defend the country’s sovereignty and ensure that economic progress improves the lives of ordinary Filipinos.Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla said the commemoration remains relevant as armed conflicts and political tensions continue to affect different parts of the world.He expressed concern that some young people view October 20 mainly as a holiday rather than an occasion to remember the sacrifices that made their freedom possible.Petilla said the experiences of World War II should serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of armed conflict and the need to preserve peace.“Wars leave behind grief, destruction, broken families, and communities struggling to rebuild their lives,” he said in his message.He stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue, and a genuine willingness to understand one another.Petilla also urged Filipinos to remember the country’s heroes not only through ceremonies but through the choices they make in their daily lives.Japanese Embassy Minister Ono Sho paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the war and expressed gratitude for the Filipino people’s role in fostering reconciliation between Japan and the Philippines.“The friendship between Japan and the Philippines owes much to the generosity and compassion of the Filipino people, whose embrace of reconciliation we hold close to our hearts with profound gratitude,” Ono said.He noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have transformed their painful wartime history into a lasting friendship founded on trust and mutual respect.Ono said Japan would continue supporting the Philippines’ development, including through infrastructure projects, economic cooperation, energy security, maritime security, and defense.He also cited continuing tensions in the South China Sea and other global challenges as reasons for countries to strengthen cooperation and uphold international principles.“In these uncertain times, history reminds us that peace is never simply given. It must be built, defended, and sustained through steadfast cooperation and a shared determination to uphold the principles that bind us together,” he said.Ono reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working with the Philippines and other partners to promote regional peace and stability.In a notable development during this year’s commemoration, no representative from the United States Embassy attended the ceremony, despite the central role played by American forces in the 1944 landings. No reason was given for their absence.The Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20, 1944, marked a pivotal stage in the Allied campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned to Philippine soil with Allied forces, fulfilling his famous promise, “I shall return.”The landings launched a major campaign that helped pave the way for the country’s liberation and became one of the defining events.More than eight decades later, the annual commemoration honors the Filipino and Allied troops, civilians, and communities that endured the hardships of war, while reminding younger generations of the importance of preserving freedom and preventing future conflicts./coaThe veterans honored were Teofilo Advincula of Palo, Leyte; Glecerio Avila of Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Gregoria Badeo of Burauen, Leyte; Eleoteria Cabacungan of Tanauan, Leyte; Cornelia Dacuno of Lawaan, Eastern Samar; Josefa Pestejo of Palompon, Leyte; Paula Lim of Calbiga, Samar; Eugenia Maglinte of Southern Leyte; Teofilo Nuevo of Ormoc City, Leyte; and Loreto Yepes of Tanauan, Leyte.In delivering Marcos’ message, Abalos said the anniversary commemorates a defining moment in the country’s struggle for freedom, recalling how Filipinos had already been fighting for liberation even before Allied forces landed in Leyte in October 1944.He said honoring the veterans and other wartime heroes also meant ensuring that their sacrifices continued to benefit succeeding generations.“To the veterans whom we have had the privilege of meeting today, maraming salamat po,” Abalos said, thanking them for their courage and strength.“Your courage and strength embody the spirit of our nation. We will never forget your sacrifices and the invaluable role you played in shaping our country’s history,” he added.Abalos also urged the youth to learn from the country’s wartime experiences and carry forward the patriotism, courage, and selflessness demonstrated by their predecessors.He said the responsibility to safeguard freedom now rests with present generations, who must defend the country’s sovereignty and ensure that economic progress improves the lives of ordinary Filipinos.Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla said the commemoration remains relevant as armed conflicts and political tensions continue to affect different parts of the world.He expressed concern that some young people view October 20 mainly as a holiday rather than an occasion to remember the sacrifices that made their freedom possible.Petilla said the experiences of World War II should serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of armed conflict and the need to preserve peace.“Wars leave behind grief, destruction, broken families, and communities struggling to rebuild their lives,” he said in his message.He stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue, and a genuine willingness to understand one another.Petilla also urged Filipinos to remember the country’s heroes not only through ceremonies but through the choices they make in their daily lives.Japanese Embassy Minister Ono Sho paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the war and expressed gratitude for the Filipino people’s role in fostering reconciliation between Japan and the Philippines.“The friendship between Japan and the Philippines owes much to the generosity and compassion of the Filipino people, whose embrace of reconciliation we hold close to our hearts with profound gratitude,” Ono said.He noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have transformed their painful wartime history into a lasting friendship founded on trust and mutual respect.Ono said Japan would continue supporting the Philippines’ development, including through infrastructure projects, economic cooperation, energy security, maritime security, and defense.He also cited continuing tensions in the South China Sea and other global challenges as reasons for countries to strengthen cooperation and uphold international principles.“In these uncertain times, history reminds us that peace is never simply given. It must be built, defended, and sustained through steadfast cooperation and a shared determination to uphold the principles that bind us together,” he said.Ono reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working with the Philippines and other partners to promote regional peace and stability.In a notable development during this year’s commemoration, no representative from the United States Embassy attended the ceremony, despite the central role played by American forces in the 1944 landings. No reason was given for their absence.The Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20, 1944, marked a pivotal stage in the Allied campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned to Philippine soil with Allied forces, fulfilling his famous promise, “I shall return.”The landings launched a major campaign that helped pave the way for the country’s liberation and became one of the defining events.More than eight decades later, the annual commemoration honors the Filipino and Allied troops, civilians, and communities that endured the hardships of war, while reminding younger generations of the importance of preserving freedom and preventing future conflicts./coa