(FILE) The surviving members of the 66th Infantry Regiment — represented by 98-year-old Tuacan Barian, 95-year-old Epifanio Besuayan, 94-year-old veterans Garcia Wakit and Esteban Esco, and 93-year-old Alberto Bugtong — joined the 74th Baguio Liberation Day celebrations at the Veterans Park on Saturday (April 27). INQUIRER Luzon Photo / Vincent Cabreza
MANILA. Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said his administration is committed to promote the welfare of the country’s war veterans.
The President made the statement during the 78th Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary Commemoration as he honored the sacrifices of war veterans to attain peace and freedom.
“Let us remember the courage and heroism demonstrated by our war veterans, fellow Filipinos, allied forces and for that matter even the Japanese force who offered their lives in a quest to attain peace and freedom that we now enjoy,” he said in his speech during the ceremony.
“We express our most profound gratitude for the sacrifices that they have made for reclaiming our freedom and for ushering in a new age of peace for our people and for the world,” Marcos added.
The President urged Filipinos to remember and honor the bravery and sacrifices of war veterans.
“This government will always continue to look after the welfare of our war veterans. We cannot allow our memories to lapse , we must always remember that this was the best of Filipinos,” he said.
“We can never truly repay the price they paid for their gifts of peace and freedom. But we can honor their heroism and their memory by continuing the great work that they had begun,” Marcos added.
The President also cited the peace between nations, saying that countries are now together “in partnership.”
“It is with gladness to see that, no matter how our differences had once divided us, we are now all together in partnership; working for a better world that is living in accord, understanding, and respect,” he said.
He also said relationships among nations should be “defined by our shared values and ideals,” which he said, could be achieved through constant dialogue, collaboration, and harnessing collective strengths to foster goodwill, cooperation, and trust.
Marcos also assured that his administration will advocate for peace and unity, vowing to strengthen peace-building efforts, especially in conflict-stricken areas.
He also assured that his administration will continue to pursue the strengthening of its relations with foreign neighbors towards ensuring security, addressing global issues, addressing climate change and other “existential challenges.”
The President also vowed to support initiatives that preserve historical and cultural sites and “deepen the Filipino people’s sense of national identity and foster a peaceful and inclusive Philippines.”
“It is important that we keep the peace and its role as an enabler of economic growth and development and — a quality of life for all our people. Each of us will have to play a part in achieving this noble endeavor,” he said.
“With compassion in our hearts and the wellbeing of all mankind foremost in our minds, let us work together to return the world to its best form and ensure that peace will last for generations to come,” Marcos added.
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