Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during the commemoration of the 80th Gulf Landings at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte Sunday (Oct. 20, 2024). He cited anew the solidarity of the Philippines, United States, Australia and Japan in their shared aspirations for a secure and peaceful region. Among those present in the event are Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Australian Ambassador HK Yu, US Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, Leyte 2nd District Rep. Lolita Karen Javier, local officials led by Leyte Gov. Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Vice Gov. Sandy Javier and Philippine Veterans Bank executives headed by Renato Claravall.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday underscored the importance of “solidarity” among nations as a means of forging peace as the Philippines commemorates the “Leyte Landings” led by US General Douglas McArthur in October 1944.
“Your presence today 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 which is more sustainable,” he told the foreign diplomats.
“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 recalled.
The Speaker made his “solidarity message” Sunday during the 80th Commemorative Anniversary held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Candahug Palo and attended by Ambassadors Hae Kyung Yu of Australia, Endo Kazuya of Japan, US Major Gen. Matthew McFarlane, Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, and Leyte 2nd District Rep. Lolita Karen Javier, among others.
“It is a privilege to join you here as we celebrate a singularly significant event in history, not just for the country, but for the world,” the leader of the House of Representatives who also heads the Philippine Constitution Associations said.
“These pave the way for the continued development of our respective countries, further strengthening our diplomatic and economic relations, opening up new opportunities, all for our mutual benefit. Let us continue working in this regard,” Romualdez said.
The event was also attended by Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, along with local officials led by Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and Mayor Remedios Petilla.
“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,” the Speaker, a senior administration stalwart who also heads the ruling Lakas-CMD party, suggested.
“We gather together today to honor the brave men and women, whose names may not be as famous as General Douglas MacArthur but nonetheless made personal sacrifices so that we can be where we are today,” the House chief added.
