Marcos vows to protect welfare of war veterans

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday his administration would always look after the welfare of war veterans.

Gracing the 78th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, Marcos praised "the courage and heroism demonstrated by our war veterans, fellow Filipinos, allied forces, and for that matter, even the Japanese forces, who offered their lives in a quest to attain peace and freedom that we now enjoy."

"They who have fought and died in and for this land will have their names forever etched in the pages of history. We express our most profound gratitude for the sacrifices that they had made in reclaiming our freedom and for ushering in a new age of peace for our people and for the world," Marcos said in his speech.

"This government will always continue to look after the welfare of our war veterans. For as we commemorate on this hallowed ground, sanctified by the blood, the life, and the sacrifices of our brave veterans, we cannot allow our memories to lapse. We must always remember that this was the best of Filipinos," he added.

He also acknowledged that he is a proud member of the Sons and Daughters of Veterans.

The President further vowed that the government would always advocate for peace and for unity by strengthening domestic peace-building efforts, especially in conflict-affected areas.

"Externally, we will continue to pursue the enhancement of our relations with all our neighbors towards ensuring security, addressing global issues, and facilitating now the post-pandemic growth addressing climate change and all the existential challenges that our country faces," he added.

The Marcos administration will also continue to support initiatives that will not only preserve the country's historical and cultural sites but will also deepen the Filipino people’s sense of national identity.

"This event that we commemorate today should remind us of the human and economic cost of war. And therefore, 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," Marcos said.

Aside from Marcos, United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco were also present at the event.

In her separate speech, Carlson emphasized that the Philippines and the US' alliance is "stronger than ever."

"General MacArthur's words on his return resonate to this day. He said, 'We have come dedicated and committed.' These words continue to embody the strong ties between our two nations as dedicated friends, partners, and allies who are committed to securing a free, open, prosperous, and secure world for our peoples," Carlson said.

She also said the joint exercises between the two countries have helped improve combined responsiveness to crises in the region and further reinforced the decades-long partnership. — RSJ, GMA News