The 79th anniversary of General Douglas MacArthur's landing was commemorated with a wreath-laying ceremony at the MacArthur Park in Barangay Bonuan Gueset in Dagupan City.

The Veteran’s Federation of the Philippines offered a glimpse into history by showcasing photographs of General Douglas MacArthur's arrival in Dagupan City on January 9, 1945.

These images serve as evidence that Dagupan City was the initial landing site for General MacArthur when he disembarked at the Lingayen Gulf.

"Tayo ay pinakawalan sa kamay ng malupit na hapones at tayo ay binigyan ng kalayaan," Rtr. Dionisio Bolor, Acting Commander of the Veteran's Federation of the Philippines, said.

The event reenacted General MacArthur's arrival in the city, symbolizing his leadership during the Luzon Battle against Japanese forces in World War II.

"Noong una, kinakabahan ako pero masaya [ako] kasi part siya ng history," MarcJoseph Mendoza, who portrayed General MacArthur in the reenactment, said.

A historian notes that General MacArthur stayed in the city for over a month during the Luzon Battle, utilizing the Gabaldon Building as his headquarters.

"Siya ang tumanggap o nag-accept ng surrender ng Japanese forces sa Pilipinas… kailangan nating magunita ang kahalagahan ng freedom sa ating bansa," Rex Catubig, a historian, said.

"Gagawin natin ang landing dito kasi we have a picture of his landing kaya maganda yan ang gagawin," Belen Fernandez, Mayor of Dagupan City, said.

The Provincial Government of Pangasinan also paid tribute through a separate wreath-laying ceremony, acknowledging the crucial role General MacArthur played in liberating the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

War veterans from several provinces were present in the event.