Speaker leads 80th Leyte Landing commemoration

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez cited the importance of solidarity among nations in attaining peace during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Leyte Landing yesterday.

The ceremony, held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, was attended by Ambassadors Hae Kyung Yu of Australia and Endo Kazuya of Japan as well as US embassy Charge d’Affaires Robert Ewing.

“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,” Romualdez told the 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.”

The event was also attended by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office chief Reynaldo Mapagu, Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla and Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla.

Romualdez also honored all the men and women who made sacrifices for the country to attain peace.

“We gather together today to honor the brave men and women whose names may not be as famous as Gen. Douglas MacArthur, but have made personal sacrifices so we can be where we are today,” he said.