PALO, Leyte (October 21, 2025) — The provincial government of Leyte on Monday, October 20, marked the commemoration of the historic Leyte Gulf Landings with a simple yet solemn ceremony, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices of war veterans and soldiers, who fought and died for freedom 81 years ago.
The significant event and messages underscored the enduring legacy of their heroism in shaping the nation’s history by honoring the past and protecting the future.
In his message during the commemorative program at McArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo Leyte, Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla reminded the people of Leyte that freedom was never free—it was earned through blood, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.
Governor Petilla emphasized that it is every Filipino’s duty to safeguard the hard-won freedom for future generations, reflecting on the theme “Freedom’s Price: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future.”
“We, Leyteños, will never get tired of commemorating this date if only to remind us that we should never have another great war,” Petilla said.
With the sacrifices of the World War II veterans 81 years ago, he expressed optimism that this year’s commemoration will not only serve as a remembrance but also a renewal of the vow to keep the province and the country strong, united, and free.
In the presence of the diplomatic corps from Australia and Japan, as well as other guests, he urged local government officials to step up and do their part to support the national government in preventing future war and corruption.
Petilla highlighted the issue of the alleged flood control anomalies, which he considered a different kind of war the country is currently facing.
Amid the challenges, Petilla encouraged everyone to continue building a province and a nation that our heroes would be proud of—one that values peace, progress, and the dignity of every Filipino.
Present during this year’s event were Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown, and Minister Ono Sho of the Embassy of Japan’s deputy chief of mission, who both delivered their solidarity greetings.
In his commemorative message, Assistant Secretary Domingo R. Carbonell Jr., deputy administrator for operations of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) who represented PVAO Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, expressed gratitude to the men and women who sacrificed their lives during World War II, as well as to the remaining 12 surviving war veterans from Eastern Visayas.
“In this time of challenges and uncertain era, let us continue to draw inspiration from the legacy of the veterans,” Carbonell said.
Meanwhile, Minister Sho of Japan reaffirmed his commitment to preventing such atrocities from happening again, emphasizing that over the past eight decades, Japan and the Philippines have transformed a painful chapter in history into a friendship rooted in mutual trust and shared values.
Ambassador Innes-Brown highlighted the enduring friendship between Australia and the Philippines as he recalled how General Douglas MacArthur organized the Allied forces, including Australian Defense Force personnel, who participated in the liberation of the Philippines 81 years ago.
The battle of Leyte Gulf was considered as the largest naval battle in history, which marked the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese occupation. (By Consuelo B. Alarcon/PIA Eastern Visayas)
