By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Thursday, Oct. 20, committed that his administration will prioritize the welfare of war veterans, during the commemoration of the 78th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary.
In his keynote speech, Marcos commended the bravery and sacrifices of the war veterans in pursuing peace and solidarity for the country.
“This government will always continue to look after the welfare of our war veterans,” Marcos said.
He stressed the courage and heroism of the Filipino veterans and allied forces for restoring the country’s freedom and independence.
“When the allied forces landed on these shores in 1944, the freedom of the Philippines was restored,” he added.
“They have fought and dies in and for this land, will have their names forever etched in the pages of history,” he continued.
The President also expressed gratitude for their sacrifices and reiterated that all the labor they have endured in the battlefield will blossom by carrying out the great work they have planted for the present and future generation.
“We can never truly repay the price they paid for their gifts of peace and freedom. But we can honor their heroism in their memory by carrying the great work they had begun,” he continued.
“The seed of peace and solidarity that have been planted during that time have blossomed to nurture deep, abiding, and fruitful friendships that we now share with one another,” Marcos said.
The President urged Filipinos to build stronger ties with good intentions despite the differences through ‘shared values and ideals’ which he stressed as more ‘stronger and [more enduring].’
“Let our relationships be defined by our shared values and ideals which are and stronger and [more enduring],” he added.
“We can achieve this by engaging in constant dialogue, by collaborating in mutually beneficial endeavors, and by harnessing our collective strengths to foster good will, cooperation, and trust among our people,” he continued.
The Chief Executive assured that his administration will remain vouching for peace and unity through establishing efforts, support initiatives, addressing global issues and the recent challenges of the country that strives to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As your President, you must be assured that this administration will always advocate for peace and for unity,” Marcos said.
“We will continue to support initiatives that will not only preserve our historical and cultural sites, but will also deepen the Filipino people’s sense of our national identity,” he added.
