President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Thursday that his administration would always look after war veterans’ welfare.

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 the peace and freedom that we now enjoy” at the 78th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte.

“They who have fought and died in and for this land will have their names forever etched in the pages of history,” Marcos said in his speech. “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.”

“This government will always continue to look after the welfare of our war veterans,” he added, “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 also stated that he is a proud member of the Sons and Daughters of Veterans. The President also stated that the government will always promote for peace and unity by bolstering domestic peace-building efforts, particularly 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 keep supporting projects that not only preserve the country’s cultural and historical sites, but also strengthen the Filipino people’s sense of nationality.

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

However apart from Marcos, the event was attended by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.

Carlson emphasized in a separate speech that the Philippines-US alliance is “stronger than ever.”

“We have come dedicated and committed,” General MacArthur said upon his return. “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.

Carlson also stated that joint exercises between the two countries have improved their combined response to crises in the region and strengthened their decades-long alliance.