PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday vowed that his government would exert more efforts to enhance the Philippines’ diplomatic ties with other nations as it continues to advocate peace-building initiatives especially in conflict areas.
The President, during the 78th Leyte Landing commemoration in Palo in Leyte, recognized the sacrifices and contributions of those who fought for the country’s freedom.
He also acknowledged alliances that were formed and strengthened.
“Domestically, we will strengthen our peace-building efforts, especially in conflict-affected areas. Externally, we will continue to pursue the enhancement of our relations with our neighbors towards ensuring security and addressing global issues such as facilitating post-pandemic growth and addressing climate change,” Marcos said.
He said the government would also enhance efforts to support initiatives that will not only preserve historical and cultural sites but will also deepen the Filipino people’s sense of national identity and foster a peaceful and inclusive Philippines.
The President, who stated he is a son of a war veteran, referring to the late President Ferdinand Marcos, committed to always look after the welfare of war veterans.
He recognized the courage and heroism of war Filipino and foreign war veterans.
“They who have fought and died in and for this land will have their names forever etched in the pages of history. 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,” Marcos said.
This year’s Leyte Gulf Landing rite is the first face-to-face celebration since the COVID-19 struck.
It commemorates the arrival of Allied forces, led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese Imperial Forces that occupied the country from 1942 to 1945.
Also present in the event were United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Australian assistant defense attaché Lt. Col. Tim Lopsik, and Japanese deputy chief of mission Matsuda Kenichi.
After the event, the President joined the 75th Charter Day Celebration of Ormoc City where he lauded the city’s accomplishments in food security, and combating climate change, and for prioritizing education and other programs in line with his national development agenda.
He said ensuring quality education for the youth and freeing the people from hunger make their lives more comfortable, enabling the government to usher the country toward progress.
Marcos urged the residents to actively participate in the “PinasLakas” vaccination program while assuring the public that the national government would continue to aggressively carry out its COVID-19 booster campaign.
He said Ormoc’s vaccine uptake remains low at only 33 percent, and it needs to be raised to 50 percent to maintain the country’s wall of immunity against the coronavirus.
“We need to prioritize our health so that with renewed vigor and strength, we can act unrestrained in our efforts to bring forth a better, brighter, and more united Philippines for everyone,” the President said.
Marcos flew to Leyte on Wednesday night and led the switching on of the San Juanico Aesthetic Lighting Project to prop up tourism and economic activity in the Eastern Visayas region.
The 2.16-km San Juanico Bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte, was built during the administration of Marcos’ father.
