President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the Philippines has always chosen the path of peace even with the familiarity of atrocities during the Japanese occupation, and the current challenges set by geopolitics.

In his speech during the 80th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of Manila on Saturday, Marcos emphasized that the Philippines has consistently upheld a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

“Through diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation, we have successfully maintained a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous. We have and will continue to work with partners and the international community in building bridges, forging solutions, preserving our global commons,” he said.

“The Philippines will always make a stand and will always stand for what is right,” he added.

Marcos also highlighted the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States. The US Embassy organized the solemn commemoration in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City.

“In a world where the only thing that appears to be constant is change, we are thus gratified by our enduring alliance, our partnership and friendship with the United States, especially towards advancing our common agenda of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he noted.

Marcos highlighted numerous global challenges that the US and the Philippines have faced such as peace, war, natural disasters, and pandemics. He also noted the values and principles that the two countries share: peace, democracy, fairness, social progress and justice.

“Our two nations are committed to the preservation and enhancement of national security, the attainment of economic prosperity, and the promotion of the rights and wellbeing of our peoples,” he said.

Deepened military ties

Following the liberation of Manila eight decades ago and the military cooperations that have flourished since then, Marcos said that Philippine and American forces are set to embark on new Balikatan exercises — a testament to the robust relationship that the two countries have, according to the Chief Executive.

“The Battle of Manila offers a lot of lessons and represents a great many opportunities. I am pleased to see many of the embassies joining us in this important event,” he said. “I am sure that you will gain a better understanding of our country and our people by learning about our past.”

“We are proud of our history and even prouder of the relationships and alliances that we have built over the many years,” he added.

Marcos also paid tribute to the troops who sacrificed their lives for democracy and freedom.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I wish to recognize the veterans present here today and their families. We are privileged to not have to see what you had seen, to not have ingrained in our memories what you had to go through. May we continue to deserve living and thrive in this world that you have built for us,” he emphasized.

“Filipinos paid the highest price for democracy to be preserved and for democracy to flourish. Standing on this hallowed ground, we are reminded of our solemn duty to always do what is necessary to ensure that we bequeath a sovereign and proud country to future generations,” he added.