Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Saturday underscored the enduring strength of the Philippines–United States alliance as both nations confront evolving security challenges and natural disasters, including the approaching Typhoon “Uwan.”

Speaking at the U.S. Veterans Day ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City, Teodoro described the bilateral partnership as “stronger, more enduring, and more cohesive” despite the tests of time.

He also paid tribute to the shared history of sacrifice and valor that binds Filipino and American soldiers, highlighting that the alliance rests on universal ideals of freedom, justice, and humanity.

“The sacrifice is made so that those who have no ability to protect themselves can have the combined force of the United States, the Philippines, and a host of other parties to fight for them, to save them, to make their lives better,” Teodoro said in his keynote address.

Teodoro called for deeper cooperation in defense and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), particularly in light of rapidly evolving global threats and recurring natural calamities.

“Let’s translate all these memories into purposive action, starting today,” he said.

Teodoro was joined at the ceremony by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, Manila American Cemetery Superintendent Ryan Blum, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., and senior officials from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

The Veterans Day commemoration honored the heroism of Filipino and American servicemen who fought side by side during World War II, reaffirming the enduring bond between the two nations.

Immediately after the ceremony, Teodoro convened the National Inter-Agency Coordinating Council (NIACC) at the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, to review ongoing typhoon response efforts and bolster preparedness measures for Typhoon Uwan.

“Hopefully, with our preparations, with our alliance, collective preparations, with friend and former foe alive, more lives will be saved,” Teodoro said.

Disaster officials report that about 8.4 million people are at risk from Uwan, as the country continues to recover from the devastating impact of Typhoon Tino, which claimed over 200 lives, with more than 100 still missing. 

In support, the United States Embassy in Manila pledged $1 million in emergency shelter and life-saving assistance for Tino’s victims.