The iconic photograph of General Douglas MacArthur's (center) return to the Philippines on Oct. 20, 1944. It was taken by Gaetano Faillace (Wikipedia)

Solidarity was the main theme of House Speaker Martin Romualdez's speech on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of American General Douglas MacArthur's historic 1944 Leyte landing. 

Romualdez led the simple commemoration on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Landing Memorial National Park, Candahulog in Palo, in his native province of Leyte. 

“Your presence today is a testament to how far we have come in terms of promoting and protecting our respective national interests – no longer through the destructive contest of arms and violence, but through peaceful diplomatic efforts which is more sustainable,” he told the attending foreign diplomats. 

“We commend the solidarity of the nations of Australia, Japan and the US (United States) in our shared aspirations for a secure and peaceful region. The Leyte Landing was a turning point in World War II here in the Asian region,” Romualdez, a reelectionist, noted. 

Ambassadors Hae Kyung Yu of Australia, Endo Kazuya of Japan; US Major Gen. Matthew McFarlane; Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, and Leyte 2nd district Rep. Lolita Karen Javier, were among the event's guests. 

“It is a privilege to join you here as we celebrate a singularly significant event in history, not just for the country, but for the world,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman and the leader of the House of Representatives

“These pave the way for the continued development of our respective countries, further strengthening our diplomatic and economic relations, opening up new opportunities, all for our mutual benefit. Let us continue working in this regard,” said Romualdez, also the head of the Philippine Constitution Associations (Philconsa).

The event was also attended by Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, along with local officials led by Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and Mayor Remedios Petilla. 

“As we celebrate bravery, let us also celebrate the progress we have made in forging peace so that what happened then will not happen again,” said the Speaker.

“We gather together today to honor the brave men and women, whose names may not be as famous as General Douglas MacArthur but nonetheless made personal sacrifices so that we can be where we are today,” the House chief added. 

Romualdez is president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the dominant political party in the country. 

MacArthur served as general of the Army for the United States, as well as a field marshal to the Philippine Army.  

In World War II, MacArthur became supreme commander of Southwest Pacific Area. He is famous for his speech wherein he promised, "I shall return" to the Philippines after being driven out of the archipelago in 1942. 

He fulfilled his promise on Oct. 20, 1944, or the event now known as the Leyte Landing.