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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider US and PH commemorate 80th Victory Day in Baguio

US and PH commemorate 80th Victory Day in Baguio

Published Sep 8, 2025 03:32 pm
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson with veteran Corporal Ernesto C. Luis Sr. during the 80th Victory Day ceremony at the US ambassador’s residence in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson with veteran Corporal Ernesto C. Luis Sr. during the 80th Victory Day ceremony at the US ambassador’s residence in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
On Sept. 3, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led a solemn ceremony marking the 80th Victory Day at the US ambassador’s residence in Camp John Hay. The event honored the shared sacrifices of Filipino and Allied forces during World War II and celebrated the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States.
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. served as guest of honor.
Victory Day commemorates the end of World War II in the Philippines. Eight decades after standing side by side in battle, the Philippines and the United States continue to deepen their ties as steadfast allies and partners.
“The liberation of the Philippines during World War II was a triumph of the extraordinary bravery of Allied forces and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people,” said Ambassador Carlson. “This shared struggle forged a special relationship between our two nations, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and prosperity of future generations of Filipinos and Americans.”
World War II veteran Corporal Ernesto C. Luis Sr. rings the ceremonial bell at 12:10 p.m., marking the exact minute of General Yamashita’s surrender to Filipino and American forces in 1945.
World War II veteran Corporal Ernesto C. Luis Sr. rings the ceremonial bell at 12:10 p.m., marking the exact minute of General Yamashita’s surrender to Filipino and American forces in 1945.
Mayor Magalong reflected on the local significance of the day: “That surrender marked not only the end of World War II in the Philippines but also the triumph of courage, strength in spirit, and hope over tyranny and despair. For us in Baguio, this is more than just an event written in textbooks—it is part of our city’s living memory, a legacy carved into our very identity.”
Secretary Teodoro emphasized the importance of reflection and responsibility: “Today must not merely be an ordinary memorial day. It must be a day of deep reflection. If we do not learn from the lessons of the past... then we have no business honoring those who have shed their blood.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu pose with a plaque narrating the history of the US ambassador’s residence in Baguio City during World War II.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu pose with a plaque narrating the history of the US ambassador’s residence in Baguio City during World War II.
More than 300 guests attended the ceremony, including Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu. Veterans, diplomats, media representatives, and partners from both public and private sectors were also present.
In a poignant tribute, Ambassador Carlson joined Secretary Teodoro, Mayor Magalong, Chairperson Jose, and Undersecretary Mapagu in presenting commemorative coins to living World War II veterans Angelo Viloria Andrada, Ernesto Carreon Luis, Florence Rimando Marasigan, and Sixta Quiñones Favila.
Presentation of colors by th Philippine Military Academy and United States service members.
Presentation of colors by th Philippine Military Academy and United States service members.
At exactly 12:10 p.m., the moment of General Yamashita’s surrender, Luis rang the ceremonial bell, echoed by church bells across Baguio City.
The ambassador also unveiled a virtual tour of the historic US ambassador’s residence, developed by the US Department of State. Accessible via the Accessible via the OBO VR app or here: https://hullfilm360.com/projects/state/baguio/web/360tour/index.html, the tour offers a digital window into shared history. “This initiative preserves our shared heritage and invites future generations to reflect on our past and help build a hopeful tomorrow,” Carlson noted.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Carlson hosted a reception celebrating US-Philippine friendship and the 249th anniversary of US independence.
“We begin a new chapter as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence and the 80th anniversary of US-Philippine diplomatic relations in 2026,” she said. “The friendship, partnership, and alliance between the United States and the Philippines is a crucial part of that story because of the values we share—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
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