Baguio City—United States of America Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led a ceremony commemorating the 80th Victory Day at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Camp John Hay on September 3, 2025. Together, they honored the shared sacrifices of Filipino and Allied forces during World War II and celebrated the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States.
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. served as the
guest of honor.
Victory Day marks the end of World War II in the Philippines. In the
80 years since standing shoulder-to-shoulder in battle, the Philippines and the
United States have grown ever closer as friends, partners, and allies.
“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. From resistance movements that defied occupation to countless
sacrifices made, their legacy is the freedom we cherish today,” Carlson said in
her remarks. “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.”
“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,” Magalong said. “As we remember that day and its significance to
the world, we also honor the extraordinary sacrifices of the men and
women—Filipino, American, and other allies—who fought courageously to restore
peace and freedom.”
"Today must not merely be an ordinary memorial day. It
must be a day of deep reflection," Teodoro said. “If we do not learn
from the lessons of the past, and think as much as we want that the world is a
static place, if we do not have resolve, purpose, and unity in action in all
facets of public and private life, even with individual behavior and
discipline, then we have no business honoring those who have shed their
blood."
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 (PVAO) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu.
Veterans, members of the diplomatic corps, the media, and partners from the
public and private sectors were also present.
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Presentation of colors by Philippine Military Academy and United States service members. |
Carlson joined Teodoro, Magalong, Jose, and Mapagu in presenting
coins to living World War II veterans Angelo Viloria Andrada, Ernesto Carreon
Luis, Florence Rimando Marasigan, and Sixta Quiñones Favila to honor their
courage and invaluable contributions to freedom and democracy. Luis led the
solemn ringing of the ceremonial bell at 12:10 p.m., marking the exact minute
of General Yamashita’s surrender. Churches across Baguio City also rang their
bells in unison.
During the event, Carlson announced the launch of a virtual tour of
the historic U.S. Ambassador’s Residence. Developed by the U.S. Department of
State, the virtual tour is free and accessible online through the OBO VR app in
the Apple Store or through the following link: https://hullfilm360.com/projects/state/baguio/web/360tour/index.html. “This initiative preserves our shared
heritage and invites future generations to reflect on our past and help build a
hopeful tomorrow,” Ambassador Carlson said.
Following the ceremony, Carlson hosted a reception celebrating
U.S.-Philippine friendship and the 249th anniversary of U.S.
independence. “We begin a new chapter as we celebrate the 250th anniversary
of U.S. independence and the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic
relations in 2026,” Ambassador Carlson 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 such as life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.”
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