On Oct. 20th, Chargé d’affaires MATSUDA attended the “Commemoration Ceremonies of the 78th Anniversary” hosted by the Governor of Leyte Province at the McCarthy Landing Memorial Park in Palo City, Leyte Province. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Governor Petilla of Leyte, Philippine government officials, embassy officials from the U.S. and Australia, and others were present in the event.
The commemorative virtual ceremony was live-streamed for the last two consecutive years to prevent the spread of COVID-19; however, the ceremony was finally held in person this time for the first time in three years.
Chargé d’affaires MATSUDA conveyed profound condolences to the victims of the war and mentioned that Japan and the Philippines, with their shared experience and values, can work together to promote regional peace and security under the current challenging international security situation, including the situation in Ukraine and the Taiwan issue. Chargé d’affaires MATSUDA also expressed Japan’s readiness to cooperate with the development of the Philippines, including Leyte Province, especially as the country attempts to recover from the economic challenges caused by the pandemic.
