Thank you.
Madame President,
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a war which brought untold sorrow to humankind.
This commemoration allows us to recall and reflect on the lessons of war, and to truly appreciate the need and enduring importance of enhanced international cooperation, peace and reconciliation, amidst a rapidly changing world where mistrust and inequalities persist.
Today, as in many parts of the world, we honor the millions of people who fought, sacrificed and lost their lives in the Second World War. We pay tribute to our veterans, our brave soldiers and all those who stood firm for freedom and for humanity.
Our country and people also suffered gravely from the horrors of World War II. Manila, then a bustling metropolis, was the most devastated city in the Pacific, almost unrecognizable after three years of bombardment and fierce urban combat. We lost more than 100,000 Filipino civilian lives for Manila’s freedom. There were many more. In the north of Manila, many of our brave soldiers perished as they marched more than 60 miles during the infamous Death March.
From the ashes of World War II came hope and determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. The devastation of the war necessitated the birth of this august organization. We need to remain seized of the spirit of unity and shared purpose that became the foundation of the United Nations.
As a country deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and among nations, the Philippines has always chosen the path of peace, and it will continue to do so through diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation.
As our President has stated: “We will always make a stand and will always stand for what is right, and will continue to work with partners and the international community in building bridges, forging solutions, preserving our global commons and strengthening our common commitment to a region, a world, governed by rules not by might, where the rights of countries, large or small, are respected.”
In honor of the victims of World War II, we support and stand in solidarity with all our efforts to advance global peace. We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter and to being a responsible member of the international community to build a more just, peaceful and prosperous world, for the current and future generations.
Thank you.