WWII Allied forces Lingayen Gulf landing remembered

BAGUIO CITY (January 9, 2025) -- Defense chief Gilbert Teodoro honored the sacrifices of the veterans by strengthening its campaign to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territories during Thursday’s commemoration of the 88th year of the Lingayen Gulf landings at the Pangasinan Capitol Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Teodoro was positive that at present, the AFP is at the advance stage of the process of making itself capable, modernized and resilient one.  This he said, “is to ensure that the sacrifices of the Filipino veterans who fought for the freedom of the country will not go to waste.”

On January 9, 1946, the Allied forces landed at the Lingayen Gulf of Pangasinan after a three- day battle with the Japanese forces.  The landing paved the way for the Allied forces to advance to Manila and complete the flushing out of the Japanese forces.

According to Teodoro, the DND is making significant measures for the further improvement of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) to be more effective and efficient in order to support the programs and initiatives to serve the veterans. He said there is an ongoing audit and strategic assessment to get ensure its sustainability.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, who together with other Pangasinan Provincial officials and staff led the commemoration said, the activity is not more than a commemoration but giving honor to the veterans for their commitment, dedication and patriotism in fighting the invaders and freeing the province and the whole country from the enemies.

The governor paid tribute by acknowledging the remaining veterans especially those who attended the program and also the families and their representatives.

Guico III also took advantage of the activity to beam about the near completion of the phase I of the development of the reflective pool and the interactive fountain in honor of the veterans.

The pool is located at the back of the Capitol building while the interactive fountain is at the North side near the beach. 

The governor hoped that the project “will serve as a lasting reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of the Filipino veterans”