By Robina Asido

MAKATI--Hundreds of Filipinos and Japanese joined the memorial service for the war dead at the Japanese Memorial Garden in Laguna marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on Friday.

According to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, "approximately 250 people from Japanese related groups, Japanese descendants related groups, The Japan War - Bereaved Association, the Philippines government and others" attended this year's ceremony in Caliraya.

In his message read during the ceremony, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remembered the innocent victims and the valiant sacrifices of those who fought for freedom during the Second World War.

"The lessons from that horrid episode will be forever etched in the memory of the Filipino. So will the lessons of the war remain foundational to our society, in our total rejection of war, and our pursuit of lasting friendships towards peace and prosperity and in defense of equality, justice, and human dignity," he said.

"May our common resolve and forward-looking aspirations for our countries and peoples endure as our beacon against war, aggression, and the lethal ambition of domination. Like those who have come before us, let us continue to create those pathways for a peaceful and just world, and strengthen our longstanding cooperation," he added.

Following the floral tributes by attendees, Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines Endo Kazuya concluded the ceremony with a closing address to pay tribute to the war dead and victims.

Endo stressed the importance of remembering the devastation of war and the preciousness of peace and ensuring that the memories of these tragedies are never allowed to fade and that this legacy is passed on.

The Japanese Ambassador also reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the friendship between Japan and the Philippines. DMS