US Ambassador Carlson, Mayor Magalong Lead 80th Victory Day Ceremony in Baguio City
Text by: Art Tibaldo, photo courtesy of Frank Cimatu
BAGUIO CITY, September 3, 2025- U.S. 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. 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.
Victory Day marks the end of World War Il in the Philippines. In the 80 years since standing shoulder-to-shoulder in battle, the Philippines and the United States have grown closer as friends, partners, and allies.
“The liberation of the Philippines during World War Il 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,” Ambassador 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.”
Guests included representatives from the Baguio City government, the Department of National Defense, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the media, and partners from the public and private sectors.
Ambassador Carlson, Mayor Magalong, and PVAO Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu presented awards to World War I| veterans Sixta Quinones Favila, Angelo Viloria Andrada, Florence Rimando Marasigan, and Ernesto Carreon Luis 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.
