By Robina Asido

MT. SAMAT, Bataan -- As the nation celebrates the 83rd anniversary of the Day of Valor on Wednesday, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Endo Kazuya highlighted the "unprecedented level of friendship and cooperation" between the two nations amid what he described as an intensified "unilateral attempt" to forcely change the status quo in the region.

In his speech during the event that was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Endo noted that "the current global security landscape is fraught with challenges" as "unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force continue to intensify, creating a complex and uncertain environment".

"Amidst this backdrop, the Philippines holds a critically strategic position for Japan and the entire region. A maritime nation sharing vital sea lanes and sitting at the crossroad of geopolitical significance," he said.

"Today, the bond between Japan and the Philippines has reached an unprecedented level of friendship and cooperation under the leadership of President Marcos. This is clearly demonstrated in our shared efforts to enhance security and law enforcement capabilities," he added.

Endo said Japan is also committed to deepening its trilateral cooperation with the Philippines and the United States which now stand united as allies and partners after it was once divided by conflict during the Second World War.

"We are not only committed to working closely bilaterally but also to deepening our trilateral cooperation. This is an enduring achievement that holds far-reaching significance. We are now working hand-in-hand, strengthening our robust partnership to foster global peace and prosperity," he said.

"Through a sustained dialogue, our three nations have also forged a deeper, unbreakable bond of friendship. I believe in our shared ability to carry our friendship forward, growing stronger with each passing generation. Whether in times of challenge and moments of peace, Japan remains resolute in its dedication to our shared future," he added.

Cipriano Florendo 99, one of the veterans who assisted the Philippine soldiers during World War II said that he no longer hates the Japanese and he welcomes the friendship and alliance of the three nations.

"Even though you (Japanese) were violent before because of the war, there are other (Japanese) who are kind," he said.

In his message, Marcos also expressed disappointment that although 80 years have passed there are nations who still failed to learn that the only solution to war is peace.

"Peace cannot be attained by one person, by one country alone. And that we have to bring together all the parties that are involved. These are the lessons that we hope to have learned," he said.

"We are a little bit disappointed to see that the world ? parts of the world, and many countries in the world have yet to learn that lesson. And we hope that that peace will be brought to us soon," he added.

Reiterating the iron-clad commitment of the America, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ewing said "the US-Philippine alliance stands as the pillar of security and stability in the Pacific."

"Following the war, our nations worked to rebuild together. The shared experience of the US and the Philippines during and after the war forged unbreakable bonds between our two peoples. These bonds are now the foundations of the iron-clad US-Philippine alliance," he said.

"Our forces work shoulder-to-shoulder 365 days a year to advance our shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific where international law is respected. As Secretary of Defense Hegseth announced a few weeks ago, we are taking bold new steps to accelerate the progress of the alliance," Ewing added.

The celebration was also attended by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Marbil, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan and others.

Marcos, Endo and Ewing offered their wreaths at the Shrine of Valor during the event that was attended by around 1,000 people, including the members of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Boy and Girl scouts. Robina Asido/DMS