By Benjie Cuaresma
MANILA — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday led the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Battle for Manila, urging residents to honor the city’s wartime sacrifices by fostering unity and resilience in addressing present-day challenges.
The ceremony, held at St. Paul University Manila, was attended by diplomats, war veterans, government officials, and city leaders, marking one of the darkest chapters in the capital’s history during World War II.
In his address, Moreno highlighted Manila’s postwar recovery as a testament to collective action and cooperation, underscoring the role of bayanihan in rebuilding the city after its near-total destruction in 1945.
“From the ravages of war, Manila rose—and in doing so, showed the world what true resilience means,” Moreno said, citing collaboration among local communities, the national government, and international partners as key to the city’s recovery.
The mayor paid tribute to Filipino veterans who fought during the Battle for Manila, stressing that their sacrifices for freedom and independence must continue to be remembered by future generations.
Moreno also drew parallels between the hardships of the past and the challenges confronting Manila today, including climate change–related disasters, public health threats, and the spread of disinformation and cyber risks that weaken public trust and social cohesion.
Calling for broad cooperation, Moreno appealed to various sectors to help advance the city’s development and recovery efforts. “Build, rebuild, and make Manila prosperous,” he said, emphasizing that progress can only be achieved through shared responsibility and collective effort.
The Battle for Manila, fought from February 3 to March 3, 1945, was one of the most destructive urban battles of World War II. It claimed the lives of at least 100,000 civilians and left much of the city in ruins, shaping Manila’s historical memory and postwar identity. /ia
