In accordance with Republic Act No. 1745, “An Act Declaring October Twenty of Every Year a Special Holiday in the Province of Leyte, Amending for the Purpose Section Thirty of the Revised Administrative Code,” work in all government offices and classes in all levels, both public and private, are suspended on Monday, October 20, 2025, throughout the Province of Leyte.
This annual holiday marks the commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landing, a historic event that saw the return of General Douglas MacArthur to Philippine soil on October 20, 1944, signaling the start of the nation’s liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II.
This year’s celebration, the 81st Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary, will be held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, with the theme:
“Freedom’s Price: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future” (“Halaga ng Kalayaan: Parangal ng Nakaraan, Pag-iingat sa Kinabukasan”).
The annual rites will be led by Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, Palo Mayor Matin Petilla, and officials from the Provincial Government of Leyte in partnership with the Department of National Defense (DND), the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
Dignitaries, veterans’ families, local officials, and students are expected to attend the commemorative program featuring a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony, cultural presentations, and historical exhibits highlighting the heroism and unity of Filipino and Allied forces.
As the province pays tribute to its storied past, the government encourages Leyteños and visitors alike to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and to draw inspiration from their legacy in shaping a peaceful and progressive future.
“Let us take this time to remember the valor of our heroes who fought for our country’s freedom and reflect on our shared duty to preserve the peace they won,” said Governor Jericho Petilla in a statement. END #leyteinitiatives
