PH Marks WWII 80th Anniversary With Global Conference

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation (PhilWar Foundation) will host an international conference titled “War & Memory: 80 Years After” on February 18-19, 2025, at Lyceum of the Philippines University in Intramuros, Manila.

The conference commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Philippines and will feature renowned historian James W. Zobel of the MacArthur Memorial Museum & Library as keynote speaker.

The event will delve into significant wartime themes, including the prelude to war, the Philippine defense campaign, the Japanese occupation, the rise of resistance, the liberation campaign, post-war issues, and the memorialization of wartime legacies.

Dr. Ricardo T. Jose of the University of the Philippines Diliman and Ms. Desiree Ann C. Benipayo of the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation are co-convening the conference in partnership with the NHCP.

“This conference offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the enduring lessons and legacies of World War II, ensuring that its history continues to resonate with future generations,” said Dr. Jose.

Attendees can expect scholarly papers and discussions, providing new perspectives on one of the most critical periods in Philippine history.

Ms. Benipayo emphasized the importance of this milestone.

“The 80th anniversary is not just about remembering the past but also about acknowledging how the war shaped our present and will continue to shape our future,” she said.

The NHCP, which is tasked with promoting Philippine history and preserving historical sites, has also lined up various commemorative activities throughout 2025 to honor this landmark anniversary.

For more information, contact the PhilWar Foundation at (+63) 945-577-8972 or NHCP’s Research Section at (+632) 5335-1212.

This conference represents a significant effort to preserve and explore the complexities of World War II’s impact on the Philippines and its people.