The Philippine government sponsored a big bash last year (1994) with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Leyte Landing of Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur on October 20, 1944. About P100-million in public funds were believed spent for the affair. Some three-fourths of this amount went to the repair of the scenic San Juanico Bridge, which recent news reports claimed to be "falling down" again because of alleged slipshod work.

But not all investments for the golden anniversary of the Leyte Landing went to waste. One monument built for that event resonates in its stirring call to peace in our day. This is the Philippine Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace, which was dedicated last year.

Monument for world peace

The "Rock Garden of Peace" was erected as the centerpiece of the planned MacArthur Landing Shrine Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte. This is located some 25 meters to the right of the statues of General MacArthur and company. The rock garden was intended to memorialize 50th Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary and was conceived to reinforce celebration theme, "Peace: A Better World."

The National Executive Committee for last year’s Leyte Landing celebration explained the purpose of the rock garden, ironically in a bronze plaque, as follows:

"This commemorative rock garden is a monument of peace. It is dedicated to peoples of all nations who share and cherish the same ideals of freedom and democracy.

"Rock tablets from peace-loving countries are found in this garden, each one carrying a message of solidarity, friendship and goodwill.

"Here in (the) serenity of this garden, half a century after the guns have been silenced, we must reiterate our resolve to work together to preserve peace at all cost."

The rock garden showcases rocks indigenous to the countries invited to participate in the golden anniversary. Each rock was inscribed with messages from the respective head of state. Twenty-two countries have national rocks installed in the heart-shaped garden.

The garden’s design

The architectural design of the project was made by Renato L. Punzalan and Associates. From the air, the garden itself will look like a white dove on flight, with full spread wings and laurel leaves (see artist’s conception). The dove design, in stone blocks, appears to bear a smaller bird also on flight on its back. The dove figure measures 6.5 meters from bill to tail. The "burning flame," 1.5 meters high, is made of acrylic sheets on stainless steel frame, and mounted on a half-meter panaflex inverted pyramid which in turn is mounted on a 0.7-meter acrylic blades. A 4.3-meter square column depict the stylized "bamboo torches" that produced the "flame," bound together with strands of rope and standing on a concrete base.

A Department of Tourism brochure described the project thus: "The rocks, bamboo, dove with laurel leaves, and the burning flame set together bring forth the unifying theme of peace and strength in unity. The dove, executed in stone cuttings, and the laurel leaves symbolize peace.

"The bamboo torch monument which rises 4.3 meters from the ground demonstrates strength in unity. Its flame breathes forth undying peace and freedom. Bamboo, an all-purpose material, is basically used for building homes in the Asian region. Tied together in a "bigkis" (Filipino word for binder), it also symbolizes solidarity among men which is the key towards achieving lasting peace.

"To symbolize the unrelenting search for peace, all participants (in) the commemorative event will have their own ‘Tree of Peace’ around the ceremonial rock garden."

Around the dove’s ground are the inscribed rock tablets, the largest measuring one-half meter in width and 0.7 meter in length. Numbering 22 in all, they carried the messages of peace of representative heads of state as of October last year.

President Soeharto of Indonesia had the following message carved on white marble: "May this remind us that war can only inflict destruction and suffering on humanity. Let us therefore always strive to avoid yet another war and maintain peace and security (,) so that the stability of our region may be enhanced (,) so that we may be able to pursue our development and thus achieve a life of peace, justice and prosperity."

Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama of Japan gave the shortest message, in Japanese and in English, on a bronze tablet over a piece of spotted black Japanese marble. It said: "Eternal peace."

President Kim Young Sam of Korea dedicated the following message for the Leyte Landing: "The soldiers who fought here will be remembered forever for their bravery and loyalty. Their noble sacrifices helped pave the way for freedom, peace and democracy. In their memory, let us always make efforts to promote the values they fought for."

The rock from Malaysia was unique for the longest name among the world leaders who sent messages. The author (is he the Malaysian king?) is Tuanku Ja’afar Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman Yang Di Pertuan Agong X. His message: "Let this be a reminder to all, that imperialism and colonialism can never subjugate a nation. We pay tribute to all the people of the Philippines for their heroic struggle for freedom and independence. Their will to live in peace and harmony have made significant contribution to regional peace and stability.

"We look forward with confidence to an era of close cooperation and collaboration among all peoples of the region."

From President Carlos Salinas de Gortairi of Mexico came the following message: "We fight for world peace and international cooperation for development."

President Fidel V. Ramos of the Philippines had the following message: "The Filipino people commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings in the spirit of reconciliation, peace, friendship and economic cooperation."

The Union of Myanmar (Burma) had the following message from Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council: "Let us cultivate love and goodwill (metta), compassion (karuna) and sympathetic joy (mudita) to preserve peace and prevent war."

The New Zealand government sent the following message of Governor-General Dame Catherine Tizard: "The lesson of Leyte: ‘... to practise tolerance and to live in peace with one another as good neighbours.’ (Quoted) from the preamble to the Charter of the United Nations."

The government of Pakistan sent this message from President Sardar Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari: "We are all partners in the quest for world peace, progress and prosperity."

From Papua New Guinea came this message of peace from Rabbie L. Namaliu, the speaker of the National Parliament: "Let the blood that flowed from the hearts of peoples of nations of the rim of Asia, nations of the rim of the Pacific and the islands of the Pacific, be the symbol of our vision and commitment towards peace, security and freedom."

President Boris N. Yeltzin of Russia had his message carved on a white Russian marble: "In memory of the Allied soldiers who gave their lives for peace in the Pacific."

The Singaporean rock had the following message of President Ong Teng Cheong: "The Leyte Gulf Landings were a significant event for the Philippines. They marked the restoration of peace to the Philippines and the beginning of a new era for Southeast Asia. The return of peace in 1945 paved the way for economic progress for all countries in the region. It is my hope that this peace will prevail so that we can continue to build a better future for our peoples."

Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai of Thailand gave this message: "It takes more than bravery to sacrifice one’s life to ensure peace and freedom for succeeding generations. We, the people of Thailand, salute the heroes of the Pacific War."

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England had her message carved on a small piece of British rock. It said: "In memory of those who gave their lives on these shores in the cause of peace and freedom."

President William Jefferson (Bill) Clinton of the United States gave the longest message among the represented world leaders in the rock garden. It went as follows:

"A Promise Kept

"At this place, on October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur redeemed his solemn pledge to help the Filipino people win back their liberty. ‘I have returned,’ MacArthur declared upon landing at Leyte. ‘Our forces stand again on Philippine soil.’ For the next ten months, Filipinos and Americans battled with valor, side by side, so that the Philippines might be free.

"The bonds between Filipinos and Americans, forged in the fires of World War II, have grown stronger through the years. Our peoples are united by a history of shared purpose and values, and a present of friendship and family ties.

"May the future be one of peace and prosperity that Filipinos and Americans, together, fought so hard to ensure."

America’s rock lay beside the one from Vietnam, its former enemy. The latter was carved with a comparably terse message, in Vietnamese and in English, from Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh. It said: "All nations should strive for peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in South-East Asia and the world over."

Governor-General Bill Hayden of Australia had this message: "This piece of Australian granite symbolizes the steadfastness of our people’s pursuit of freedom in the Asia Pacific Campaign 1942-1945 and the right of all nations to live in peace."

From neighboring Brunei was the message of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah which said: "On this significant occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Leyte Gulf Landings, I, on behalf of the Government and People of Brunei Darussalam, convey to the People of the Republic of the Philippines warm greetings of friendship in commemoration of a victory worth remembering.

"The peace and security that have prevailed in this region are clear indications of the significance of the Leyte Gulf Landings. It has ensured stability, progress and development in our region, and has encouraged us to maintain that peace through friendship and co-operation. The bonds of friendship among us must not be allowed to be broken but should continue to prosper through the efforts and determination of our people(s)."

The Canadian government had the following message of Governor-General Ramon John Hnatyshyn: "Canadians join with Filipinos in renewing their commitment to universal peace and goodwill. En toute amitie et foi en l’avenir."

The People’s Republic of China, through President Jiang Zemin, had the following message in Chinese and English: "For the peace of the world (,) for the well-being of all mankind."

President Francois Mitterand of France gave the following message in French and English: "The Leyte Gulf Landing in the Philippines, the Normandie and the Provence landings in France ... The World War comes close to an end with these heroic events. Freedom spreads over the world again. In this year of remembrance, the people of France join the people of the Philippines in paying respect to the victims of the war and in celebrating the restored freedom.

"Indeed, remembrance carries in itself a message of hope: the enemies of yesterday now find themselves side by side in the silence of this ‘Rock Garden’ to honor peace."

President Sharker Dayal Sharma of India sent in the following message carved on orange marble: "On the occasion of remembrance, let us resolve to banish conflict and to cooperate together for a better future. We seek a new era of peace and harmony in Asia."

When I planned to write this article, I presumed Israel was also represented in the rock garden. Alas, it was not. The message of peace of the late Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin, carved on rock from the nation of Christ’s birth, would have made a fantastic lead, followed as it was by his writing peace with his own blood last November 4.

I also missed the rock message of Czech President Vaclav Havel. He is the first foreign head of state to have ever visited the rock garden in Palo when he came a few months ago. I heard he brought with him a piece of Czech rock with his own message. But this has not been installed yet. Which is unfortunate, considering that Pres. Havel is the symbol of peace and freedom in his country. In the rock garden, he still has to find a place among some peace-talking war-freaks.

Surely, it is not yet too late to redress serious omissions and some hypocrisy around the Philippine Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace.

(NOTE: The commemorative rock brought by Czech President Vaclav Havel during his June 4, 1995 visit to Leyte was later displayed beside the rock with Pres. Ramos’ message. Pres. Havel’s message on rock is: "I firmly believe that in the end reason will prevail over hatred." The message reflects the man, who perhaps drafted it himself.

Another newly displayed rock came from The Government of the Republic of Austria. Its message: "Peace, honor, prosperity and friendship for the beloved Filipino people.")