28 Abril 2024, Linggo
more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ
welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign
Rise vs modern-day oppressors-FMJ
By Nidz Godino
“Challenge now for all, especially youth, is to continue embracing Lapu-Lapu’s ideals and wealth of our heritage as we realize ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ built on foundations of liberty and freedom he and all our other heroes fought hard for,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. challenged Filipinos, especially youth, to uphold Lapu-Lapu’s patriotism and rise against modern-day oppressors.
Marcos led 503rd commemoration of “Kadaugan sa Mactan” or Victory at Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, where he offered wreath at Lapu-Lapu’s monument and witnessed re-enactment of Battle of Mactan.
In his message earlier, Marcos joined Filipinos in commemorating valor, bravery and boldness of Lapu-Lapu and his men in the Battle of Mactan, which has become epitome of “indomitable Filipino spirit” through the years.
“Despite being in world incomparable to that of Lapu-Lapu, we are called to rise against our modern-day oppressors greed, selfishness and divisiveness and uphold legacy of patriotism that has been passed on to us through the years,” he added.
During performances at Liberty Shrine, Marcos was seen clapping and giving thumbs up to young performers who braved scorching heat.
On April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu, then Mactan’s chieftain, and his men defeated Spanish forces led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Lapu-Lapu killed Magellan during the battle, according to history books.
For the Chief Executive, Battle of Mactan shows every generation how force that is rooted in community, courage and integrity can destroy even strongest of opponents.
“The same is what our nation needs today, image of Lapu-Lapu as living, breathing and real figure who risked his life to keep his family, comrades and community safe from hostile outsiders may seem strange to our modern responsibilities…yet, he remains symbol of bravery and honor each of us inherently possesses,” he added.
Marcos likewise emphasized Filipinos’ continuing love for the country by “defending what is ours.”
“This love for Philippines is seen in our bold assertion of our rights and in defense of what is ours according to the law, according to international order and in the eyes of God,” he said.
The President again made reference to line from Philippine national anthem, Lupang Hinirang “sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil,” means Filipinos will not be oppressed by conquerors.
“Even before this line was written in Lupang Hinirang, this was already fulfilled by the people of Cebu,” he said.
Marcos said nation is still facing “modern battles,” such as hunger and poverty, whose solution is not violence or weapons, but courage, actions and unity.
Those who joined the President at the commemoration were Speaker Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan and his wife Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi Chan and National Historical Commission of the Philippines chair Lisa Guerrero Nakpil.
Before the event ended, local officials gave Marcos miniature statue of Lapu-Lapu.
The President also posed for photos with guests and greeted crowd as he left venue for another event in Lapu-Lapu City.
ISKUP! 