LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu (PIA) -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to embody the heroics of Datu Lapulapu by fighting for the people's rights and protecting the country's territories and independence.

Speaking as the guest of honor during the 503rd Commemoration of Victory at Mactan (Kadaugan sa Mactan) on April 27, the President made the call to the Filipinos, especially the youth, to uphold courage and bravery and embrace the ideals and legacy of patriotism of Lapulapu, who is regarded as the country’s first national hero.

“Ngunit, ang mas mahalaga, ang pagbabalik-tanaw, ang ating sagradong panunumpa na ating ipapagpatuloy ang diwang ipinamalas nila Datu Lapulapu. Sapagkat ang kanilang tapang at paninindigan ay hindi lilipas kailanman, tulad nang hindi pagkupas ng ating pagmamahal sa bayan, sa kalayaan, at sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Ang diwang makabayan ay hindi mabubura sa paglipas ng panahon. Hindi lumulumbay sa pag-usad ng sibilisasyon at hindi nabubura ng teknolohiya,” said President Marcos.

He also encouraged Filipinos to continue the fight in promoting the best interest of the nation and for the good of the future generation of Filipinos. 

“Ako’y nagagalak na ang diwang makabayan ay buhay na buhay hindi lamang dito sa Mactan, hindi lamang sa Cebu, hindi lamang sa Visayas, kundi sa buong Pilipinas. Ito ay nakikita sa pagtitiwala natin sa ating sariling lakas at paniniwalang nakasalalay sa ating pagpupunyagi ang pag-unlad ng ating bansa. Ito ay nakikita sa matapang nating pag-giit sa ating karapatan at sa pagtatanggol kung ano ang atin ayon sa ilalim ng batas, sang-ayon sa pandaigdigang kaayusan, at sa mata ng ating Diyos,” Marcos added.

The president also cited that loving the country is one of the most important ways to honor the heroism displayed by the great chieftain of Mactan 503 years ago.

He said that Lapulapu's bravery, boldness, and valor during the Battle of Mactan became the longstanding symbol of the “indomitable Filipino spirit” and are worthy of being emulated even by this modern generation.

“Sa ating pag-alala ng mga mahahalagang yugto ng ating kasaysayan, ang responsibilidad na ipagpatuloy ang ipinaglaban ni Datu Lapulapu ay nakasalalay sa ating mga balikat, lalung-lalo na ang pagsiguro na ang ating bansa na patuloy na umuunlad. Ipagpatuloy natin ang laban at pag-tiyak na ang Bagong Pilipinas ay umapaw ng pag-asa, pagkakaisa, at pagkakataon para sa susunod na mga henerasyon,” the president concluded.

The President witnessed the reenactment of the historical Battle of Mactan and led the flag and wreath-laying ceremony on the statue of Lapulapu.

He was joined by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President Sec. Antonio Lagadameo Jr., Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Cabinet secretaries, local government officials, regional directors of line agencies, foreign dignitaries, among others.

Every year on April 27, Lapu-lapu City hosts the Victory at Mactan (Kadaugan sa Mactan), a historical celebration serves as a reminder of the fortitude and tenacity of the nation's forefathers as well as the value of preserving its distinct cultural identity.

It is declared a special non-working holiday in the Lapu-lapu City and a special working public holiday for the rest of the country under Republic Act No. 11040. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)