NHCP calls for unity vs. COVID-19 pandemic

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Tuesday called for the same unity the Filipino people displayed 500 years ago against invaders, but this time against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

NHCP Chairman Rene Escalante issued the remark as the country celebrates the 500th anniversary of Lapu-Lapu's victory in the Battle of Mactan.

“Gaya ng nangyari [500] taon na ang nakalipas, maganda po sana na tayo ay magkaisa muli gaya ng nangyari dito sa Lapu-Lapu City, 500 na taon na ang nakalipas,” he said in a live briefing.

(Like what happened 500 years ago, it would be good if we could once again unite like what happened in Lapu-Lapu City.)

“So sa atin pong pakikibaka laban sa pandemya, tayo po sana ay magkaisa muli, magtulungan, suportahan ang gobyerno, para po kagaya ng nangyari dito, maging matagumpay po tayong lahat dito sa bago nating laban,” he added.

(So in our fight against the pandemic, let us unite, help each other, support the government, so like the victory  of Lapu-Lapu, we could achieve victory in our new fight.)

The Philippine Quincentennial Museum in Museo Sugbo, Cebu City opened on Monday, April 26 to celebrate Lapu-Lapu’s victory against Ferdinand Magellan.

Meanwhile, April 27, the date of the battle, has been declared a special working day in the country. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News