President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. joined the 503rd commemoration of the historic “Kadaugan sa Mactan (Victory at Mactan) as the City of Lapu-Lapu’s honored guest on April 27, 2024 at the Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan. 

The President led the wreath-laying rites at the Lapu-Lapu monument. 

In a press statement, it was learned that the President (PBBM) emphasized the enduring relevance of courage, conviction, and love of country, as demonstrated by historical figures like Datu Lapu-Lapu.

“Ang ating pagkakaisa ay magiging kalasag laban sa kahirapan, sakit, gutom, kamangmangan, kawalan ng pag-unlad, at pagkakataon,” PBBM said.

The Filipino martial art of Eskrima was showcased featuring approximately 500 eskrimadors during the program that was preceded by a reenactment of the Battle of Mactan. 

Jonel Espinosa Pepito, an internationally acclaimed eskrimador and father of the Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico group, portrayed Datu Lapu-Lapu while Henj Manlosa, a teacher, portrayed Rayna Bulakna. 

Belgian-Filipino Kevin Lahousse, a resident of Barangay Pajo, played Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Further, PBBM led the capsule-laying ceremony for the P1.5-billion Mactan Expo Center expected to offer about 10,000 square meters of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) as part of preparations for the Asian Summit in Cebu in 2026. 

Mayor Junard Chan underscored how the city has lived up to the legacy of courage and resilience of Lapu-Lapu and his warriors.

“Their triumph at the Battle of Mactan epitomizes our city’s indomitable spirit and steadfast resolve in the face of adversity. It is the same spirit and resolve that fueled us Oponganons to transform our city into the bustling metropolis that it is now,” Chan said.

(Info courtesy: Lapu-Lapu City PIO)