Palace declares April 27 a working holiday

CEBU, Philippines —  Malacañang has declared April 27, 2021 as special working day in the country in the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the victory of Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan, and 2021 as “Year of Filipino Pre-colonial Ancestors.”

 “The commemoration of these milestones in our rich history shall strengthen our national pride, and serve as a platform educate our fellowmen and the whole world of the noble deeds and ideals of our ancestors,” reads Proclamation 1128.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 1128 on April 28, 2021, but it was only released yesterday.

As part of the country’s quincentennial commemorations, National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) shall lead, coordinate and supervise the nationwide observance of the Year of Filipino Pre-Colonial Ancestors.

The President has likewise directed all other agencies and instrumentalities of the national government including the government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities and colleges to support and assist the NQC in the effective implementation of the said proclamation.

All local government units and private sectors are likewise encouraged to do the same.

This developed as Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan announced that Dutere is no longer coming to the city on April 27 to grace the quincentennial celebration.

Chan said the received a call from NCQ and was told that the President will only give his virtual message during the event.

This development came after 45 members of the Presidential Security Group were tested positive for COVID-19.

With this, Chan said all events in the morning will be moved in the afternoon.

The mayor also said the city allotted small budget for this year’s reenactment of the Kadaugan sa Mactan (Victory in Mactan), one of the most historical events in the country that commemorates the heroism of Datu Lapulapu. Datu Lapulapu defeated the Spanish colonizers led by Portuguese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

Instead of tapping actresses or actors to play the roles of LapuLapu, Bulakna and Magellan, the city has hired local performers for the reenactment.

Unlike in the past wherein actresses or actors performed the major roles which entails huge talent fees, this time, the city is getting local talented performers or personalities.

“Bisan pa man sa kadako sa maong kalihukan nga tibuok Pilipinas ang mag-celebrate niini, mapasigarbuhon ako nga gamay lang ang budget nga gipagawas sa atong administrasyon para sa maong event,” said Chan in his Facebook post.  — KQD (FREEMAN)