Officials honor Lapu-Lapu’s bravery

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government, through its Cultural & Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), spearheaded the second commemoration of the Lapu-Lapu Day yesterday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (CentCom), Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.

CHAC Member Dr. Jocelyn Gerra conducted a lecture about Lapu-Lapu leading to the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.

“In Filipino, it’s called ‘may pinaghugutan.’  We have something that we can really stand for...  I’ve lived in Europe for a long time and took my PhD in Germany, there are lot of challenges whether it’s questioning your capability to be at par with the rest… alam mo kung sino ka, kaila ka kung kinsa ka, you will be very proud and stand of who you are,”  Said Gerra.

Gerra felt the urged to return to the Philippines, after years of living in a foreign land, because she does not see the point of investing time in dealing with people she can’t relate with, nothing like her countrymen.

“When people practice commemorations, it’s a great contribution to those people who has done something in our country,” added Gerra.

April 27 has been rooted and celebrated as the “Battle of Mactan”, and yesterday marked the second year since it was declared as “Lapu-Lapu Day”, a national special working holiday in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu under Republic Act 11040.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña, North District Representative Raul del Mar, along with officials from the AFP, PNP, local government units, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Rizal and civilians, graced the event.

Osmeña, in his speech, announced that Cebu City stood alone in providing P500,000 financial assistance to the families of three  soldiers, and a cop killed  during a series of attacks in Bohol in 2017.

He also proudly recalled the contribution of the Cebu City government to the families of soldiers killed during the Marawi siege.

“I stand with, and I will never forget the kind of sacrifices done by the military for our country…Even if I’m the last person…last civilian to realize that, I will always pay my respects to those who’ve sacrifice their lives, who, all they know is to follow orders and they believe of what our country is good for,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Lapu-Lapu City government yesterday marked the yearly Kadaugan sa Mactan, with the reenactment of the historic Battle of Mactan as a highlight.

Residents and tourists came in droves at the new Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan to witness the reenactment of the battle that took place on April 27, 1521.

In her speech, Mayor Paz Radaza called on her fellow leaders and constituents to emulate the virtues of Datu Lapu-Lapu as a courageous leader who looked after the welfare of his men. — Clark Y. Panugalinog/GAN