Duterte to grace 5th centennial countdown

CEBU, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is expected in Cebu on December 14 for the launching of the 500 days countdown to the quincentennial celebration of the historic battle of Mactan in 2021.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said the president will deliver a message at 6:30 pm at the Hoops Dome. A live feed of the simultaneous landmark lighting in Manila, Davao, and Lapu-Lapu will be shown at 6 p.m.

Chan said he is also scheduled to give a five-minute speech during the event as well as Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. There will be cultural presentations and singing of “Bagani,” the quincentennial theme song.

The National Quincentennial Committee plans to showcase a multi-media state-of-the-art production, featuring the best of contemporary Visayan/Filipino artists and expressions, rooted in the nation’s cultural heritage during the occasion.

According to the organizers, performances will dramatize the world of Filipino ancestors before western contact.

The NQC hopes that the upcoming performances will raise awareness among the Filipinos and the world about the Filipino way of commemorating the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world.

 In 2021, the country will commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world, Datu Lapu-Lapu’s victory in Mactan, and other related events.  FPL (FREEMAN)