CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan is hoping that Malacañang would declare April 27, 2021 a holiday not only in the city but for the entire country.
The date marks the 500th anniversary of the Victory of Mactan or known as the Battle of Mactan.
“A holiday for the entire country ang April 27 dili lang kay sa atong siyudad ra,” Chan said.
Last February 4, 2021, the City Council passed a resolution sponsored by Councilor Queenie Ahmann requesting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare April 27 of every year as a national holiday in the entire country.
The resolution stated that the national declaration will open the doors to every Filipino to search and study the commendable and exemplary life of Datu Lapulapu and the historic Battle of Mactan 500 years ago.
Chan said that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea already received a copy of the resolution and he is hoping Duterte will approve the request.
He said that Duterte is expected to attend the April 27, 2021 reenactment of the Battle of Mactan at the Liberty Shrine.
In his speech during the Savoy Hotel’s launching of “Breakfast for Heroes,” Chan likened the COVID-19 pandemic to the Battle of Mactan and urged every Oponganon to be a modern-day hero by following the health and safety protocols to save lives.
“The COVID pandemic is a witness to the heroism of the ordinary Filipinos in transforming us into modern-day heroes in reducing the number of cases,” the mayor said.
The activity is part of the city’s month-long activities of its 500th year anniversary of the famous Battle of Mactan.
Cindi King-Chan, chairman of the City Tourism, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, thanked Savoy Hotel, and its mother company, Megaworld Hotels, for its “Breakfast for Heroes” wherein the breakfast served is made from enhanced local products to help local producers and farmers.
Mayor Chan is grateful to the hotel for sponsoring the “Breakfast for Heroes” as it reflects the heroism of Lapulapu and the heroism of ordinary Oponganon amidst the pandemic.
Other activities for the month-long celebration includes Triduum Mass, Musica Scara Concert, motorcade, trade fair and exhibits, Mano-Mano Arts and Crafts, Food and Wine Festival, launching of 500 years commemorative stamp, unveiling of markers and Sugbonsai Exhibit and Workshop.
Also part of the celebration includes the circumnavigation of Oponganon Cleevan Alegres in the whole Island of Mactan by swimming, wreath laying of old Lapulapu statue and tree planting of the 500 malunggay seedlings which is part of the #IMEElunggay livelihood project of Senator Imee Marcos.
Chan said that the Battle of Mactan reenactment will be live streamed in various government media Facebook pages and Facebook pages of the city government as the venue of the event will accommodate limited guests.— GMR (FREEMAN)