CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined the 501st anniversary celebration of the Victory of Mactan at the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City on April 27, 2021.
The event sought to commemorate the victory of Lapulapu and his men over the Spaniards in the historic Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presided over the ceremony, which was highlighted by the laying of wreath at the Liberty Shrine. He was accompanied by AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino as the military host.
Also present were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Executive Director, National Quincentennial Committee Chairman Rene Escalante; Department of Education Secretary Leonora Briones; National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana; and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan.
Under Republic Act 11040, April 27 of every year is declared a special working public holiday in the whole country and a special non-working holiday in Lapu-Lapu City to commemorate the event also known as ‘Lapulapu Day’ or ‘Adlaw ni Lapulapu’.
This year’s commemoration also marks the closing ceremony of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines. This was a series of organized observances to mark the 500th anniversary of various notable events in the Philippines to promote and conserve the country’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as its artistic creations.///(Photos by TSg Randulf Obinque PAF/PAOAFP)
