VICTORY AT MACTAN Arnis coach Jonel Pepito plays the role of Mactan chieftain Lapulapu during the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan at Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday. —DALE ISRAEL
LAPU-LAPU CITY—The gallantry and patriotism shown by Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan 500 years ago is manifested by the “worthy heirs” of the Visayan chieftain’s legacy—the country’s medical and essential front-liners, according to President Duterte.
“Five centuries ago, Lapulapu and the brave warriors of Mactan fearlessly fought of foreign invaders who threatened their cherished way of life. They never cowered against the might of the enemy and they bled in defense of their homeland,” the President said in his recorded message aired on Tuesday during the commemoration rites led by National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Rene Escalante and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan.
“In [the] face of danger caused by COVID-19 pandemic, [the country’s medical and essential front-liners] continue to risk their lives, their own lives to ensure the safety of their fellow Filipinos,” Mr. Duterte said.
Contemporary heroes
“They are our contemporary heroes that we must emulate,” the President said in a separate written message posted on government websites and social media pages.
“As we continue to honor and celebrate the valor of Lapulapu, the duty now rests on our shoulders to carry on his aspirations for our nation,” he added.
Reenactment
In his recorded message, the President called Lapulapu, “my idol.” In January, he called on Filipinos to elevate Lapulapu to “a greater standing among the pantheon of Philippine heroes.”
A reenactment of the Battle of Mactan was staged on Tuesday at the same place where Lapulapu and his warriors defeated Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his men in 1521.Before the reenactment, simultaneous flag raising ceremonies were held in government buildings around the country.
Officials led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Mayor Chan took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Lapulapu’s bronze statue within the New Liberty Shrine compound here.
The reenactment, described as a “dance dramatization,” included not just actors and singers, but also kata and arnis athletes who formed part of Lapulapu’s warriors.
Lapulapu’s role was portrayed by local arnis coach Jonel Pepito, a native of Lapu-Lapu City. At least 100 performers joined Pepito in the 20-minute presentation.