Cebu City gov’t marks first Lapu-Lapu Day

The Cebu City Government through the Cultural and Historical Arts Commission (CHAC) celebrated yesterday the first LapuLapu Day.

The celebration was marked by a floral offering at the monument of the Cebuano hero at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command headquarters in Camp LapuLapu. The ceremony was led by CentCom commander Lt. Gen. Paul Atal.

Cebu City North District Rep. Raul Del Mar, CHAC commissioners, teachers, city government officials, and military officers were among those who graced the occasion.

“We have already taken the first step in declaring April 27 as a national Lapu-Lapu Day. May we soon see him declared as a National Hero for he is the only one who fought a battle, won the battle, and lived after that battle. May the memory of our glorious victory in the Battle of Mactan continue to inspire us all to protect and defend our country against all kinds of aggression, local and foreign,” said CHAC Commissioner and historian Clodoveo Nacorda.

The celebration aims to commemorate the heroism and bravery of Datu Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino who fought against foreign invaders led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan 497 years ago.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed on April 26, 2017 Proclamation No. 200 declaring April 27 of every year as Lapu-Lapu Day.

Lapu-Lapu is a Filipino chieftain who resisted and fought against foreign invaders. With his heroic acts, Lapu-Lapu indeed deserves this national recognition. Being the peacemakers in the whole Visayas, rest assured that the Central Command will continue the fight to serve and protect our country and people from all threats,” said Atal in his speech yesterday.