Marcos to Filipinos: Rise vs modern-day oppressors

Marcos to Filipinos: Rise vs modern-day oppressors

MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on Filipinos to “rise against our modern-day oppressors” and uphold patriotism as he joined the nation in commemorating the valor, bravery and boldness of Lapulapu and his men at the Battle of Mactan.

In his message for the 503rd anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, Marcos said that Lapulapu’s courage and love for the country only showed how “a force that is rooted in community, courage, and integrity can destroy even the strongest of opponents,” which is timely and relevant today.

“The same is what the nation needs today. Despite being in a world incomparable to that of Lapulapu, we are called to rise against our modern-day oppressors – greed, selfishness, and divisiveness – and uphold the legacy of patriotism that has been passed onto us through the years,” Marcos said.

“The image of Lapulapu as a living, breathing, and real figure who risked his life to keep his family, comrades, and community safe from hostile outsiders may seem strange to our modern responsibilities. Yet, he remains a symbol of the bravery and honor that each of us inherently possesses,” he said.

The President then challenged the Filipinos, especially the youth, to continue embracing the ideals of Lapulapu and the wealth of the Philippine heritage as the country shifts to a “Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).”

“The challenge now for all, especially the youth, is to continue embracing his [Lapulapu] ideals and the wealth of our heritage as we realize a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that is built on the foundations of the liberty and freedom that he and all our other heroes fought hard for,” Marcos said.

During the celebration known as “Lapulapu Day” or “Adlaw ni Lapulapu” at the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, the President led the flag ceremony and offered a wreath to the statue of Lapulapu.

He also witnessed a reenactment of the Battle of Mactan during the program proper and the performance of “Arnis de Abanico,” a subset of Filipino martial arts that focuses on the use of “abanico” or fan as a weapon.

Republic Act 11040 declared April 27 of every year as a special working public holiday in the whole country and a special non-working holiday in Lapu-Lapu City to commemorate the victory of Lapulapu and his forces over the Spanish invaders in Mactan.

Lapulapu killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan at the “Battle of Mactan” on April 27, 1521.