500-Day Countdown to Quincentennial Celeb Kicks Off

The 500-day countdown towards the 500th year Anniversary of the Victory of the Battle of Mactan started as the nationwide simultaneous landmark lighting took place in the different islands and regions in the Philippines on Dec. 14, 2019.

In the celebration, 21 historical and cultural monuments and sites, which symbolize the freedom that the country has fought for, were lit in solidarity with the quincentennial celebration countdown.

National Quincentennial Committee advocates for a more Filipinocentric point of view of the celebration in the year 2021 to celebrate the time when Philippines took part in the most important maritime voyage undertaken – the circumnavigation of the world by the Magellan-Elcano expedition.

In behalf of Luzon, Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso represented by Manila Administrator Felixberto Espiritu led the simultaneous countdown at the Museum of Natural History in Rizal Park.

Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte delivered his remarks in behalf of the major island of Mindanao.

Duterte said in his speech that the Mindanao participation of the countdown will highlight the history and heritage of Mindanaoan identity.

Both leaders from the major islands call for unity despite adversity and understanding cultural diversity.

Leading the Visayan Islands in the countdown, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan said the Victory at Mactan is a historic moment for every Filipino and not just about the heritage of the Cebuanos.

It is in this city named after the indigenous tribal leader Lapu-Lapu where the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in action and foreign intervention was defeated, leading to the glorious “Victory at Mactan”.

Through the Department of Tourism, Lapu-Lapu City Government, and the National Historical Commission, the simultaneous celebration of the 500-day countdown showcased the best contemporary artistry and expression of the Visayan culture.

At the Hoops Dome of Lapu-Lapu City, the stage was transformed into a total theater with a multimedia state-of-the-art production where 25 performing groups from the different islands took part in the cultural performance. (fan/pia7)