Cebu City Gov’t, AFP Commemorates Local Hero on 1st Lapu-Lapu Day
Officials and employees of the Cebu City Government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headed by Lt. Gen. Paul Talay Atal, D.P.A., AFP, Commander of the Central Command, AFP led the commemoration of the Ist Lapu-Lapu Day, held at the AFP Central Command in Barangay Apas, this city, earlier today, April 27.
This is to commemorate the heroic deeds and the courage displayed by the Ist chieftain, Lapu-Lapu and his men, who defied & resisted foreign intervention, in one of the momentous events in national history, the Battle of Mactan, where they emerged victorious over the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan, 497 years ago, on April 27, 1521.
The program started with a mass presided by Fr. Jose Luis B. Ricafort, CHS at the St. Jude Thaddeus Chapel.
A short program followed with the floral offering led by North District Congressman Raul del Mar, together with officials and employees at the foot of Lapu-Lapu’s mural.
“Central command takes pride and inspiration from the life of Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero.” Lt. Gen. Atal quoted in his opening remarks.
Representing Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Cultural & Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), Commissioner Clodoreo “Louie” Nacorda delivered his message to the guests. “From Datu Lapu-Lapu’s victory, we learn that winning a battle or a war depends more on strategy and bravery than superior arms or firepower.” he emphasized.
This celebration was made possible after the Senate passed Senate Bill No. 108 authored by Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, declaring April 27 as a special working public holiday throughout the country to be named as Lapu-Lapu Day last February 19, 2018. (Cebu City PIO/Chrysly Rose R. Jumao-as & Jocelou Deborah Camantigue / CNU Interns)
