A powerful message of unity and global peace resonated during the 505th commemoration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan on Monday, April 27, 2026. Lapu-Lapu City officials and performers gathered to honor the historic victory of Datu Lapulapu against Ferdinand Magellan.
Mayor's Call for Unity
In her opening speech, Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan emphasized the relevance of the Mactan lesson in today's challenging times. “In these trying times, the lesson of Mactan becomes ever more relevant. Just as Lapu-Lapu united his people against a common enemy, we too must rise above division and partisanship,” she stated. “We must come together, not as factions, but as one nation—committed to solving the problems that burden our people.”
Her remarks followed a dramatic reenactment of the Battle of Mactan, where performers waved flags from various nations alongside a globe, symbolizing cross-border unity. Chan noted that the historic victory continues to inspire modern values of sovereignty and cooperation.
Reenactment and Ceremonies
The reenactment took place at the Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan, believed to be the actual site of the 1521 battle. Actor Elcid Camacho portrayed Datu Lapulapu, Akiko Solon played Reyna Bulakna, and Veanz Matutinao took on the role of Magellan. The performance paid tribute to Filipino bravery and early resistance against colonization.
The celebration began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, led by Mayor Chan and joined by Lone District Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan, Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Director Agosto Daskeo, and DepEd 7 Director Arturo Bayocot, who represented Education Secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. The ceremony honored Lapulapu and his warriors' victory in 1521, widely regarded as a defining moment in Philippine history and a lasting symbol of courage, resistance, and defense of national sovereignty.
Budget and Attendance
City Tourism Office head Garry Lao reported that despite changes in actors and a reduced allocation, the city government delivered a strong production. Originally estimated at P3 million, the performance was streamlined and completed on a compressed budget of P1.8 million. Lao added that it was the first time other schools came to observe the celebration. Police estimated the crowd at 2,500, with no untoward incidents reported.
Significance of the Event
In a message read by Bayocot, Education Secretary Angara underscored the importance of early diplomatic encounters and key moments in Philippine history. He said the education sector continues to strengthen the teaching and appreciation of Philippine history in schools, ensuring that learners understand events such as the Victory of Mactan not only for what occurred but also for their deeper significance in shaping national identity.
“The lesson remains clear: freedom is not merely inherited, it is understood, nurtured and fiercely protected by any generation,” Angara said. “This is not just history written in textbooks, this is the national identity that we carry and live out every single day.” He further urged learners to study history beyond memorization, understanding why events happened and why they remain relevant today. Mayor Chan noted that Angara was unable to attend due to an important meeting in Malacañang.
