Bill seeks RP-wide observance of Lapu-Lapu Day

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu Day, which is celebrated every April 27, is now observed as a special non-working holiday nationwide.

Senate Bill 3284, or the act declaring every April 27 as special non-working holiday, seeks to honor the victory of Datu Lapu-Lapu and his men over the invading Spanish colonizers in the historic Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.

Senator Richard Gordon, the author of the bill, said from a mere city-wide celebration, Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu is now celebrated nationwide to give recognition to the first Filipino hero.

“Lapu-Lapu was the king of Mactan who refused to submit himself and his people under foreign rule. It is only appropriate that we celebrate April 27, the Battle of Mactan, which is the first victory of our nation against foreign oppressors,” Gordon said.

The senator had long advocated for the rightful recognition of Lapu-Lapu’s heroism.

Gordon fought to place the 40-foot Lapu-Lapu statue, a gift from the Koreans, in Luneta to recognize the hero’s role as the first Asian to beat the colonial invaders.

The Senate bill, filed on May 27 this year, was co-authored by Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

A festival is born out of Lapu-Lapu’s heroism which was then called the Bahug-bahug sa Mactan or Kadaugan sa Mactan, a week long celebration,

The festival features various activities that culminate with the reenactment of the famous battle. — Ferliza C. Contratista/LPM    (THE FREEMAN)