Marcos urges Pinoys: Rise vs modern-day oppressors

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday challenged Filipinos, especially the youth, to uphold Lapu-Lapu’s patriotism and rise against modern-day oppressors.

Marcos led the 503rd commemoration of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” or Victory at Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, where he offered a wreath at Lapu-Lapu’s monument and witnessed the re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan.

In his message earlier yesterday, Marcos joined Filipinos in commemorating the valor, bravery and boldness of Lapu-Lapu and his men in the Battle of Mactan, which has become the epitome of the “indomitable Filipino spirit” through the years.

“The challenge now for all, especially the youth, is to continue embracing (Lapu-Lapu’s) 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,” the President said.

“Despite being in a world incomparable to that of Lapu-Lapu, we are called to rise against our modern-day oppressors – greed, selfishness and divisiveness – and uphold the legacy of patriotism that has been passed on to us through the years,” he added.

During the performances at the Liberty Shrine, Marcos was seen clapping and giving a thumbs up to the young performers who braved the scorching heat.

On April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu, then Mactan’s chieftain, and his men defeated Spanish forces led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Lapu-Lapu killed Magellan during the battle, according to history books.

For the Chief Executive, the Battle of Mactan shows every generation how a force that is rooted in community, courage and integrity can destroy even the strongest of opponents.

“The same is what our nation needs today,” he said.

“The image of Lapu-Lapu 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 added.

Marcos likewise emphasized Filipinos’ continuing love for the country by “defending what is ours.”

“This (love for the Philippines) is seen in our bold assertion of our rights and in the defense of what is ours according to the law, according to the international order and in the eyes of God,” he said in Filipino.

The President again made reference to a line from the Philippine national anthem, Lupang Hinirang – “Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil,” which means Filipinos will not be oppressed by conquerors.

“Even before this line was written in Lupang Hinirang, this was already fulfilled by the people of Cebu,” he said.

Marcos said the nation is still facing “modern battles,” such as hunger and poverty, whose solution is not violence or weapons, but courage, actions and unity.

Those who joined the President at the commemoration were Speaker Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan and his wife Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi Chan and National Historical Commission of the Philippines chair Lisa Guerrero Nakpil.

Before the event ended, local officials gave Marcos a miniature statue of Lapu-Lapu.

The President also posed for photos with guests and greeted the crowd as he left the venue for another event in Lapu-Lapu City.