David S. Odilao, Father of the Bahug-Bahug sa Mactan
Many may have thought about it, but it was him who the courage and brilliance to make it a reality. The first reenactment was on April 27, 1979. It was also Sir Boy who convinced President Marcos to issue a decree:
“PROCLAMATION NO. 1845
“DECLARING APRIL 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS “BATTLE OF MACTAN DAY” AND APRIL 28 AS SPECIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN LAPU-LAPU CITY AND CEBU PROVINCE.
Whereas, April 27, 1979 is the 458th year marking the battle of Mactan which produced the Philippines first national hero, Lapulapu;
Whereas, April 27, 1979 also marks the anniversary of the promulgation of the charter of Lapu-lapu City;
Whereas, it is fitting and proper to focus public attention on this historical event as well as to the growth of Lapu-Lapu City into a progressive city and;
Whereas, the residents of Lapu-Lapu desire to celebrate this milestone in their city history;
Whereas, this event signifies the first strophe in the historical evolution of the whole province of Cebu;
Whereas, the celebration of this event is an important feature in the promotion of tourism in Lapu-Lapu City and the province of Cebu.
Now, Therefore, I, Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare April 27 of every year as “BATTLE OF MACTAN DAY” and April 27 and 28, 1979 as a special public holidays in Lapu-Lapu City and the province of Cebu.
Done in the City of Manila, this 19th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-nine.
Ferdinand E. Marcos
President of the Philippines”
The presidential decree of Marcos could also be aptly called as the “Odilao’s Bahug-Bahug sa Mactan Presidential Decree”. The later or succeeding congressional enactments or presidential orders are not just legal superfluity but a desecration of legal precedence and history. Today’s local and national officials do not have to conjure or invent “Mactan Days”, especially the “special working holiday” which is a legal comedy, but to assert that every April 28 as special public holiday for Cebu. That is what they must fight for in honor of Lapu-Lapu.
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