A ROUND OF APPLAUSE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. applauds the participants of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” (Victory of Mactan) event at the Liberty Shrine on Mactan Island on Saturday. Marcos was the guest of honor at the 503rd celebration of the victory led by Datu Lapulapu over Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish forces. PCO PHOTO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday Filipinos are winning the present challenges faced by the country as the government continues to build infrastructures and implement programs to fight poverty.
In his speech during the 503rd Commemoration of the Victory of the Philippines during the battle of Mactan in Lapu-lapu City, President Marcos was elated by the spirit of valor and patriotism that still prevails in the hearts of Filipinos.
“Ako’y nagagalak na ang diwang makabayan ay buhay na buhay hindi lamang dito sa Mactan, hindi lamang sa Cebu, hindi lamang sa Visayas, kundi sa buong Pilipinas. Ito ay nakikita sa pagtitiwala natin sa ating sariling lakas at paniniwalang nakasalalay sa ating pagpupunyagi ang pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” President Marcos said.
He said that while patriotism is shown through love for one another, it will also protect the country’s rights and sovereignty against any oppressors.
As modern times hurl new challenges, the President also stressed the need for unity and courage to fight oppression as inspired by the bravery of the people of Mactan in the past.
“Ngunit sa panahong ito, may mga makabagong pagsubok tayong hinaharap na ang solusyon ay hindi dahas o armas. Nangangailangan ito ng ating katapangan, ng ating pagkilos, at higit sa lahat ang ating pagkakaisa,” he said.
“Ito ang kalasag natin laban sa kahirapan, ang paglaban sa ating mga sakit, sa ating gutom, sa kamangmangan, sa kawalang pag-unlad, at kasalatan ng mga oportunidad para guminhawa ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he further stated.
The President admitted that combating the said problems was never easy but his administration remained committed to fight and take necessary measures to address them.
“Kung tutuusin, mahirap na katunggali ang mga ito. Walang kutang gutom na pwedeng salakayin. Walang nakahilerang batalyon ang kamangmangan na maaring lusubin,” he said.
“Walang pisikal na barikada ang kawalan ng hanapbuhay na pwedeng direktang atakihin. Ngunit ang mga ito ay nilalaban natin at tayo ay nagwawagii,” he declared.
President Marcos asserted triumph as various successful government programs and initiatives were done including the establishment of beneficial and promising infrastructures such as schools and hospitals.
The President also delivered government assistance to those in need and paved the way for companies and businesses to invest in the country to help generate jobs for Filipinos.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos urged Filipinos to continue what Datu Lapu-lapu fought for and ensure that the Bagong Pilipinas the nation is striving for will offer overflowing hope, unity, and opportunity for the next generation.
“Ipagpatuloy natin ang laban at pag-tiyak na ang Bagong Pilipinas ay umapaw ng pag-asa, pagkakaisa, at pagkakataon para sa susunod na mga henerasyon,” he concluded.
During the event, President Marcos also led the wreath laying to honor Datu Lapulapu’s heroism and witness the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan.
Philippine heritage
Earlier, President Marcos Jr. challenged the Filipinos, especially the youth, to continue embracing the ideals of Lapulapu and the wealth of the Philippine heritage as the country shifts to a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“The challenge now for all, especially the youth, is to continue embracing his [Lapulapu] 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,” Marcos said.
The President joined the Filipinos in commemorating the valor, bravery and boldness of Lapulapu and his men at the Battle of Mactan, which ultimately became the epitome of the “indomitable Filipino spirit” through the years.
Lapulapu’s courage and love for the country, President Marcos said, only showed how “a force that is rooted in community, courage, and integrity can destroy even the strongest of opponents,” which is timely and relevant today.
He said that everyone is called to take on the challenge and rise against modern-day oppressors and uphold patriotism.
“The same is what the nation needs today. Despite being in a world incomparable to that of Lapulapu, we are called to rise against our modern-day oppressors – greed, selfishness and divisiveness – and uphold the legacy of patriotism that has been passed onto us through the years,” he said.
“The image of Lapulapu 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.
Lapulapu’s native warriors killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. PND
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