Kadaugan rites echo global call for peace

CEBU, Philippines —  Calls for world peace took center stage during the commemoration of the 505th Kadaugan sa Mactan yesterday, April 27, 2026, as Lapu-Lapu City honored its historic legacy at the Mactan Shrine.

Around 2,500 spectators and guests gathered at the Mactan Liberty Shrine to pay tribute to the heroism of Datu Lapu-Lapu and his warriors, according to Lapu-Lapu City Police Director Col. Agosto Daskeo, who described the event as generally peaceful.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, in an interview, highlighted the relevance of the celebration amid ongoing global conflicts, emphasizing that peace begins within each individual.

“Very timely for all of us. We are calling for world peace. Peace is so elusive, and it starts within each one of us,” King-Chan said.

This year’s reenactment offered a fresh perspective on the historic Battle of Mactan, going beyond the confrontation between Lapu-Lapu and Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The presentation carried a broader message of unity and peace.

“Nindot man sad gud nga mu present ta og something new, kaysa balik-balik nalang ta,” the mayor added.

Similar to last year, the narrative traced Lapu-Lapu’s journey from youth to becoming a strong leader. It also highlighted Reyna Bulakna’s compassion in caring for displaced natives while emphasizing her bond with Lapu-Lapu as they united their people in preparation for the impending battle.

On April 27, 1521, Mactan Island witnessed what is widely regarded as the first successful resistance against foreign aggression in the Philippines. Magellan’s attempt to subdue the natives was met with fierce resistance, resulting in his death at the hands of Lapu-Lapu’s forces. The victory symbolized early Filipino resilience and delayed Spanish colonization.

King-Chan said this year’s production also sought to highlight the richness of pre-colonial culture.

“Dili na katong we were pagans or we were savages, but it showed that we already had a culture before the Spanish arrived,” she said.

The mayor described this year’s reenactment as the best so far, citing its fresh approach and new perspective. One of the highlights was the performance of Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico, whose members are mostly children.

She also commended the actors for delivering a more theatrical performance despite last-minute cast changes.

Elcid Camacho portrayed Lapu-Lapu, while Akiko Solon took on the role of Reyna Bulakna, replacing Shaun Pelayo and Crissa Liaging, also known as Habibi. Veanz Matutinao played Ferdinand Magellan, replacing Belgian model Kevin Lahousse, who sustained an injury.

Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Officer Gary Lao said the performers rose to the challenge despite the adjustments.

“The show must go on. The celebration of our 505th Kadaugan sa Mactan continues,” Lao said.

He also revealed that this year’s production operated on a reduced budget of ?1.8 million, down from ?3 million previously. Despite this, the reenactment captivated audiences with its staging and daytime pyrotechnic effects.

“Even with a minimal and compressed budget, the city government was able to deliver a quality production,” Lao added.

Lao emphasized that the message of unity and perseverance remains relevant more than five centuries after the historic battle.

“The message was world peace, haom ug tukma, sa atoang panghitabo karon. Despite sa crisis, gubat nga atong gisagubang, ang kadaugan natong mga Sugboanon, natong mga Oponganon pinaagi sa pagtinabangay kay ato rang malampos,” Lao said.

Beyond the reenactment, the commemoration included solemn rites such as a wreath-laying ceremony, flag-raising, and floral offerings at the Lapu-Lapu monument.

The ceremonies were led by Mayor King-Chan, joined by Lone District Representative Junard “Ahong” Chan, Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, and Department of Education Region 7 Director Arturo Bayocot, representing Education Secretary Edgardo Angara. — (FREEMAN)