Loren agrees to help make “Battle” a permanent holiday

CEBU, Philippines - Senator Loren Legarda, if reelected, will work off a way to keep the celebration of the “Battle of Mactan” a permanent public holiday.

She said that after a resolution has been approved, she will coordinate with representatives of the Lapu-Lapu lone congressional district in crafting a bill that will ask for the declaration of every April 27 of the year as a public holiday. 

Mayor Paz Radaza said some holidays commemorate the country’s defeat in war such as the “Fall of Bataan.” She said it is just fitting that Filipinos should also commemorate victories over the Spaniards.

“I hope that one day soon, our fellow Filipinos all over the country will be able to join us as we commemorate the heroism and victory of Datu Lapu-Lapu.

“I call on our legislators to pass a law declaring April 27 a public holiday so that as Filipinos we can all together commemorate a victorious event in our country’s history,” “Radaza said.

Every year, the city has to write to the Office of President to consider April 27 as a holiday for the whole island of Lapu-Lapu.

She hopes a way could be found to stop this practice.

Every April 27, the city government commemorates “Kadaugan sa Mactan” at the Mactan Liberty Shrine with a re-enactment of the battle between the forces of Lapu-Lapu and Magellan.  (FREEMAN)