CEBU, Philippines — A historical marker will soon be installed in honor of the first Filipino chieftain to embrace Christianity who was Rajah Humabon of Cebu.
This was the pledge of Dr. Rene Escalante, chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and executive director of the National Quincentennial Committee, as he delivered his speech during yesterday’s celebration of Rajah Humabon Day at Plaza Hamabar where Humabon’s monument is located.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and other city officials led the commemoration of one of the historic events in the city.
Historical markers are installed by the NHCP in the Philippines and places abroad that signify important events, persons, structures, and institutions in Philippine national and local histories.
“As I was inspecting the site yesterday, I noticed that we have a marker, I think this was installed already by the local government unit… but, I find it more dignified if we will be putting a historical marker rather than just a local marker,” said Escalante.
“Because we have to innovate the recognition of Rajah Humabon, not just a local hero, but hopefully let us bring to the attention of the national audience the important role that Humabon played in 1521,” he added.
Escalante said the processing of a historical marker would usually take three months, but he vowed to have it processed in one month.
“I told my staff to schedule this in a board meeting after the Holy Week so that we can deliberate already,” he said.
Escalante said that it is not only the major players of the first circumnavigation of the world to be given recognition, but also the local players who made an important role in this event.
April 7 marks the arrival of the Magellan-Elcano fleet in the shores of Cebu where Humabon welcomed the Spanish conquistadores, including Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
“Let's also give Humabon what is due to him. Installing a marker for him and putting his name in the registry of the Philippine Historic Sites and Structures would be a big contribution to our attempt to elevate his status in our historical consciousness,” he added. — GMR (FREEMAN)