CEBU, Philippines — The 503rd “Kadaugan sa Mactan” takes place today at the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City with no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in attendance.
This year’s commemoration carries the theme “Honoring bravery, inspiring solidarity”.
The president is expected to lead the wreath-laying rites at Datu Lapu-Lapu’s monument along with Mayor Junard Chan and his wife, Rep. Cindi Chan, and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
A re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan will follow, featuring local talents led by Jonel Espinosa as Lapu-Lapu, Lourelle Henj Manlosa as Reyna Bulakna, and Kevin Lahousse as Ferdinand Magellan.
The president is expected to deliver a speech after the re-enactment.
After the event at the shrine there will also be a capsule-laying ceremony for the Mactan World Expo Convention at the Mactan Newtown with the president also gracing the event.
Later in the afternoon, Oponganons and guests will have the Sadsad sa Kadaugan 2024. This includes street dancing, a grand showdown, and fireworks display later in the day.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-7 said they are ready for the president’s visit today.
PRO-7 spokesman Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare said they have coordinated with other law enforcement agencies for the president’s visit.
While it is possible that for today the alert level of the police will be raised, Pelare said they have not monitored any threats to the president.
PRO-7 assured that the president will be safe by implementing tight security. –/BRP (FREEMAN)