500 YEARS OF MACTAN VICTORY. The Angeles City Local Government Unit joins in the nationwide simultaneous flag raising ceremony on April 27, 2021 of the 500th anniversary of the Victory of the Battle of Mactan. In photos are Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigiting, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) City Director Martin Porres Moral, and City Hall Department Heads. Photos by AC-CIO/Juan Carlo Gueco
ANGELES CITY – Recognizing the valor, heroism, and bravery of Filipinos, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has led the city’s celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Victory of the Battle of Mactan, as the city government joined in the nationwide simultaneous flag raising ceremony on April 27, 2021.
“This historic victory has always signified the unmatched bravery of the Filipino race who stood up against foreign aggressors,” Lazatin said.
In fact, the said initiative, which is part of the 2021 National Quincentennial Commemorations, was released through Memorandum No. 761, Series of 2021 of Mayor Lazatin, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel furthered.
“Part of this commemoration is also the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines, and the role of the country in the first circumnavigation of the world. And this is something that we should always remember and be proud of,” Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, who is also present during the event, shared.
Mayor Lazatin, in his message during the flag raising ceremony, highlighted the health workers and front liners in their role as modern-day heroes in the global fight against COVID-19.
“Just like the victory at Mactan 500 years ago, we too have our own version of modern-day-heroes – our health workers and front liners who tirelessly do their duties in the service of their fellowmen, while staring in the face of death everyday,” Lazatin said.
He then urged his fellow Angeleños to do their part in the fight against the virus.
“Let us all bring out the heroes within, by doing our part in this fight against COVID-19. Rest assured that the city government will be with you every step of the way, as we continue to work together, towards the eradication of the virus, and the recovery of our city,” Lazatin said.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) City Director Martin Porres Moral echoing the call of Mayor Lazatin in strengthening the COVID-19 response in the grassroots level.
“We can all be modern heroes by ensuring enforcement of COVID-19 protocols in their respective barangays,” Moral said, reminding officials in the city’s 33 barangays.
In line with this celebration, Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) Head Anneleen Antonio-Sugui said that the Malacañang has also released Proclamation 1128, declaring April 27, 2021 as a special working day in the country in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the victory of Lapu Lapu in the Battle of Mactan, and 2021 as “Year of Filipino Pre-colonial Ancestors.”
“The commemoration of these milestones in our rich history shall strengthen our national pride, and serve as a platform to educate our fellowmen and the whole world of the noble deeds and ideals of our ancestors,” reads Proclamation 1128.
Present also during the ceremony are Gender and Development Officer Mina Cabiles, Information Communication Technology Division Head Michael Lising, City Engineer Donato Dizon, City Budget Officer Corazon Ayson, City Treasurer Juliet Quinsaat, City Assessor Engineer Lea Dizon, and General Services Officer Engineer Menandro Dizon.
