President Duterte pushed for the elevation of Lapu-Lapu to the country's pantheon of Filipinos heroes during the launch of P5,000 commemorative banknote and silver medal in honor of his victory in the battle of Mactan 500 years ago.
In a taped message aired during the ceremony held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas complex in Manila, the President welcomed the production of Lapu-Lapu’s commemorative items and expressed hope Filipinos would emulate his heroism.
The issuance of the special banknote and medal was in line with the quincentennial commemorations in the Philippines that includes the 500th anniversary of Lapu-Lapu's victory in the Battle of Mactan. Lapu-Lapu, a chieftain of Mactan island, fought and killed Ferdinand Magellan who led the Spanish invading forces during the famous battle of Mactan in 1521.
“I join the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as we launch the P5,000 commemorative banknote and medal. I am delighted to see Lapu-Lapu and the warriors of Mactan as well as the majestic Mt. Apo and the great Philippine eagle being featured in these commemorative items,” the President said.
“Indeed, if we are to apply to truly celebrate our rich history as a nation, we need to elevate Lapu-Lapu to a greater standing among the pantheon of Filipino heroes. We, therefore, dedicate this bank note and this medal to his historical victory in Mactan 500 years ago,” he added.
Duterte said he hopes the momentous occasion would inspire Filipinos “to embrace our national identity by embodying Lapu-Lapu’s heroism as we face the challenges ahead.”
The special P5,000 banknote issued by the BSP features a portrait of a young Lapu-Lapu on the front with the images of Philippine Eagle, Mt. Apo, and coconut tree shown on the reverse side. The Lapu-Lapu banknote will not be for circulation, according to the BSP.
The commemorative medal, made of silver and weighs 31.1 grams, features the Lapu-Lapu shrine on the front while rendition of the battle of Mactan and date April 27, 1521 are placed on its back.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea attended the BSP ceremony and accepted the commemorative items on behalf of the President.
Medialdea serves as the chairman of a committee that will spearhead the "Filipino-centric" and "transformative" quincentennial commemorations in the Philippines this year. The country is set to mark the 500th anniversary of its role in the first circumnavigation of the world, the victory of Lapu-Lapu in the Battle of Mactan, and other historic events from 1519 to 1522.
Under Executive Order No. 103, the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP) aim "to promote local and national tourism, reignite the nationalism of every Filipino, inculcate values for the common good, strengthen social cohesiveness of the community, intensify social awareness, and foster the Filipino creativity and innovation for our socioeconomic growth."