Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Dino has called on Filipinos to fight COVID-19 just like how Lapu-Lapu fought for freedom and independence in the Battle of Mactan and make this an inspiration to defeat the virus once and for all.
The Battle of Mactan depicts the Filipino's serious yearning and regard for liberty and independence, Dino said in his speech read by Assistant Secretary Anthony Gerard Gonzales during the start of the 100-day countdown towards the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP) last Sunday at the Lapu-Lapu Monument in Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City.
The Philippines is set to mark the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world, on April 27.
"This history dates back before we were even colonized which proves that the spirit of independence and heroism runs deeply in the blood of Filipinos," Dino said and urged Filipinos to succeed in the battle against COVID-19 just like the victorious Lapu-Lapu during the Battle of Mactan.
Dino added that the administration of President Duterte, with the help of Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, has been very committed to winning the fight against COVID-19.
It is already embedded in the Filipinos’ daily lives, hence, to fight against it just like our freedom and independence depended on it, he stated.
Dino is confident that the whole quincentennial commemoration of the Philippines celebration would serve as proof that the country is ready to safely conduct its tourism activities and hoped that it would spur economic activities and attract tourists here.
“We hope it would accelerate the revival of our tourism industry and revitalize our economy, after all, the Visayas is a gem for tourism and heritage," Dino added.