CEBU CITY—Spanish Navy ship Juan Sebastian Elcano is expected to arrive in Cebu on Saturday, March 20, marking the start of the quincentennial anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world.
In a statement on Monday, March 15, the National Quincentennial Committee of the Philippines (NQCP) announced that Spain’s navy training ship is scheduled to arrive in Suluan Island in Guiuan town, Eastern Samar this Tuesday, March 16.
The ship was named after Castilian explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano, the captain of Victoria, the only ship of the Armada de Maluco, also known as the Magellan-Elcano expedition, that successfully returned to Spain after completing the first circumnavigation.
The ship’s arrival will also mark the start of the country’s quincentennial celebrations which will be highlighted by the unveiling of the Suluan Quincentennial Marker in Suluan Island.
The Suluan Quincentennial Marker will be one of the 34 historical markers placed across the country to highlight the Philippines’ part in the world’s first circumnavigation, the NQCP said.
From Eastern Samar, Juan Sebastian Elcano will sail to Cebu on March 18. It is expected to pass by Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) this Saturday through Mactan Strait.
Due to the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, only ‘simple activities’ for the quincentennial celebrations will take place in Eastern Samar.
The activities will include a ‘meeting procedure’ between the Philippine Navy and Spanish Navy, with the BRP Apolinario Mabini designated as the country’s official navy ship to welcome the Juan Sebastian Elcano.
“Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will represent the Philippine government in the procedure. He will be accompanied by Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Moragas,” said NQCP.
“Owing to the pandemic, no physical contact will take place between the crew member and those in land. She (the ship) will also join the Philippine and Spanish governments in the unveiling of the next historical marker at Homonhon Island, still part of Guiuan, at 11 a.m. on March 17,” it added.