Quincentennial a commemoration of Filipinos’ humanity, identity, history – Legarda

Former three-term Senator and House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda joins the 2021 Quincentennial of the Philippines’ part in the achievement of humankind in circumnavigating the world.

“The quincentennial is a commemoration not only of the country’s part in the first circumnavigation of the world, but also a celebration of our ancestors’ humanity, identity, and history. The series of milestone events in the Quincentennial will highlight the hospitality, established civilization, and rich culture and tradition of Filipinos way before the arrival of our colonizers,” Legarda stated.

Among the milestone events that will be commemorated during the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (2021 QCP) are the 500th anniversary of the Victory of Lapu-Lapu in the Battle of Mactan, celebration of the first mass in the Philippines, the circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan-Juan Sebastian Elcano from 1519-1522, respectively.

As the former Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Legarda provided funds for the Quincentennial and its activities such as workshops and lectures, the launch of art competitions that promote victory and humanity and the establishment of markers, among many others.

Legarda, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, will air on Wednesday, March 17, the last episode of Road to 500 in commemoration of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world with the arrival of Magellan in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on March 16, 1521.

The Road to 500 is a monthly online program that aims to update the public of the preparations for the anniversary of the Victory of Mactan, and other related events. Its first episode was aired on June 30, 2020.

Joining the online conversation on Wednesday are His Excellency Jorge Moragas, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines; Rene Escalante, Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP); and Prof. Xiao Chua of the Philippine Historical Association.

Apart from the airing of Road to 500 webinar this week, the NHCP and the Local Government Unit of Guiuan, Eastern Samar will also be unveiling the historical markers at the Suluan Island, Homonhon Island and Calicoan in Guiuan, Eastern Samar from March 16 to 18.

“Since June 2020, through the online program Road to 500, we have been updating our countrymen about the preparations for the big yet humble event of the 2021 QCP, discussing topics like the flagship projects of the National Quincentennial Committee, humanity in the Filipino, culinary heritage and tangible heritage, among others,” Legarda stated.

Legarda also added that 2021 is a year of appreciation for our ancestors, an opportunity to tell the world the history of the Filipino, their contribution, identity, and story.

“It is very important to know how great our past is. It nourishes our soul as a people, animating and inspiring us to do good not only for our fellow Filipinos but for humankind. The quincentennial should be a platform to foster our national interest and at the same time, promote the message of humanity, of identity and history. The Filipino character shines bright in the times of need. Let us keep that spirit burning,” Legarda concluded.