Declaring April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day
Proclamation No. 200, issued on April 26, 2017, declares April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day in the Philippines. This day commemorates the historic Battle of Mactan, where Lapu-Lapu and his men successfully resisted Spanish colonization. The proclamation honors Lapu-Lapu's legacy as a symbol of Filipino bravery and love for freedom. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing his contributions through appropriate ceremonies each year. This declaration aims to instill pride and remembrance of Lapu-Lapu's fight against foreign domination among Filipinos.
April 26, 2017
PROCLAMATION NO. 200
DECLARING APRIL 27 AS LAPU-LAPU DAY
WHEREAS, on April 27, 1521, the Battle of Mactan was fought and won by Lapu-Lapu and his men to repulse the Spanish invaders;
WHEREAS, being among the first of our forefathers to have fought against foreign domination, Lapu-Lapu's heroism has been recognized as a representation of the Filipino people's love of freedom and capability to rise above adversity;
WHEREAS, Lapu-Lapu left us a legacy of freedom through his leadership, extraordinary bravery, courage, and love for his own land;
WHEREAS, it is but fitting and proper that Lapu-Lapu be given the highest honor and that his legacy be remembered by all Filipinos through appropriate ceremonies;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare 27 April of every year as Lapu-Lapu Day.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 26th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seventeen.
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 113, No. 19, p. 3473 on May 8, 2017.