President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the 503rd anniversary of the Battle of Mactan in Cebu on Saturday.

The President came with Special Assistant Antonio Lagdameo, Senator Lito Lapid, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and key officials.

Marcos Jr. led the wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Lapu Lapu who is considered as the first hero of the country.

He witnessed the reenactment of the historic battle that took place on the shores of Mactan between explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his cohorts and Lapulapu with his men.

In his speech, Marcos Jr. said this is not only remembering what happened more than five centuries ago but reliving the traits of Lapu Lapu. 

“Mas mahalaga ang sagradong panunumpa… ang diwang pinamalas nila Datu Lapulapu…diwang makabayan at hindi mabubura sa paglipas ng pagkakataon,” he said. 

He added that modern-day heroism is shown not just by the people of Mactan but by everyone through showing love for others, caring for those who have been affected by calamity, helping those in need and for being brave.

“Matapang sa pagiit ng karapatan ng anong atin,” Marcos Jr. said.

For the local officials of Cebu, this is the first victory for the country which therefore should be celebrated. 

They noted that the Island has been transformed into a "world-class city".

“Their triumph at the Battle of Mactan epitomizes Oponganons ‘ spirit and steadfast result in the midst of adversity,” said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan.

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said that after the historic battle, ties with the Spaniards has come back. 

“In the spirit of good will and fraternity, they have come back to build,” said Garcia. 

Some notable projects in partnership with Spanish firms include the first Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, fourth Mactan-Cebu Bridge and a 150-megawatt solar power plant in the town of Daanbantayan. 

After the celebration, Marcos Jr. proceeded to the capsule-laying project of the Mactan Expo Center. 

This project, in partnership with construction giant Megaworld, will become the venue for the ASEAN Summit to be held in 2026. 

Its officials announced that it is a two-level stand-alone convention worth P1.5 billion. 

It can accommodate 2,500 people in a theater-style setup or 1,600 people for banquets. 

Cebu also once hosted the ASEAN summit in 2007.