President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded on Saturday the Filipinos for their patriotism as shown by their collective effort to assert the sovereign rights of the Philippines aligned with international law and order.

In his speech during the 503rd Commemoration of the Victory of Mactan at the Liberty Shrine, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, President Marcos was elated by the patriotism that remains vibrant not only among the Cebuanos but all Filipinos.

President Marcos said patriotism can be seen in every Filipino through their valor and selfless participation for nation-building. “Ito ay nakikita sa pagmamahal natin sa ating kapwa, pag-aaruga sa mga napinsala, pagtulong sa mga nagdarahop, at pagtanggol sa mga inaapi,” President Marcos said.

“Ito ay nakikita sa matapang nating paggiit sa ating karapatan at sa pagtanggol kung ano ang atin ayon sa ilalim ng batas, sang-ayon sa pandaigdigang kaayusan, at sa mata ng ating Diyos,” the chief executive added.

The President was guest of honor and keynote speaker of the 503rd Commemoration of the Victory of the Philippines at Mactan on Saturday where he also led the flag raising ceremony and wreath laying to honor the country’s first national hero, Datu Lapulapu.

President Marcos also witnessed the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan and the performance of Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico followed by the presentation of a miniature of Lapulapu statue by the local government of Lapulapu City to the Chief Executive.

Lapulapu’s victory at Mactan on April 21, 1521 held a national significance as it inspired other Filipino heroes and thinkers of the 19th century that helped fuel their revolutionary movement for the country’s independence from Spain. | PND