Senator Christopher “Bong” Go paid tribute to the modern-day heroes who continue to fight for the welfare and well-being of Filipinos amid the ongoing challenges facing the country during the quincentennial anniversary commemorations of the Victory of Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Tuesday, April 27.
In his speech as a special guest, Go underscored the importance of examining one’s past in order to gain an understanding of the present and the boldness to face one’s future. He especially welcomed the opportunity the occasion presented to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of the Visayan people which helped shape the country into being what it is today.
“Isang karangalan para sa akin na makasama sa ating komemorasyon ng ika-limangdaang Anibersaryo ng labanan sa Mactan … Mahalaga na tayo ay magbalik-tanaw sa ating kasaysayan, ngunit mahalaga rin na may pagtutuwid tayo sa nakaraan — upang maunawaan natin ang kasalukuyan at lakas-loob nating harapin ang ating kinabukasan,” began Go.
“Kami ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte ay mga Mindanaoan, kami rin ay mga Bisaya. Mayroon din tayong dapat ipagmalaki … Kaya hindi kataka-taka na ang minamahal nating Pangulong Duterte, ay taus-puso ang pagkilala kay Lapu-Lapu, dahil hindi rin ninanais ng ating mahal na Pangulo na patuloy tayong maaapi sa hindi pagkilala sa kabayanihan ng buong Kabisayaan,” he continued.
The Senator called on Filipinos to remember today’s heroes on the frontlines who are continuing this legacy by laying down their lives to save lives of others and for the betterment of the nation. He praised efforts by the Duterte Administration to recognize these contributions through the establishment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu under Executive Order No. 17 s. 2017.
The Order, which was created following the Siege of Marawi City, is awarded to men and women in government and civil society whose acts of valor and kindness may be described as extraordinary acts of service and exceptional contributions to the country.
It is comprised of four medals: (1) the Magalong is conferred to men and women who have rendered extraordinary service or made exceptional contributions to a campaign or advocacy of the President; (2) the Kalasag is granted to those who lost their lives in the service of the country; (3) the Kampilan is given to those who suffered injuries or loss of property; and finally (4) the Kamagi is awarded to any person who contributed to the success of an activity pursuant to the campaign or advocacy of the administration.
“Sa panahon natin na may kapayapaan, huwag nating kaligtaan ang pag-alala sa mga bayaning nagbuwis ng buhay alang-alang sa ating kapakanan. Bilang mambabatas, natutuwa akong makita na binibigyan natin ng tamang pagkakilala at parangal ang ating mga bayani,” said Go.
“Karapat-dapat lang na i-angat natin ang katayuan ni Lapu-Lapu at ng mga taga-Mactan sa ating kasaysayan —bukod sa siya ang pinaka-unang naging bayani ng ating bansa, siya rin ang pinaka-unang nakipaglaban para mapanatili ang kalayaan at pamumuhay nating mga Pilipino,” he explained.
To honor what came before, Go appealed for unity, cooperation and compassion at a time when society has been upended by a deadly global pandemic. He urged Filipinos, especially the youth, to look to the example of their forebears so it may serve as a guiding principle in the coming months and decades which will bring with them new challenges but also new opportunities.
“Ang pagdiriwang natin ngayon ay isa ring paalala sa bawat mamamayan, lalo na sa ating mga kabataan, na kung tayo ay magtutulungan at magkakaisa, walang kalaban ang hindi natin kayang talunin. Gaya na lang ng laban natin sa pandemyang COVID-19. Magtulungan lang tayo, magbayanihan at magmalasakit tayo sa ating kapwa,” said the Senator.
“Kaya sana ang kagitingan nina Lapu-Lapu at ng ating mga ninuno ay magsilbing inspirasyon sa ating lahat upang tayo ay magkaisa para lagpasan ang mga pagsubok na pinagdaraanan natin ngayon,” he continued.
Go stressed the importance of solidarity and continued efforts to combat the pandemic, and promised that he and President Duterte carry out their duties to the best of their abilities to serve the Filipino nation.
“Hindi ito panahon ng pagsisihan. Ito ang panahon ng pagtutulungan. Bawat isa sa atin ay may tungkulin sa ating bayan kaya bilang mga taga-pagmana ng kadakilaang ito, magkaisa tayo para sa ikauunlad ng Pilipinas at para sa ikagaganda ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” said Go.
“Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, handa kaming mamatay habang nagseserbisyo sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo daraan sa mundong ito, kung anong kabutihan ang pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin dahil hindi na tayo babalik pa sa mundong ito. Kami ni Pangulo ay handa kaming magserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil para sa amin ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he pledged.
The ceremony, held at the Mactan Shrine, was attended by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Moragas.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Rene Escalante, and Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino were also in attendance, as well as a number of government officials and diplomats who were properly seated in observance of social distancing and other government-issued protocols.
After the ceremony, the Senator proceeded to Carcar Provincial Hospital in Carcar City where he attended the launch of the country’s 103rd Malasakit Center. He then led the distribution of aid to hundreds of members of the local Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association, habal-habal drivers and delicacies vendors at the new Carcar City Public Market.
