Nanawagan si Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sa mga Pilipinong tularan si Lapulapu at labanan ang mga mapang-api sa panahon ngayon.

Sa isang pahayag nitong Sabado, Abril 27, nakiisa si Marcos sa “Lapulapu Day” o ang paggunita sa kagitingan ni Lapulapu at ng kaniyang mga kasama sa “Battle of Mactan.

“Immortalized in the narratives of early voyagers and in our local lore, the victory of Lapulapu and his men at the Battle of Mactan became the epitome of the indomitable Filipino spirit,” ani Marcos.

“It shows every generation how a force that is rooted in community, courage, and integrity can destroy even the strongest of opponents. The same is what the nation needs today. Despite being in a world incomparable to that of Lapulapu, we are called to rise against our modern-day oppressors – greed, selfishness, and divisiveness – and uphold the legacy of patriotism that has been passed onto us through the years," dagdag niya.

Ayon pa sa pangulo, bagama’t lumipas na ang ilang mga taon ay nananatili pa ring simbolo ng katapangan si Lapulapu, at dapat na tularan ng mga Pilipino sa kasalukuyan.

“The image of Lapulapu as a living, breathing, and real figure who risked his life to keep his family, comrades, and community safe from hostile outsiders may seem strange to our modern responsibilities. Yet, he remains a symbol of the bravery and honor that each of us inherently possesses,” ani Marcos.

“The challenge now for all, especially the youth, is to continue embracing his ideals and the wealth of our heritage as we realize a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that is built on the foundations of the liberty and freedom that he and all our other heroes fought hard for,” saad pa niya.

Sa ilalim ng Republic Act (RA) No. 11040, idinedeklarang special nonworking holiday sa Lapu-Lapu City at special working holiday sa buong Pilipinas ang Abril 27 kada taon upang gunitain ang araw ng pagkapanalo ni Lapulapu at kaniyang mga kasama laban sa mga Espanyol sa “Battle of Mactan” noong 1521.