2021, Monumental Year for Philippine Christianity

• 2021 is a monumental year as it marks the 500th year anniversary of the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines, the country’s part in the first circumnavigation of the world, and the anniversary of the Victory at Mactan

2021, Monumental Year for Philippine Christianity: The popular song “Magellan” by Filipino singer Yoyoy Villame narrates the plight of Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, the first circumnavigation of the Earth, eventually completed by Juan Sebastian Elcano when Magellan met his end on Philippine land.

Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan, a clash between Mactan native chieftain Lapulapu and Spanish forces under his command on April 27, 1521.

Five hundred years later, 2021, marks the 500^th anniversary of the monumental event. With this, the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (2021 QCP) was initiated. It is a series of observances organized to commemorate the event that changed Philippine history – the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines, the role of PH in the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation, and the victory of Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan.

The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) was formed in May 2018 with President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 55  and EO 103 on January 28, 2019 with the intent to make the commemoration ‘Filipino-centric’.

“The National Quincentennial Committee is spearheading the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan (27 April 2021) and the 500th anniversary of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world (16 March – 28 October 2021). Whereas, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is leading the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines.” – excerpt from the National Quincentennial Committee website.

There are three highlights for this grand event:

• 500^th Anniversary of the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines
• 500^th Anniversary of the Philippines’ part in the first circumnavigation of the world
• 500^th Anniversary of the Victory at Mactan

“The State-sponsored commemorations are branded as 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines as per Executive Order No. 103 (s. 2020). The National Quincentennial Committee is spearheading the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan (27 April 2021) and the 500th anniversary of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world (16 March – 28 October 2021). Whereas, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is leading the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines.” – excerpt from the same website.