BSP issues P5,000 Lapulapu commemorative banknote; medal

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday launched the P5,000 Lapulapu commemorative banknote and medal, as part of the 99-day countdown to the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan.

The banknote and the medal were launched at the Fort San Antonio in the BSP Complex in Manila, as part of the celebration of Lapulapu's victory and the special role of the Philippines in the world's circumnavigation referred to as the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP).

"Now more than ever with the global crisis brought about by the pandemic we need a stark reminder of our glorious past. Now more than ever we need our heroes to remind us of our heritage and to inspire to overcome whatever challenge comes our way as a nation," BSP Officer-in-Charge Francisco Dakila Jr. said during the launch which was also livestreamed.

In a video message, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was “delighted” to see Lapulapu and the warriors of Mactan being featured in the commemorative items.

“Indeed, if we are to truly celebrate our rich history as a nation, we need to elevate Lapulapu to a greater standing among the pantheon of Filipino heroes,” he said.

“May this momentous occasion inspire every Filipino to embrace our national identity by embodying Lapulapu’s heroism as we face the challenges ahead.”

Banknote

The obverse side of the banknote depicts a young Lapulapu, an image of the battle of Mactan, the QCP logo, and the Karoaka or the large outrigger warships used by native Filipinos.

The reverse side shows the Philippine eagle or the Manaol which the central bank says symbolizes clear vision, freedom, and strength; and embodies the ancient Visayan belief that all living creatures originated from an eagle.

Also featured in the obverse side are a coconut tree which was the food the people of Samar provided to Ferdinand Magellan and his crew; and Mount Apo where the circumnavigators finally found directional clues to their intended destination of Maluku or the Spice Island.

Medal

Meanwhile, the medal features on the obverse the markings "Lapulapu" above an image of the Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Cebu, and the logos of both the BSP and the QCP.

Its reverse shows the markings "Battle of Mactan" and a rendition of the said battle, as well as the date 27 April 1521.

To recall, the BSP in July 2020 launched the enhanced new generation currency (NGC) banknotes, which features the latest anti-counterfeiting technology.—AOL, GMA News