HISTORICAL MARKER. A newly-unveiled marker in Suluan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The unveiling of a marker in Suluan on Tuesday (March 16, 2021) signaled the kick-off of the 500th anniversary (quincentennial) of the Magellan-Elcano Expedition in the country. (Photo courtesy of National Historical Commission of the Philippines)
GUIUAN, Eastern Samar - The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is optimistic that the unveiling of quincentennial markers will spark interest among young historians and scholars on the role of Filipino forefathers in the world’s first circumnavigation.
The unveiling of marker Guiuan’s Suluan Island seeks "to lay the foundation for future studies and to ignite the interest of young historians and scholars", NHCP chairman Rene Escalante said in an interview Wednesday.
"Let the quincentennial remind all Filipinos, that we are triumphant and compassionate people just like our ancestors as recorded in 1521,” Escalante told reporters.
The unveiling of a marker in Suluan on Tuesday signals the start of the 500th anniversary (quincentennial) of the Magellan-Elcano Expedition in the country.
It was on March 16, 1521 when the fleet of Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator under the Spanish flag, anchored in the island of Suluan, the first in the Philippines.
The marker in Suluan is one of the three markers erected by the NHCP in Guiuan. Other markers are in Homonhon Island where Magellan and his men stayed for several weeks and in Calicoan Island that represents the entry of the fleet to Samar Island.
“We want our countrymen to appreciate this achievement of humanity as part of the history of a Filipino, part of what they have been taught in school back then in the beginning of Philippine history,” Escalante added.
The NHCP will unveil 34 historical markers in relation to the quincentennial celebration along the route of the historic event in Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan urged residents to remember the simple acts of kindness of early residents of Suluan when they welcomed Magellan’s fleet and helped them gather food and water for them to continue the circumnavigation.
“We need to remember these lessons from 500 years ago or else this monument of humanity will remain as cold as the stone it is made of,” Kwan said during the unveiling ceremony.
“Because we are kind-hearted people, we show courage to meet the foreigners who arrived in our land. We are proud of being friendly and because of this friendliness, the early residents of Suluan helped save lives of Magellan’s fleet who were able to prove to the world that the globe is round,” she added.
Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Sanchez in his message said the event should always be remembered by all as it provided not only knowledge useful to navigation but also paved a way for the forging of the friendship of two nations.
“That spirit of humanity, generosity, and kindness that define the people of the Philippines, especially Eastern Samar and this region. With the same spirit, I would like to look forward and to look for the future and inspire us,” Sanchez said.
A signing of the certificate of transfer from the NHCP to the local governments Guiuan and Suluan village was held after the unveiling.
Coinciding with the event was the arrival of Spanish Navy Training Ship Juan Sebastian Elcano to reenact the first circumnavigation of the globe.
The ship arrived in Suluan from Guam Tuesday morning. Philippine Navy Ship BRP Suluan welcomed Elcano while a Philippine Air Force helicopter showered the ship with flower petals.
Elcano also sailed near Manicani Island allowing the people on the mainland of Guiuan town to have a closer glimpse of the ship from the Guiuan Transport Terminal.
Fishermen residents from mainland Guiuan also welcomed the ship and joined in a fluvial procession along the coast of Manicani Island. (PNA)
