Group, Palma to plan activities for 500th anniv of country’s Christianity

OFFICIALS of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) are scheduled to meet with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on August 8 to discuss preparations for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country and the first circumnavigation of the world in 2021.

“A National Organizing Committee was formed through Executive Order No. 55 … In this connection, may we request for a meeting with you at the Archbishop’s Residence, Dionisio Jakosalem Street, Cebu City. We would like to discuss with you the tentative plans of the committee and explore the possibility of partnering with the Archdiocese of Cebu,” said NHCP Chairperson Rene Escalante in a July 25 letter addressed to Palma.

On May 8, President Rodrigo Duterte formed a national steering committee with a P10-million budget to draw up plans for the 500th anniversary of the historic arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, the first Mass and baptism in the country, and the Battle of Mactan.

Under Executive Order No. 55, the National Quincentennial Committee will undertake the overall study, conceptualization, and implementation of the programs and projects relevant to the historical events and for the purpose of “reinvigorating the spirit of national unity and international comity.”

Duterte is yet to appoint the chairperson of the National Quincentennial Committee but he already gave its members six months or until November 2018 to prepare a comprehensive plan for the celebration.