AN ALUMNUS of the Tarlac State University won in the Lapu-Lapu  National Monument Design Competition launched for the 2021 Quincentennial Commemoration in the Philippines.

Rex Sicat Jr.’s “The Watch of Mactan” shows Lapu-Lapu standing on a pedestal awaiting Magellan’s arrival.

Sicat said the design will serve as the basis of the Lapu-Lapu National Monument to be installed at the proposed Lapu-Lapu Memorial Shrine and Museum in Mactan, Cebu.

He explained that the trapezoidal pedestal symbolizes the “territory that Lapu-Lapu protects” while the white podium at the base of the monument represents the “white rocky shores of Mactan — a reminder of the deathbed of Ferdinand Magellan and a site of victory to Lapu-Lapu’s people.”

“Kalmado si Lapu-Lapu sa pagkakadisenyo, hindi  ‘yung katulad ng ibang bayani na nakikita natin na parang akmang pasugod. Kumbaga nakatayo siya doon, tinatanaw, inaabangan ‘yung pagdating nila Magellan nang may tiwala sa mga tao o kasamahan niya,” Sicat said.

He included the Mangatang or warriors near Lapu-Lapu as if preparing for an attack.

“The three mangatang on each side of the monument represents the divisions of the 1,500 warriors of Lapu-Lapu,” he said.

“At the back of the monument, a mother and child representing the natives are placed inside the balay where the mother is kissing her child as an assurance that they are under Lapu-Lapu’s protection,” he added.

Sicat explained that  the ladder or zigzag pattern that outlines the balay represents  Lapu-Lapu’s achievements.

“At the pinnacle is a kalaw which is recognized as a spiritual symbol or guide to the afterlife. Meanwhile, the goat and carabao signifies  abundant resources,” he said.

Sicat said he sought the help of four TSU Fine Arts graduates — Ace Navarro, Lymuel Bautista, Jayme Lucas, and Kadi Santos — in coming out with the design.

The 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines aims to promote local tourism and intensify social awareness to foster Filipino creativity and innovation for socio-economic growth.