Standing tall the Bird of Freedom Sculpture embodies strength and peace. It reminds us of Lapulapu a hero of the Philippines. This monument has quite a history.
In 2004 some members of the House of Representatives wanted to honor Lapulapu. They proposed erecting a statue in Rizal Park. They saw him as a hero of Cebu and the entire Philippines.
However the National Historical Institute opposed this idea. They believed only heroes of the Philippine Revolution should be honored in that specific area. Despite this opposition then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved the project. The Bird of Freedom Sculpture was unveiled on February 5 2004.
The Korean Freedom League donated money for the casting of the statue. This was in recognition of Filipinos who fought for South Korea in the Korean War. For a short time the statue was removed from Agrifina Circle. This caused opposition from the local government of Lapu-Lapu City.
In 2014 the Mayor of Lapu-Lapu City wanted the statue moved to her city. She planned to place it on an island at the tip of the locality. This proposal was met with resistance. One representative argued that it would cause a loss of honor and recognition to Cebu and Lapu-Lapu.
In July 2023 the National Museum of the Philippines took the statue for restoration. This occurred during the park’s eastern section redevelopment. The project was completed in August 2024. The Bird of Freedom Sculpture now faces the Rizal Monument.
The Bird of Freedom Sculpture was designed by Juan Sajid Imao. It features a 12.19-meter bronze statue on a 3.05-meter pedestal. Imao aimed to depict Lapulapu as a strong and peace-loving man. He is shown ready to defend his freedom. Lapulapu stands guard holding a kampilan in its scabbard. The kampilan is planted on the ground not in a fighting stance.
Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab chose Lapulapu for his values in history. It wasn’t just for his victory over Ferdinand Magellan. The distance between the Bird of Freedom Sculpture and the Rizal Monument is 400 feet. This represents the 400-year gap between Lapulapu and Rizal. According to Richard Gordon Lapulapu represents the Muslims. Rizal represents the Tagalog-Christians in Philippine history.
So as you gaze upon the Bird of Freedom Sculpture remember its journey. Remember the values it represents. It is a symbol of strength peace and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people.