Celebration of Science and Humanity

Posted on 27 March 2021
By National Quincentennial Committee Secretariat

The quincentennial is not just a historical event to commemorate; it is also a celebration of science and humanity. 

 

500 years ago, our very own ancestors took part in the epic voyage that advanced the understanding of humankind of our home planet. This was by rescuing the Magellan-Elcano expedition in Samar from starvation, undernourishment, and hopelessness after these strangers braved crossing the Pacific for almost four months without decent food and clean water. They were also assisted by our ancestors from Luzon and Mindanao to reach the Maluku, their ultimate mission before returning home in 1522 and thus completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

500 years later, we now see the mere ambition of Spain as an achievement of humankind and science. From that achievement, humans finally confirmed the almost 2,000-year-old theory that our planet was indeed round. Science and navigation advanced from that achievement. Humanity was and is continuously inspired to push human boundaries, conquering both the tiniest universe and the vastness of the cosmos. Ideas and knowledge blossomed everywhere and revolutionized the quality of life we continuously aspire. Cultures were connected–more so the Filipinos to the world. As we remember the quincentennial (500th anniversary) of the achievement of humanity in circumnavigating the world for the first time, let us reflect on how we can preserve more our common home, not only for us but for posterity as well; and making it a way of life is tantamount to celebrating Earth Hour every day.