Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of micro-financial services provider, Cebuana Lhuillier, partnered with De La Salle University (DLSU) in solidarity with the National Quincentennial Committee and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to commemorate 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines alongside the country’s valuable part in the first circumnavigation of the world by Ferdinand Magellan.

The event was held online with the theme, “Inspiration in Mission: A Commemoration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines,” which celebrates the long-standing linkages between the Philippines and Spain in culture, history, and faith. Held recently, the event was attended by religious and academic institutions, including those represented by members of the Association of Catholic Universities in the Philippines (ACUP) as well as various diplomatic missions in the country.

The event was part of the National Quincentennial Celebrations commemorating the historical milestones that led to the discovery of the Philippines and the start of Philippines-Spain relations. The online festivity centered on the historical aspect of the culture of the two countries and how religion became an integral part of the Filipinos’ identity.

Kicking off the festivities were welcome messages from Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier and DLSU President, Bro. Bernard Oca; followed by messages from His Excellency Jorge Moragas Sanches, Ambassador of Spain in the Philippines and his counterpart, Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador in Spain. Both cited the productive and progressive relations of Spain and the Philippines going on for five centuries now.

“Today, we commemorate the beginnings of a significant and profound relationship between the Philippines and Spain. The first-round-the-world voyage resulted in a shared history and friendship that has existed for the past 500 years. This relationship has led to important traces of Spanish influences in our culture that make up our Filipino identity,” Ambassador Lhuillier mentioned.

Featured in the online event was the launching of PJ Lhuillier Museum Virtual Concierge, displaying the vast collection of religious relics and artifacts of Ambassador Lhuillier. A series of webinars and learning sessions were also conducted during the event that discussed the development of Christian faith in the country, based on the research of key subject matter experts.

“We believe that it is important for us to look back on our rich history and know the origin of our faith, for us to have a progressive future. Celebrating this momentous event is a big step to further broaden our knowledge and understanding of our values and culture as Filipinos,” First Vice President and Group Head for CLFI, Jonathan Batangan said.