MANILA (UPDATE) - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas launched Monday a commemorative P5,000 banknote and medal in honor of the 500th anniversary of Lapu-Lapu’s victory in the Battle of Mactan.
The banknote launch also kicks off a 99-day countdown to the actual anniversary this year.
BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila spoke at the launch, discussing the features of the Lapu-Lapu banknote.
It includes an image of Lapu-Lapu on its front, a Philippine Eagle on its back, and the usual security features of the other piso banknotes. It also depicts the Karaoka, a Filipino warship used during the time of Lapu-Lapu; a coconut tree, the fruit of which was fed to Ferdinand Magellan and his crew, and Mount Apo.
Although legal tender, the P5,000 banknote is not for circulation and will only be available for purchase by the public.