500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines

The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) was formed for this purpose in May 2018, when President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No.

[1] On January 28, 2019, President Duterte issued EO 103 formalizing the intent for the commemorations to be "Filipino-centric" and expanded the membership and scope of the NQC.

[4][5] CBCP President Bishop Pablo Virgilio David rejects the notion that celebrating the 500th anniversary of the introduction of the Philippines as also celebrating the Spanish colonization of the islands citing continued prevalence of the religion long after colonization and asserts that Filipino ancestors were "intelligent enough" to accept what is good and reject what is evil among the introductions made by the Spanish in the Philippines.

The logo depicts a ship with a cross as its mast with the central figure derived from First Baptism in the Philippines painting of Fernando Amorsolo.

[10] The commemoration of the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines was supposed to culminate in April 2021 but was changed to be the kickoff month of the observances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Artistic depiction of the Mass at Limasawa by Botong Francisco
Pilgrim's Passport of the Diocese of Antipolo
Commemorative medal
Leaders of the CBCP and Philippine Independent Church (IFI) during the signing of their mutual agreement and recognition amidst their diversity, as part of celebrating 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021, held at the IFI National Cathedral . Seen in the photo is then- Supreme Bishop Rhee Timbang presenting the IFI's liturgical book to CBCP representatives.