CEBU, Philippines - Tourism Cultural and Historical Affairs Commissioner and former Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Damian Gomez yesterday assured that the celebration of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” won’t be used to promote political candidates and their platforms.
In yesterday’s press conference, Gomez said the commission has not invited national or local candidates to the event.
“Wala’y mga politiko nga among gidapit aron dili sila makapahimulos sa kasaulogan sa ‘Kadaugan sa Mactan 2010’,” Gomez said.
“Kadaugan” will be held on April 27.
However, Gomez said that Mayor Arturo Radaza and his wife, Paz, will attend the event being the city’s chief executive and head of the host barangay, respectively.
Mayor Radaza will deliver his welcome remarks before the re-enactment.
Mayor Radaza will be running for congress representing the city while Mrs. Radaza will run for mayor under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.
Presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro will be in Lapu-Lapu on April 27 but has not been invited to guarantee that the event will be in a festive mood.
The commission is still waiting for the confirmation of actor Philip Salvador and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate and actor-model Will Devaughn as Lapu-Lapu.
The wife of Lapu-Lapu, Bulakna, will be portrayed this year by veteran actress Desiree del Valle while Magellan will be portrayed by singer Lloyd Umali.
The commission has set aside P1.7 million for the affair.
Over 100 actors will be cast in the re-enactment.
“Kadaugan” festivities will be capped with the reenactment of the famous battle where native Filipinos thwarted Spain's first attempt to colonize the archipelago in the 16th century.
Last year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, issued proclamation 1756 as well as proclamation 1757, declared special non-working holidays for April 27 and June 17, the second charter day celebration of Lapu-Lapu after having been categorized as highly-urbanized city.
The place where Lapu-Lapu and his men triumphed over the Spanish invaders on April 27, 1521 has been turned into a shrine.
The shrine sits along the boundaries of the villages of Punta Engaño and Mactan.