New Lapu-Lapu shrine to rise in Mactan

CEBU, Philippines —  A Lapu-Lapu shrine, one of the three major flagship projects of the National Quincentennial Committee, will soon rise in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

Dr. Rene Escalante, chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), said the historical landmark will be built following the theme “victory and humanity”.

Escalante said the structure’s roof will be shaped like a “sakayan” (sailboat), which “symbolizes our common maritime heritage.”

The building’s left and right wings will have galleries and function rooms. A wide hallway in the middle spanning from the front to the back of the building with the statue of Datu Lapu-Lapu at the center.

There will be a stage in front of the shrine while a viewing deck will be at the side fronting the sea, the mangroves and recreational area.

 According to the Lapu-Lapu City Information Office, the NCQ will hold a “Lapulapu National Monument Design Competition” with P300,000 prize at stake for the winning design.

The city government is assisting all NQC projects through the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (TCHAC).

Aside from the Lapu-Lapu shrine, the NQC is also building the Museum of Philippine Early History in Butuan City. The committee is also putting up 32 historical markers which were along Ferdinand Magellan’s route when he came 500 years ago.

The three major projects will be realized in time for the 500 years anniversary of the Battle of Mactan.

Escalante, NQC vice-chair identified all these NQC infrastructure flagship projects during a webinar lecture series on the “Road to 500”.

Escalante explained that the third NQC’s flagship project will trace Magellan’s routes from Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Zamboanga del Norte, Sulu, Palawan, Basilan, Lanao, Cotabato, and Sarangani.  FPL (FREEMAN)