Paz: All systems go for Kadaugan sa Mactan today

CEBU, Philippines - Some major roads leading to the Mactan Shrine will be closed this morning to give way for the re-enactment of the historic Battle of Mactan, which is one of the highlights of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan.”

According to the city’s traffic advisory, the Punta Engaño Road leading to Mactan Shrine will be closed at 6 a.m.

The re-enactment starts at 9:30 a.m.

All motorists going to and coming from Punta Engaño are advised to use the access road, where traffic enforcers will be strategically deployed in the area.

Mayor Paz Radaza said the security plan for the celebration is already in place.

"There will be Kadaugan assistance center. So far, wala tay nadawat nga threat but we will not discount possibility nga naa'y samok nga mahitabo," Radaza said.

Malacañang has officially declared today a special non-working holiday for Lapu-Lapu City, which marks the 496th anniversary celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation 198, which states that April 27, 2017 marks the celebration of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan,” a cultural and historical event in Lapu-Lapu City.

"The Battle of Mactan is among the significant events in the Philippine history and serves as testimony to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Filipinos," the proclamation read.

Medialdea also said "it is but fitting and proper that the people of Lapu-Lapu be given the opportunity to celebrate and participate in such an occasion with appropriate ceremonies."

The Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Management System has already released a traffic plan for the re-enactment of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan.”

The re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan will be among the highlights of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan,” wherein Kapuso actress Kris Bernal (star of the upcoming Afternoon Prime drama “Impostora”) will portray Lapu-Lapu’s wife, Datusa Bulakna.

Tony Labrusca and James Ryan Cesena – finalists of ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” – will play Lapu-Lapu and Magellan, respectively.

The Liberty Shrine, popularly  known as the Mactan Shrine, is the actual site where Datu Lapu-Lapu and village natives fought against Spanish forces led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 27, 1521.

Also, the city government launched its official mascot, the "Historic Resort City" Asian Dowitcher.

The Asian Dowitcher, according to the city information office, is one of the migratory birds that can be seen in Olango Island’s bird sanctuary. (FREEMAN)