As country marks Battle of Mactan special nonworking day in Lapu-Lapu tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines —  In commemoration of the victory of Lapulapu and his men against Ferdinand Magellan and his troops, tomorrow is a special working public holiday throughout the country but a special nonworking day in Lapu-Lapu City.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law on June 29, 2018, R.A. 11040 declaring April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day, a special non-working holiday for the City of Lapu-Lapu and a special working holiday for the rest of the country.

Lapulapu’s victory at Mactan was considered as the first successful resistance of the Philippines against colonialism.

This is the reason why Duterte recognized Lapulapu’s heroism by naming an award in his honor dubbed the “Order of Lapulapu” through an Executive Order No. 17 he issued on April 7, 2017.

The Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521, is now known as Lapu-Lapu Day or Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu.

Earlier, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan expressed his gratitude to Duterte for elevating Lapulapu to what he referred to as “a greater standing among the pantheons of national heroes.”

Chan said it was a well-deserved honor afforded to the country’s first national hero.

In line with the celebration, the city government has prepared a series of activities, including the annual reenactment of the Kadaugan sa Mactan with Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia as special guest. An arnis mass demonstration will follow.

Traffic Advisory

For tomorrow’s Kadaugan sa Mactan, the road leading to the Mactan Shrine will be closed to motorists, except those allowed to commemorate the event.

Motorists coming from and going to Barangay Punta Engaño can take the Angasil Access Road at the back of Mactan Newtown Center.

The city government has been holding a series of weeklong events such as the Kadaugan Food Festival and Kadaugan Job Fair.

The Kadaugan Food Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the Kadaugan sa Mactan. After a two-year hiatus, this year’s event is being participated by hotels, resorts and food entrepreneurs.

Former chairman of the City Tourism Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (TCHAC) and now Mactan Lone District Representative Cindi King-Chan is delighted that many hotels and resorts joined the food festival this year, saying that the foods are very affordable.

Meanwhile, at least 206 Oponganons were hired on the spot during the Kadaugan Job Fair, which was participated by 39 companies and a school. — LPM (FREEMAN)