CEBU, Philippines - Although a big challenge, Lapu-Lapu City tourism officials want to make the city a world-class tourist destination, in addition to being a gateway to Cebu's tourism sites.
Lapu-Lapu Tourism and Historical Affairs Commission Co-Chairman Damian Gomez said the move will never be easy but they are determined to hit the target.
Gomez said with the only Cebu airport located in Lapu-Lapu, the city gives access to other famous locations in the province.
Gomez, a former city councilor, said they are now working to introduce improvements to the tourism program of the city. He urged tourists who come here to stay in Lapu-Lapu and witness the city's tourism sites.
He further said one of the fast-becoming attractions in the city is the yearly re-enactment of the "Kadaugan sa Mactan."
The re-enactment plays out the historic Battle of Mactan between Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan and local chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu that took place on April 27, 1521 in the shores of Mactan.
The Kadaugan Street Party is also one of the highlights of the celebration, which is now on its fourth year.
City Councilor Harry Don Radaza, chairman of the City Council Committee on Tourism, said the success of the street party is known to the people of Lapu-Lapu, even if the activity is still in infant stage.
When they started in 2011, the Kadaugan Street Party was attended only by 80,000 people. In 2012, the number tripled and reached 200,000.
Radaza said in 2013, a total of 400,000 people attended the celebration. This year, Radaza said they are expecting yet another increase in the number of attendees.
The Kahayag Parade also adds attraction in this year's Kadaugan Street Party, said Radaza.
Hembler Mendoza, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office, said the city government is closely coordinating with the private sector in their plans and program to promote Lapu-Lapu as world tourism destination.
Rerouting scheme
Meanwhile, the Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Management System yesterday announced it will implement closure of portion of the Manuel L. Quezon Avenue starting in the morning of April 26 up to the early morning of April 28 to give way to the Kadaugan Street Party celebration.
CTMS Head Frank Brazil in yesterday's press conference said that both sides of Manuel L. Quezon national road — from old bridge up to new bridge — will be closed to traffic on April 26 to April 27 until early morning of April 28.
Brazil said alternate route will be Matumbo Road for those going to Mactan Export Zone Phase 1, Mactan International Airport, Barangays Pusok, Ibo, Buaya, Mactan, among others. Owners of private vehicles are advised not to park beside the road of Matumbo.
The same route is also set for those vehicles bound for Lapu-Lapu City Public Market, Mactan Export Zone Phase 2 and Barangays Basak and Marigondon.
Brazil said they have identified designated parking area at the back of Gaisano Island Mall.
He also advised motorists to use Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge in going to Mactan Airport and Mactan Export Zone.
At 5 a.m. on April 27, vehicles will not be allowed to pass the Mactan Shrine. Instead, motorists are to use the Angasil Road in going to Shangri-La's Resort Hotel and Spa and Barangay Punta Engaño. (FREEMAN)