EDITORIAL - Honoring Lapu-Lapu’s legacy

What was initially an ordinary proposal by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines snowballed into a massive clamor. And it will likely realize soon considering a strong presidential support.

Last week, the NHCP passed a resolution pushing for the renaming of the Mactan Cebu International Airport. NHCP chairman Rene Escalante said the idea is to “immortalize and popularize” Lapu-Lapu not only in the country but around the world as well.

“In close coordination with local government units and legislators, the NHCP will support the renaming of Mactan airport to Lapu-Lapu airport so that his name will be popularized and immortalized here and abroad,” Escalante said.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza also embraced the proposal, which the City Council is supporting through a resolution it will file. For her, renaming the airport after Datu Lapu-Lapu is a great way to honor the Cebuano chieftain. "Recognized kaayo si Lapu-Lapu, with this mga istorya, there is a possibility na ma-change ang name. Nindot, malipayon kaayo ang mga taga Lapu-Lapu, ang mga Oponganon on this development," the lady mayor said.

Upon learning of the proposal, no less than President Rodrigo Duterte expressed support for the move renaming the Mactan airport to Lapu-Lapu International Airport to immortalize the Visayan chieftain’s legacy.

It is just appropriate for the country’s second largest airport to be renamed after our first national hero. That Lapu-Lapu is the first Filipino hero is undeniable. And that renaming the MCIA after him would be a brilliant way for Cebuanos to continue embracing his heroism.

As we start to legally recognize every 27th day of April as Lapu-Lapu Day across the country, the proposal renaming the airport in honor of the Visayan hero will certainly add more importance to his legacy to the Filipino people.