Chan wants airport named after Lapu-Lapu, Mactan

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan has suggested to rename the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Lapu-Lapu Mactan Cebu International Airport.

This, he said, is a “win-win solution” to stop debates on it.

The mayor made the statement after Cebu 3rd District Representative Pablo John Garcia opposed to proposals renaming MCIA.

Garcia said there is no compelling reason to rename MCIA as changing its name would “erase the 50 years history” and put to unnecessary waste the brand name that has gained international recognitions.

He said that since the time the airport was built in 1956 it has been marketed well as MCIA and the name is “geographically fit” considering that it stands on the island of Mactan.

Just like Garcia, the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) is also opposed to the proposals, submitting its position letter to the House Committee on Transportation.

“Changing the name Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Lapu-Lapu International Airport does not serve the best interest of the MCIA and the destinations and communities it served. Therefore, we strongly recommend to maintain the name of the country’s second largest international airport as Mactan-Cebu International Airport,” the four-page position paper reads.

Lawyer Glenn Napuli, MCIAA acting general manager, said they will also submit the position paper to House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who is set to meet today with the city officials.

The mayor said he will reach out to Garcia to discuss his proposal.

“Akong hangyu-on mismo si Congressman Pablo John nga i-apil ang name ni Lapu-Lapu isip paghatag og honor sa first hero. Naa lang gihapon dapat ang Mactan kay before Lapu-Lapu City, its called Mactan Island man gyud. Unya naa gihapon ang Cebu kay the airport is located in Cebu nga makita sa map,” Chan said.

Several bills were filed before the House of Representatives aimed at changing MCIA’s name.

Lapu-Lapu City Representative Paz Radaza proposed a bill on July 17, 2019 to rename it to Lapu-Lapu International Airport.

“This bill is not just overdue. This is also timely because, in a few months from now, we will be celebrating the Quincentennial of the Kadaugan sa Mactan. Honoring Lapulapu by naming one of the country’s premier airport facilities – the Mactan-Cebu International Airport - after him would be perfect for the celebrations,” Radaza said.

The late Cebu City 1st District Representative Raul del Mar also authored a bill to change it to Lapu-Lapu Cebu International Airport.

Both Radaza and del Mar’s proposals were intended to give honor to Lapu-Lapu.

President Rodrigo Duterte is also open to renaming Mactan-Cebu International Airport after first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu.

Chan also echoed the officials’ statements.

“Including Lapu-Lapu’s name is fitting. This is to give honor and give recognition to the country’s first hero,” he said.

Former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña, on the other hand, wants the Mactan Cebu International Airport named after the late Cebu congressman Raul del Mar.

Del Mar authored Republic Act 6958 in Congress, which paved the way for the creation of MCIAA.

Osmeña expressed his wish personally to Velasco who visited Cebu last year to pay his last respects to Del Mar. — KQD (FREEMAN)