Mayor backs Lapu-Lapu monument at the SRP

CEBU, Philippines —  To recognize the act of Lapu-Lapu as the first to fight against foreign subjugation, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella will allow the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to put up a monument of Lapu-Lapu at the South Road Properties.

The monument will be part of the Quincentennial National Park that NHCP proposed to build at the SRP.

“The whole point of the new monument is to democratize the visual language commemorating Lapu-Lapu as our national hero; not just an ordinary local folk hero,” Labella said.

Labella said he will ask SRP Manager Jose Daluz III, City Administrator Floro Casas, Jr. and City Legal Officer Rey Gealon to study NHCP’s park proposal.

“On a personal note, I am really in favor because ang recognition nato ni Lapu-Lapu as hero has not been given that much attention unlike the other heroes. But I have referred the matter to our heads of offices to discuss and study the matter,” the mayor said.

Daluz and Gealon are expected to submit within the week the economic and legal ramifications of the park, considering that the SRP is envisioned to be an economic zone.

“That’s why I asked Daluz, Casas and Gealon to make a recommendation to me kon pila atong mahatag. There are other lots remaining and there are concerns for the locators. I would like them to make a study on the possible area where the monument will be constructed,” Labella said.

In 2021, the country will commemorate the 500th anniversary of the victory of Lapu-Lapu against Magellan, the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines, and the arrival in Philippine territory of the Magellan-Elcano expedition that first circumnavigated the world.

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 55 designating the NHCP as Secretariat of the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) to oversee all activities for 2021.

NHCP Chairman Rene Escalante visited the Cebu City Hall last Friday to discuss their proposal to put up a grandstand, a national monument of Lapu-Lapu, among other amenities, at the proposed Quincentennial National Park at the SRP.

Escalante said the park is envisioned to be the Luneta of the South. The NHCP will shoulder all expenses for the park’s construction. — JMO (FREEMAN)